The penalty for destroying computer source code under Indian law, specifically Section 65 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, is imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. This applies to anyone who knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys, or alters computer source code that is required to be kept or maintained by law, or who causes another to do so
. To clarify:
- The offense includes acts of concealing (hiding), destroying (making useless or deleting), or altering (modifying) the source code.
- The source code includes listings of programs, computer commands, design, layout, and program analysis in any form, including printed form.
- The punishment is up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to Rs 2 lakh.
- The relevant authority for trial is the Judicial Magistrate First Class, with appeal to the Court of Session
Some sources mention a slightly different fine amount (e.g., Rs 3 lakh), but the authoritative and consistent figure under Section 65 is Rs 2 lakh fine along with imprisonment up to 3 years
. In summary, destroying computer source code can lead to imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh under Indian cyber law.
