Information Technology Act
Information Technology Act
VIII · Section 42

Control of private key

Synced on 05 Jul 2026Text as per India Code

(1) Every subscriber shall exercise reasonable care to retain control of the private key corresponding to the public key listed in his Digital Signature Certificate and take all steps to prevent its disclosure 4***.

(2) If the private key corresponding to the public key listed in the Digital Signature Certificate has been compromised, then, the subscriber shall communicate the same without any delay to the Certifying Authority in such manner as may be specified by the regulations.

Explanation.–For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the subscriber shall be liable till he has informed the Certifying Authority that the private key has been compromised. [PENALTIES, COMPENSATION AND ADJUDICATION]

Judgments on Section 42