The Narendra Modi government introduced the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha on Monday during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The new Telecom Bill, which was cleared by the Union Cabinet in August earlier this year is likely to replace the archaic Indian Telegraph Act.
This 138-year-old colonial law is still in force and governs the telecom sector in India. The draft Bill gives some critical powers to the Centre to regulate the telecom sector. Apart from Telegraph Act, 1885, the new Telecom Bill also aims to replace two other laws. These are the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and The Telegraph Wire (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.
The key aspect of the Bill states that the government at Centre can suspend the services for national security or public safety. The draft Bill also states that the Centre can take over the telecom networks in wake of any situation linked to the national security and safety of public.
What is the key text of draft Telecom Bill 2023?
The draft law states, “On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from an authorised entity…”
Rs 2 crore fine on illegal interception of messages
The draft Telecom Bill further states that any illegal interception of messages will be a punishable offence. If found guilty of the unlawful interception of messages, there is a provision of jail term of up to three years, a penalty up to Rs 2 crore or both fine and jail term.
