The Board shall function as a digital office which, without prejudice to its power to summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine her on oath, may adopt techno-legal measures to conduct proceedings in a manner that does not require physical presence of any individual.
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In the modern world where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life, Rule 19 of the DPDP Rules 2025 introduces a futuristic vision for the Data Protection Board of India (the Board). This rule reimagines governance and dispute resolution by mandating the Board to operate as a digital office. The intent? To make legal proceedings more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.This step started by digitising the Grievance Appellate Committee mentioned under The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2023. This suggestion of ODR in greviance handling under The IT Act,2000 was put forth by Advocate (Dr.) Prashant Mali. Let’s break it down and see why this is a revolutionary step for legal and administrative processes in India.
Rule 19 explicitly directs the Board to function as a "digital office." What does this mean in practice? It signifies a paradigm shift from traditional, in-person hearings to a predominantly virtual setup. The rule preserves the Board’s authority to summon individuals, enforce attendance, and examine witnesses under oath. However, it introduces an option to leverage "techno-legal measures" to carry out these tasks digitally. Essentially, Rule 19 allows the Board to conduct its proceedings without requiring physical presence—a leap forward in reducing procedural delays and accessibility challenges.
Imagine navigating through bureaucratic red tape or traveling long distances just to attend a hearing. It’s cumbersome, time-consuming, and often costly. Rule 19 flips this narrative by offering a digital-first approach. Here’s how:
By embracing technology, Rule 19 ensures that justice is not a privilege limited by geography or resources—it’s a right accessible to all.
At its heart, Rule 19 aligns with the Digital India initiative, which aims to empower citizens through technology. The idea of a digital office is more than just a convenient arrangement; it’s a commitment to innovation and adaptability in governance. This move sets a precedent for other regulatory bodies, highlighting the advantages of digital transformation in public administration.
The Board’s digital functionality may include:
These tools collectively ensure that the Board operates at peak efficiency while maintaining fairness and transparency.
Of course, no innovation comes without its challenges. A digital office must tackle several critical issues:
Rule 19 implicitly calls for these safeguards to be embedded into the Board’s digital operations, ensuring that efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of fairness.
The introduction of Rule 19 is a reflection of how governance is evolving to keep up with societal needs. By adopting a digital office framework, the Board is not just addressing current inefficiencies but also future-proofing its operations. This approach:
Rule 19 isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating a justice system that resonates with modern-day realities. By prioritizing accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity, the rule paves the way for a more dynamic and responsive legal ecosystem. It’s a bold move that challenges the status quo, setting a benchmark for regulatory bodies worldwide.
In a world where justice often seems slow and inaccessible, Rule 19 offers a ray of hope. It embodies the spirit of progress, reminding us that legal systems, too, can adapt to the digital age. As this rule takes shape, one can only imagine the possibilities it unlocks—not just for the Board but for governance as a whole.
© 2025 Advocate (Dr.) Prashant Mali