Information Technology Act Section 71 — Penalty for misrepresentation

CHAPTER XI OFFENCES

Cyber Law

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine up to ₹1,00,000, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both”

Summary

Whoever gives false information to, or hides important facts from, the Controller or the Certifying Authority, in order to get a licence or an electronic signature certificate, can be punished. The punishment can be jail time of up to two years, or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever makes any misrepresentation to, or suppresses any material fact from the Controller or the Certifying Authority for obtaining any licence or 1[electronic signature] Certificate, as the case may be, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

  • RAJAN KUMAR PRASAD & ORS. vs NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY & ORS., WITH, MAT No. 2477 of 2023, ELI — Calcutta High Court (Kolkata Principal Seat) (2025)
  • Neelkamal Realtors Suburban Pvt. Ltd. and anr. vs 1. Union of India and ors — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2017)
  • Judgment reserved on : 17.01.2022; Date of decision : 01.02.2022; MOHD vs THE STATE NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2022)