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IOA’s IT act study addresses laws on pornography, sedition & fraud
MUMBAI: The Internet & Online Association (IOA) has released a study which includes a review, analysis and recommendations of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 with specific references to laws governing pornography, sedition & fraud.
IOA is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Act, 1896. It has been created specifically to address the issues, concerns and growth related to online media, advertising, e-commerce and wireless / mobile advertising, plus challenges of the Internet economy and takes a leading role in its development.
IOA undertook the study with a view to analyse the existing legal framework and assess the anomalies that threaten to arise in the event of application of laws rooted in traditional concepts of property, media and crime to the ever evolving technology and the Internet. These anomalies threaten the very existence of the nascent and emerging e-economy and thereby impose an extremely high cost of participation for the stakeholders, informs an official release.
The review revealed that the application of the general law to these media gave rise to undesirable results, which may result in patent injustice. Further, it revealed that the existing laws governing information technology are based on a very strong conceptual understanding of the nature of the media, its actual working demanded considerable changes.
Internet & Online Association president Preeti Desai said, “Majority of cyber crimes worldwide are regarding pornography, sedition and fraud and hence the initial study with a stringent deadline was also focused on the same. We would like to work along with government in organizing “Educative Seminar/(s) on the application of IT Act 2000 to Cyber Crime in India” as we strongly recognize that a legal solution and amendments by themselves will not resolve misinterpreted ‘injustice’ as the evolving technologies will continuously challenge our judicial systems.”
Amarchand Mangaldas managing partner Shardul Shroff said, “The absence of clarity is a deterrent to the business environment. The cyber world and cyberspace has created a borderless world and this necessitates a universalisation and commonality of standards and legal concepts to be applied so that India does not become an isolated island excluded from e-commerce activity. Legal uncertainty is detrimental to the comparative advantage of India, as a leader in the world of Information Technology and such a disadvantage ought to be urgently neutralized. The attempt of the Sub-Committee on Legal Issues is directed to this end.”
The study has been prepared by law firm Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co. for IOA.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
