Section 71

Section 71 protects the integrity of the Digital Signature Certificate ecosystem by criminalising fraud in the certificate issuance process. The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and licensed Certifying Authorities (CAs) rely on applicants' truthful representations to issue DSCs that the public and government systems depend upon. Misrepresentation under Section 71 covers two distinct acts: (1) active misrepresentation — making a false statement of fact to the Controller or CA; and (2) passive suppression — withholding material information that the Controller or CA would require to make an informed decision. Common scenarios: submitting false identity documents to obtain a DSC in another person's name; concealing a previous licence revocation when applying for a fresh CA licence; misrepresenting the intended use of a DSC (e.g., claiming business use to obtain a higher-assurance certificate while intending personal use); and providing incorrect company details in a DSC application. Section 71 operates alongside Section 73 (publishing DSC with false particulars) and Section 74 (publication for fraudulent purposes) — all three target different stages of DSC fraud. Section 71 targets the application and procurement stage, Section 73 targets false information in the published certificate, and Section 74 targets fraudulent use of any certificate. The provision is non-cognizable and bailable, reflecting that misrepresentation in administrative proceedings — while serious — is treated as less grave than active cyber offences.