Times News Network

The Bombay high court has directed the Union government to expedite the process of appointing enforcement authorities as per the information technology (IT) Act, 2000, so that aggrieved persons can get their grievances settled. The court also asked the government to file an affidavit in the matter within two weeks.

The high court bench comprising chief justice A.P. Shah and justice Ranjana Desai gave this order on Wednesday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) files by Nupur Jain, a student of Pune based Asian School of Cyber Laws, and Arvind Avahad.

The PIL was filed to highlight the violation of the right of remedy under the information technology Act due to the inaction and negligence of the Union government, which has not appointed appropriate authorities to enforce the rights guaranteed by the Act.

The PIL pointed out that while criminal courts have been authorized to try cases/complaints in accordance with the Act, the adjudicating officer has not been appointed as yet. In respect of contravention, the adjudicating authority determines the quantum of compensation.

The PIL stated that the Act provides for a cyber regulation appellate tribunal, which is empowered to hear appeals arising out of orders from the controller and adjudicating officer. The matter has been kept for final order on August 14.