The Official Secrets Act, 1923
The Official Secrets Act, 1923 is an Indian law that regulates the disclosure of official information and imposes penalties for espionage and unauthorized access to such information.
Summary
The Official Secrets Act, 1923 was enacted to safeguard official secrets and sensitive information relating to the security and strategic interests of the Indian state. The Act defines what constitutes an official secret and provides for penalties for espionage, wrongful communication of information, and unauthorized possession of such information. The Act also empowers the government to conduct searches and seize documents suspected to be in violation of the Act. The Act applies to all citizens of India, as well as to people living outside India who are employed by the Indian government. It is important to note that the Act has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment taking place in 2021.
Table of Contents
| # | Section | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section 1: Short Title, Extent And Application | Open |
| 2 | Section 2: Definitions | Open |
| 3 | Section 3: Penalties For Spying | Open |
| 4 | Section 4: Communications With Foreign Agents To Be Evidence Of Commission Of Certain Offences | Open |
| 5 | Section 5: Wrongful Communication, Etc, Of Information | Open |
| 6 | Section 6: Unauthorised Use Of Uniforms; Falsification Of Reports, Forgery, Personation, And Falsedocuments | Open |
| 7 | Section 7: Interfering With Officers Of The Police Or Members Of The Armed Forces Of The Union | Open |
| 8 | Section 8: Duty Of Giving Information As To Commission Of Offences | Open |
| 9 | Section 9: Attempts, Incitements, Etc | Open |
| 10 | Section 10: Penalty For Harbouring Spies | Open |
| 11 | Section 11: Search-Warrants | Open |
| 12 | Section 12: Provisions Of Section 337 Of Act 5 Of 1898 To Apply To Offences Under Sections 3, 5 And 7 | Open |
| 13 | Section 13: Restriction Of Trial Of Offences | Open |
| 14 | Section 14: Exclusion Of Public From Proceedings | Open |
| 15 | Section 15: Offences By Companies | Open |