The IT Bill is Ready….For Amendments !
(Note 4)

The IT Bill –99 which came out after a six month long detailed scrutiny by the Parliamentary Standing Committee is now ready for being implemented. Unfortunately, the Bill seems to require several amendments some of which are inevitable even to serve the basic purpose for which the Bill was passed. A quick tour of such required amendments will be presented here. 

Viewers may send their comments here.

A copy of the New Version of the IT Bill passed by the Parliament is available here.

Note 1: Digital Certificates
Note 2: Certifying Authorities
Note 3: Adjudicating Officers
Note 4: Cyber Regulations Appelate Tribunal
New-Note 5: Procedure for Justice Dispensation

4.  Cyber Regulation Appelate Tribunal (CRAT)
Section Number
Action Required
Comments
49  Review Composition 

The CRAT  has been conceived as a single person as the presiding officer. The qualifications prescribed for the post are "legal" and "judicial"  equivalent to those required to be a High Court judge. No experience in IT is intended.

In view of the complexities of  Cyber crimes the CRAT  may need the assistance of technology experts in every case he may sit in judgement of. 

Since several CRAT s are envisaged under the Act, one apex CRAT consisting of three persons (a la Election Commission) could  be considered as an additional tier before an appeal reaches the High court. The two additional members may be drawn from the IT and other non judicial field.
Send Your Views 
Note 1: Digital Certificates
Note 2: Certifying Authorities
Note 3: Adjudicating Officers
Note 4: Cyber Regulations Appelate Tribunal
New-Note 5: Procedure for Justice Dispensation