Section 29A IPC: “Electronic record”

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 29A IPC at a Glance

Section 29A IPC defines the term “Electronic record”. It has no direct equivalent in the BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 29A IPC creates no offence.

Section 29A IPC Bare Act Text

29A. “Electronic record”

The words “electronic record” shall have the meaning assigned to them in clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000).

Source: Section 29A, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 29A IPC in Simple Words

Section 29A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) fixed the meaning of the words electronic record by pointing to the Information Technology Act, 2000. It was inserted by that Act. The section creates no offence and sets no punishment. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has no separate equivalent.

Ingredients of Section 29A IPC

  • The words electronic record
  • The meaning assigned to them in the Information Technology Act, 2000

Punishment Under Section 29A IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 29A IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 29A IPC is a definition. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 29A IPC

In 2021 in Hyderabad, Vivek was prosecuted for dishonestly tampering with digital attendance logs stored on the computer server of a textile mill owned by Deepa. During the proceedings, a dispute arose over whether those digital attendance logs constituted an electronic record for the purpose of the Indian Penal Code. Because the Code did not set out a standalone definition, the court applied clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to determine their status. The digital attendance logs had the meaning assigned to an electronic record by virtue of Section 29A IPC.

When Section 29A IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 29A IPC does not apply when the item in question is a physical paper ledger that does not fall within clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Section 29A IPC does not apply to import a definition of electronic record from any source other than clause (t) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Section 29A IPC does not apply as a standalone penal provision to convict or punish any person because it only assigns the meaning of the words electronic record.

Section 29A IPC in the BNS

Repealed - No equivalent in BNS

Deleted. The BNS has no separate clause on electronic record.

FAQs on Section 29A IPC

What does Section 29A IPC say?▼

That the words electronic record have the meaning assigned to them in clause t of sub-section 1 of Section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Under Section 29A IPC, does the IPC define electronic record itself?▼

No. Section 29A IPC only points to the Information Technology Act, 2000 for the meaning.

Which Act inserted Section 29A IPC?▼

The Information Technology Act, 2000, from 17 October 2000.

Does Section 29A IPC create an offence?▼

No. It is a definition and sets no punishment.

What is the BNS equivalent of Section 29A IPC?▼

There is none. The BNS defines no term electronic record of its own.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·