Delhi High Court Mandates e-KYC for Domain Registrations to Stop Fraudulent Websites and Protect Consumers

COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON LAWS FOR E-KYC OF DOMAIN REGISTRATION

Delhi High Court Mandates e-KYC for Domain Registrations to Stop Fraudulent Websites and Protect Consumers

Court Says Anonymous Domain Ownership Enables Large-Scale Cyber Fraud

Mandatory e-KYC to Safeguard Brands, Consumers, and Digital Trust

By Our Legal Reporter

New Delhi: January 10, 2026:

In a groundbreaking judgment delivered in January 2026, the Delhi High Court mandated electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification for all domain name registrants in India. The ruling came in response to a civil suit filed by Dabur India Limited, which exposed how fraudsters were registering domain names resembling Dabur’s trademark to run fake websites offering distributorships, franchises, and investment schemes.

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Justice Prathiba M. Singh observed that anonymous domain ownership was a key enabler of cyber fraud, allowing scammers to vanish and reappear under new domain names faster than legal remedies could catch up. The Court’s directions now require domain name registrars (DNRs) to verify registrant identities, maintain technical records, and cooperate with law enforcement.

Background of the Case

• Fraudsters registered multiple domain names using the “Dabur” trademark without authorization.
• These websites impersonated Dabur, offering fake franchise and distributorship opportunities.
• Victims were asked to pay Rs 25,000 or more as registration or processing fees.
• Dabur filed a civil suit under the Trademark Act, 1999, seeking injunctions and damages.
• The Court noted that similar frauds had targeted Amul, Meesho, Colgate, ITC, Mont Blanc, and others.
• Over 1,100 infringing domain names were identified across cases.

Court’s Observations

• Fraud is systemic: Domain name misuse is not isolated but part of an organized ecosystem.
• Civil remedies inadequate: Injunctions against individual websites fail when fraudsters quickly migrate to new domains.
• Domain names as identity markers: Deceptively similar domains mislead the public and damage brand reputation.
• Need for structural reform: Fraud must be tackled at the point of domain registration, not just after websites go live.

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Court’s Directions

For Domain Name Registrars (DNRs)

• Mandatory e-KYC: Registrants must undergo electronic identity verification at registration and periodically.
• Record keeping: DNRs must maintain IP addresses, timestamps, and login histories.
• Data sharing: Registrant details must be furnished within 72 hours when requested by courts or law enforcement.
• No privacy masking by default: Identity protection services only allowed after full e-KYC compliance.
• No promotion of alternative domains: DNRs cannot suggest new domains to registrants whose sites are injuncted.

For Government Authorities

• Nodal agency: Consider appointing NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) as a central data repository.
• Coordination with ICANN: Enable Indian brand owners to access Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) facilities.
• Blocking powers: Non-compliant registrars may be blocked under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.

For Banking Sector

• Beneficiary name lookup: Banks must implement RBI’s facility to verify account holder names before transfers.
• Standard operating procedures: Banks must follow CEIB guidelines for responding to law enforcement requests.

Legal Significance

• Trademark Protection: Strengthens enforcement of intellectual property rights online.
• Consumer Safety: Prevents fraudsters from easily creating fake websites.
• Intermediary Liability: Limits safe harbour protections for registrars that fail to comply.
• Judicial Innovation: Moves from reactive injunctions to preventive regulation.

Impact of the Ruling

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• For Companies: Protects brands like Dabur, Amul, and Colgate from impersonation.
• For Consumers: Reduces risk of being duped by fake websites.
• For Registrars: Imposes stricter compliance and accountability.
• For Law: Sets precedent for systemic remedies against cyber fraud.

Risks and Challenges

• Implementation burden: Registrars must upgrade systems for e-KYC.
• Privacy concerns: Balancing identity verification with user privacy.
• Global coordination: Fraudsters may register domains outside India.
• Cost factor: Registrants may face higher fees due to compliance costs.

Timeline of Events

Conclusion

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The Delhi High Court’s ruling in Dabur India Limited v. Ashok Kumar marks a turning point in India’s fight against domain name fraud. By mandating e-KYC for all domain registrations, the Court has addressed the problem at its source, ensuring accountability and traceability in the digital ecosystem.

This judgment not only protects brands and consumers but also strengthens India’s digital trust framework, making it harder for fraudsters to exploit anonymity. As online commerce grows, the ruling sets a strong precedent for balancing innovation, security, and consumer protection.

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