The Information Technology Act, 2000
CHAPTER XIII: MISCELLANEOUS
Section 81: Act To Have Overriding Effect
Bare Act
The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force.
Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall restrict any person from exercising any right conferred under the Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957) or the Patents Act, 1970 (39 of 1970).
Simplified Act
This law is powerful and applies even if other current laws disagree with it.
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Explanation using examples
Let's consider a scenario where an individual, Mr. Sharma, has created a unique software program. He has patented this software under the Patents Act, 1970. Now, someone hacks into Mr. Sharma's computer and steals the software. This act of hacking is a crime under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
According to Section 81 of the IT Act, the hacker can be prosecuted under this Act, despite any other law that might contradict it. However, this doesn't restrict Mr. Sharma from exercising his rights under the Patents Act, 1970. He can also pursue a case against the hacker for infringing his patent rights, which is separate from the hacking crime.
