Information Technology Act Section 73 — Penalty for publishing 1[electronic signature] Certificate false in certain particulars

CHAPTER XI OFFENCES

Cyber Law

Summary

Sub-section (1) prohibits any person from publishing an electronic signature certificate, or otherwise making it available to another person, if they know that the Certifying Authority listed in the certificate has not actually issued it, or that the subscriber listed in the certificate has not accepted it, or that the certificate has been revoked or suspended. However, this prohibition does not apply if the publication is done for the purpose of verifying an electronic signature that was created before the certificate was suspended or revoked.

Sub-section (2) states that any person who violates the provisions of sub-section (1) will be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to two years, or with a fine that may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.

Official Text

(1) No person shall publish a 1[electronic signature] Certificate or otherwise make it available to any other person with the knowledge that–

(a) the Certifying Authority listed in the certificate has not issued it; or

(b) the subscriber listed in the certificate has not accepted it; or

(c) the certificate has been revoked or suspended, unless such publication is for the purpose of verifying a 1[electronic signature] created prior to such suspension or revocation.

(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) 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.