India has always been a free heaven for accessing torrent websites, but it would now appear that even accessing these comes with a warning: three year jail, and a possible fine of Rs 3 lakh. In the past, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued orders for blocking of websites, over illegal and pirated content, but new ones keep popping up. Even so, accessing a torrents website was not a problem for most Indian users, and none of the blocked URLs ever flashed a warning sign with the possible consequences.
The warning reads, “If you visit any such blocked website, the exact warning will read as follows: This URL has been blocked under the instructions of the Competent Government Authority or in compliance with the orders of a Court of competent jurisdiction. Viewing, downloading, exhibiting or duplicating an illicit copy of the contents under this URL is punishable as an offence under the laws of India, including but not limited to under Sections 63, 63-A, 65 and 65-A of the Copyright Act, 1957 which prescribe imprisonment for 3 years and also fine of upto Rs. 3,00,000/-. Any person aggrieved by any such blocking of this URL may contact at urlblock@tatacommunications.com who will, within 48 hours, provide you the details of relevant proceedings under which you can approach the relevant High Court or Authority for redressal of your grievance.”
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