Cyber Terrorism: Legal Provisions Under Indian Law
- IJLLR Journal
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Yashveena, Amity Law School, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
In today’s digital age, cyber terrorism has become a serious challenge to national security as it uses the cyberspace for interrupting crucial infrastructure, financial systems, government networks, and public communication systems. Cyber terrorism differs from traditional terrorism, which is confined to geographic location, and therefore, harder to detect, prevent, and legally address. This paper is an in-depth investigation of cyber terrorism in the Indian scenario and presents an analysis theme on the conceptual based legal implications associated with cyber terrorism. The paper analyzes critically the existing legal provisions under the Indian law such as the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the National Security Act, 1980. Court rulings and case laws are examined to establish the efficasy and loopholes of such provisions. This paper examines the concept, scope, and techniques of cyber terrorism, distinguishing it from ordinary cyber-crimes by its political, ideological, and security-oriented motives. It analyses India’s legal response through the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 66F), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, while highlighting judicial interpretations and landmark cases such as Operation Sindoor (2025) and the Gujarat CCTV Leak Case (2025). Comparative international illustrations are also explored to situate India’s framework within the global context. The study identifies prevalent challenges such as vagueness in definitions, overlap of statutes, under-utilization of provisions, cross-border jurisdictional hurdles. In response, it suggests legislative clarity, harmonization of statutes, specialized cyber courts, updated definitions to address AI-driven threats, enhanced forensic capacity, and stronger global partnerships. Ultimately, the paper argues that combating cyber terrorism requires a multi-pronged strategy legal, institutional, technological, and diplomatic—balanced with the constitutional safeguards of privacy and civil liberties. Only through precise laws, capable institutions, judicial oversight, and international collaboration can India fortify itself against the evolving menace of cyber terrorism.
Keywords: Cyber Terrorism, Indian Law, Information Technology Act, UAPA, Judicial Interpretation, International Conventions, Cyber security
