Bare Acts

The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885

An Act to amend the law relating to Telegraphs in India.

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Act Details

Act Number:

Act Year:

1885

Location:

Uttar Pradesh

Enactment Date:

7/22/1885

Enforcement Date:

01-07-1899

Department:

Department of Information Technology & Electronics

All Section List

PRELIMINARY

Section 1 to Section 3

Section 1

Short title, local extent and commencement.

Section 2

[Repealed.].

Section 3

Definitions.

PRIVILEGES AND POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Section 4 to Section 9

Section 4

Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses.

Section 5

Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages.

Section 6

Power to establish telegraph on land of Railway Company.

Section 6A

Power to notify rates for transmission of messages to countries outside India.

Section 7

Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs.

Section 7A

Saving of existing agreements.

Section 7B

Arbitration of disputes.

Section 8

Revocation of licenses.

Section 9

Government not responsible for loss or damage.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION FUND

Section 9A to Section 9D

Section 9A

Establishment of Universal Service Obligation Fund.

Section 9B

Crediting of sum to Consolidated Fund of India.

Section 9C

Grants and loans by the Central Government.

Section 9D

Administration and utilisation of Fund.

POWER TO PLACE TELEGRAPH LINES AND POSTS

Section 10 to Section 11

Section 10

Power for telegraph authority to place and maintain telegraph lines and posts.

Section 11

Rower to enter on property in order to repair or remove telegraph lines or posts .

Provisions applicable to property vested in or under the control or management of local authorities.

Section 12 to Section 15

Section 12

Power for local authority to give permission under section 10, clause (c), subject to conditions.

Section 13

Power for local authority to require removal or alteration of telegraph line or post.

Section 14

Power to alter position of gas or water pipes or drains.

Section 15

Disputes between telegraph authority and local authority.

Provisions applicable to other property

Section 16 to Section 19B

Section 16

Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority.

Section 17

Removal or alteration of telegraph line or post on property other than that of a local authority.

Section 18

Removal of trees interrupting telegraphic communication.

Section 19

Telegraph lines and posts placed before the passing of this Act.

Section 19A

Person exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice.

Section 19B

Power to confer upon licensee powers of telegraph authority under this Part.

PENALTIES

Section 20 to Section 32

Section 20

Establishing, maintaining or working unauthorised telegraph. 20A. Breach of condition of license.

Section 21

Using unauthorised telegraphs.

Section 22

Opposing establishment of telegraphs on railway land.

Section 23

Intrusion into signal-room, trespass in telegraph office or obstruction.

Section 24

Unlawfully attempting to learn contents of messages.

Section 25

Intentionally damaging or tampering with telegraphs.

Section 25A

Injury to or interference with a telegraph line or post.

Section 26

Telegraph officer or other official making away with or altering, or unlawfully intercepting or disclosing, messages, or divulging purport of signals.

Section 27

Telegraph officer fraudulently sending messages without payment.

Section 28

Misconduct.

Section 29

[Repealed.].

Section 29A

Penalty.

Section 30

Retaining a message delivered by mistake.

Section 31

Bribery.

Section 32

Attempts to commit offences.

SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISION

Section 33 to Section 35

Section 33

Power to employ additional police in places where mischief to telegraphs is re.

Section 34

Application of Act to Presidency-towns.

Section 35

[Repealed.].