Open Access Research Article

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION UNDER THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000: A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Author(s):
YADUNANDAN M.D. ADHAM BASHEER
Journal IJLRA
ISSN 2582-6433
Access Open Access
Volume 3
Issue 7
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Abstract

The exponential growth of digital commerce and e-governance in India necessitated a robust legal framework governing electronic authentication. The Information Technology Act, 2000 (hereinafter “IT Act”), enacted to give effect to the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996), established a comprehensive scheme for electronic signatures, digital certificates, and associated liability structures.[1] This assignment undertakes an exhaustive examination of the legal architecture governing electronic signatures in India encompassing the roles of Certifying Authorities, the procedural requirements for grant and revocation of certificates, subscriber obligations, the technical foundations of key pair generation, and the penal consequences for violations. The analysis draws upon statutory text, subordinate legislation including the Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000,[2] judicial pronouncements, and leading academic scholarship in the field. The study concludes that while the IT Act provides a reasonably sound foundational framework, significant gaps persist in enforcement, cross-border recognition, and the accommodation of emerging technologies.   [1] Information Technology Act, 2000, No. 21 of 2000, preamble (India) [hereinafter IT Act]; see U.N. Comm’n on Int’l Trade L., Model Law on Electronic Commerce with Guide to Enactment 1996, G.A. Res. 51/162 (Jan. 30, 1997). [2] Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000 (India) [hereinafter CA Rules].

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Authors: YADUNANDAN M.D. & ADHAM BASHEERRegistration ID: 1013398 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13398 & IJLRA13399Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, IndiaPage No.: 1630-1650

Article Information

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION UNDER THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000: A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Authors: YADUNANDAN M.D., ADHAM BASHEER

  • Journal IJLRA
  • ISSN 2582-6433
  • Volume 3
  • Issue 7
Citation Download Paper Full Details Search on Google Search on Google Scholar

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International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis

  • AbbreviationIJLRA
  • ISSN2582-6433
  • AccessOpen Access
  • LicenseCC 4.0

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