The Information Technology Act, 2000

[9th June, 2000.]

An Act to provide legal recognition for transactions carried out by means of electronic data

interchange and other means of electronic communication, commonly referred to as

“electronic commerce”, which involve the use of alternatives to paper-based methods of

communication and storage of information, to facilitate electronic filing of documents with

the Government agencies and further to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence

Act, 1872, the Banker’s Books Evidence Act, 1891 and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto;

WHEREAS the General Assembly of the United Nations by resolution A/RES/51/162, dated the 30th

January, 1997 has adopted the Model Law on Electronic Commerce adopted by the United Nations

Commission on International Trade Law;

AND WHEREAS the said resolution recommends inter alia, that all States give favourable

consideration to the said Model Law when they enact or revise their laws, in view of the need for

uniformity of the law applicable to alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of

information;

AND WHEREAS it is considered necessary to give effect to the said resolution and to promote efficient

delivery of Government services by means of reliable electronic records.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:-