Section 73 of ITA, 2000 : Section 73: Penalty For Publishing Electronic Signature Certificate False In Certain Particulars

Explanation using Example

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario to understand the application of Section 73 of the Information Technology Act, 2000:

Mr. A runs a popular e-commerce website. One day, he comes across an electronic signature certificate that was not issued by any certifying authority. Despite knowing this, he decides to publish this certificate on his website. The certificate falsely claims that it was issued by a renowned certifying authority and that it was accepted by a certain subscriber.

Later, it is discovered that the certificate was actually revoked earlier. However, Mr. A had published it not for the purpose of verifying an electronic signature created prior to its revocation, but to mislead his customers into believing that his website has a high level of security.

Such an action by Mr. A is a clear violation of Section 73 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. As per the law, Mr. A can be punished with imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine up to one lakh rupees, or both.