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The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885

Central

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

Act number
13 of 1885
Ministry
Ministry of Communications
Department
Department of Telecommunications
Enacted
22 Jul 1885
In force from
1 Oct 1885

Source: IndiaCode Portal, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Open on India Code Check against the official text before relying on it.

46 sections

  1. Section 1Short title, local extent and commencement.
  2. Section 2[Repealed.].
  3. Section 3Definitions.
  4. Section 4Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses.
  5. Section 5Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages.
  6. Section 6Power to establish telegraph on land of Railway Company.
  7. Section 6APower to notify rates for transmission of messages to countries outside India.
  8. Section 7Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs.
  9. Section 7ASaving of existing agreements.
  10. Section 7BArbitration of disputes.
  11. Section 8Revocation of licenses.
  12. Section 9Government not responsible for loss or damage.
  13. Section 9AEstablishment of Universal Service Obligation Fund.
  14. Section 9BCrediting of sum to Consolidated Fund of India.
  15. Section 9CGrants and loans by the Central Government.
  16. Section 9DAdministration and utilisation of Fund.
  17. Section 10Power for telegraph authority to place and maintain telegraph lines and posts.
  18. Section 11Rower to enter on property in order to repair or remove telegraph lines or posts .
  19. Section 12Power for local authority to give permission under section 10, clause (c), subject to conditions.
  20. Section 13Power for local authority to require removal or alteration of telegraph line or post.
  21. Section 14Power to alter position of gas or water pipes or drains.
  22. Section 15Disputes between telegraph authority and local authority.
  23. Section 16Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority.
  24. Section 17Removal or alteration of telegraph line or post on property other than that of a local authority.
  25. Section 18Removal of trees interrupting telegraphic communication.
  26. Section 19Telegraph lines and posts placed before the passing of this Act.
  27. Section 19APerson exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice.
  28. Section 19BPower to confer upon licensee powers of telegraph authority under this Part.
  29. Section 20Establishing, maintaining or working unauthorised telegraph. 20A. Breach of condition of license.
  30. Section 21Using unauthorised telegraphs.
  31. Section 22Opposing establishment of telegraphs on railway land.
  32. Section 23Intrusion into signal-room, trespass in telegraph office or obstruction.
  33. Section 24Unlawfully attempting to learn contents of messages.
  34. Section 25Intentionally damaging or tampering with telegraphs.
  35. Section 25AInjury to or interference with a telegraph line or post.
  36. Section 26Telegraph officer or other official making away with or altering, or unlawfully intercepting or disclosing, messages, or divulging purport of signals.
  37. Section 27Telegraph officer fraudulently sending messages without payment.
  38. Section 28Misconduct.
  39. Section 29[Repealed.].
  40. Section 29APenalty.
  41. Section 30Retaining a message delivered by mistake.
  42. Section 31Bribery.
  43. Section 32Attempts to commit offences.
  44. Section 33Power to employ additional police in places where mischief to telegraphs is re.
  45. Section 34Application of Act to Presidency-towns.
  46. Section 35[Repealed.].