Section 68 of SICLD Act : Section 68: Protection Of Security Of India

Explanation using Example

Imagine a company, SecureChipTech, has developed a new layout-design for a semiconductor integrated circuit that has potential military applications. The company applies for registration of their layout-design with the Registrar under The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000. However, the Central Government assesses that the disclosure of information about this particular layout-design could be prejudicial to the national security of India, as it might reveal capabilities or technologies that are sensitive or could be replicated by hostile entities.

In this scenario, under Section 68 of the Act:

1. The Registrar will not disclose any details of SecureChipTech's layout-design registration or the application process to the public or any third party, as it could compromise India's security interests.
2. If the government later finds that the registered layout-design poses a threat to national security or is being used in a manner detrimental to India's interests, it may issue a notification to take necessary actions, which could include the cancellation of SecureChipTech's layout-design registration to prevent its exploitation.

This section ensures that the government retains the authority to control the dissemination and use of semiconductor layout-designs that are critical to the nation's security.