Bare Acts

The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885

1885 · In force · synced 12 Oct 2026

Not yet verified with the latest version of the bare act.

I — PRELIMINARY

1.Short title, local extent and commencement 2.[Repeal and savings.]3.Definitions

II — PRIVILEGES AND POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

4.Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses 5.Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages 6.Power to establish telegraph on land of Railway Company 6A.Power to notify rates for transmission of messages to countries outside India 7.Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs 7A.Saving of existing agreements 7B.Arbitration of disputes 8.Revocation of licenses 9.Government not responsible for loss or damage 9A.Establishment of Universal Service Obligation Fund 9B.Crediting of sum to Consolidated Fund of India 9C.Grants and loans by the Central Government 9D.Administration and utilisation of Fund

III — POWER TO PLACE TELEGRAPH LINES AND POSTS

10.Power for telegraph authority to place and maintain telegraph lines and posts 11.Power to enter on property in order to repair or remove telegraph lines or posts 12.Power for local authority to give permission under section 10, clause (c), subject to conditions 13.Power for local authority to require removal or alteration of telegraph line or post 14.Power to alter position of gas or water pipes or drains 15.Disputes between telegraph authority and local authority 16.Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority 17.Removal or alteration of telegraph line or post on property other than that of a local authority 18.Removal of trees interrupting telegraphic communication 19.Telegraph lines and posts placed before the passing of this Act 19A.Person exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice 19B.Power to confer upon licensee powers of telegraph authority under this Part

IV — PENALTIES

20.Establishing, maintaining or working unauthorised telegraph 20A.Breach of condition of license 21.Using unauthorised telegraphs 22.Opposing establishment of telegraphs on railway land 23.Instruction into signal-room, trespass in telegraph office or obstruction 24.Unlawfully attempting to learn contents of messages 25.Intentionally damaging or tampering with telegraphs 25A.Injury to or interference with a telegraph line or post 26.Telegraph officer or other official making away with or altering, or unlawfully intercepting or disclosing messages, or divulging purport of signals 27.Telegraph officer fraudulently sending messages without payment 28.Misconduct 29.[Sending fabricated message.]29A.Penalty 30.Retaining a message delivered by mistake 31.Bribery 32.Attempts to commit offences

V — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISION

33.Power to employ additional police in places where mischief to telegraphs is repeatedly committed 34.Application of Act to Presidency-towns 35.[Reference to certain laws of Part B States.]

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