Any person who causes damage to telecommunication network, other than critical telecommunication infrastructure will be arrested and penalised up to Rs 50 lakh.
According to the Telecommunication Act, 2023 any police officer may arrest without warrant any person who is reasonably suspected of having committed any offence under the Act. In addition, strict legal action will be taken against the obstructer or person damaging or unlawfully obstructing the existing, upcoming telecom or digital infrastructure.
Appropriate legal action will also be taken against any miscreants spreading misleading information relating to health effect EMF emission or create opposition against installation of duly approved telecom infrastructures.
South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner cum chairman District Development Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee in a notice issued today urged the public to report incidences of damage to telecom infrastructure to the appropriate authority.
Pointing out that the telecommunications services are key infrastructure and are included in the Sustainable Development Goals since they are necessary services (SDG), the DC said these services are a public good and a driving force behind the country’s socioeconomic development. Mobile phone and broadband services are essential contributors to India’s economic growth and give significant benefits to the general public.
Informing that the central government has approved the Telecom Services Providers and Internet Services Providers to provide telecommunication services and install active and passive telecom Infrastructure, respectively, under the Department of Telecommunication (DOT), the notice said the telecommunications services are essential services defined in Paragraph 2(a) (i) of the Essential Services Maintenance Act of 1968, and are of public utility and the Telecommunication ACT 2023, as defined in Chapter IX of 42 (paragraph -5 of the Act).
