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8 of 9|Rights & Duties of Data Principal
reading 15 min•Duties of Data Principal
False Complaints
The liability for making frivolous or vexatious complaints.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- ▸ Understand the liability for false complaints
- ▸ Analyze the fine for vexatious complaints
The Penalty
While Data Fiduciaries can be fined crores of rupees, the Data Principal can also be fined. Section 15(b) states that filing a false or frivolous complaint is a breach of duty.
Under the Schedule of penalties, a Data Principal can be fined up to ₹10,000 for filing a false complaint.
This is a unique feature of the DPDPA. Most data protection laws only penalize companies. India also holds citizens accountable for abuse.
📖 Glossary
- Vexatious Complaint
- A complaint filed without reasonable grounds, primarily to cause annoyance or burden the other party.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Filing a false complaint is a violation of the Act.
- You can be fined up to ₹10,000 for vexatious complaints.
- This prevents abuse of the grievance mechanism.
📚 Further Reading
- DPDPA Schedule — Government of India (2023)
Course Author
Shilpi Kulshrestha
Shilpi is a corporate lawyer with over a decade of experience in data protection, company law, and regulatory compliance. She has advised 50+ startups and enterprises on DPDPA readiness, privacy gover...