Whoever knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy, or alter any computer source code used for a computer, computer programme, computer system or computer network, when the computer source code is required to be kept or maintained by law for the time being in force, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, ―computer source code‖ means the listing of programmes, computer commands, design and layout and programme analysis of computer resource in any form.
6 [66. Computer related offences.–If any person, dishonestly or fraudulently, does any act referred to in section 43, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees or with both.
1. Subs. by Act 7 of 2017, s. 169, for ―Cyber Appellate Tribunal‖ (w.e.f. 26-5-2017).
2. Subs. by notification No. S.O. 1015(E) (w.e.f. 19-9-2002).
3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 31, for ―penalty‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
4. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for ―penalty imposed‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
5. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for ―Digital Signature‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
6. Subs. by s. 32, ibid., for sections 66 and 67 (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
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Explanation.–For the purposes of this section,–
(a) the word ―dishonestly‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 24 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860);
(b) the word ―fraudulently‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 25 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
1 [66A. Punishment for sending offensive messages through communication service, etc.–Any person who sends, by means of a computer resource or a communication device,–
(a) any information that is grossly offensive or has menacing character; or
(b) any information which he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will, persistently by making use of such computer resource or a communication device;
(c) any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience or to deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such messages, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, terms ―electronic mail‖ and ―electronic mail message‖ means a message or information created or transmitted or received on a computer, computer system, computer resource or communication device including attachments in text, image, audio, video and any other electronic record, which may be transmitted with the message.]