COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON IMPERSONATION LAWS
Delhi Man Booked for Misusing PM Modi’s Name: Understanding Impersonation Laws and How to Stay Safe
IPC and IT Act Provide Strong Penalties Against Cheating by Personation
Simple Verification Steps Can Help Citizens Avoid Online Fraud
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 01, 2026:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked a Delhi resident for allegedly misusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name in emails sent to international organizations including the Pentagon and ISRO. The case highlights the growing menace of impersonation frauds, where individuals pretend to be someone else—often a public figure or authority—to deceive others.
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In India, impersonation is punishable under Section 419 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating by personation, and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000 for online impersonation using electronic communication. To avoid being cheated, individuals should verify sender details, check official domains, avoid clicking suspicious links, and cross-check with official government or company websites before responding to emails or messages.
With the rise of digital communication, impersonation has become a serious threat, not only to individuals but also to national security. This incident underscores the importance of understanding Indian impersonation laws and adopting preventive measures to avoid being cheated.
Laws Governing Impersonation in India
1. Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Section 419 IPC: Deals with cheating by personation. Punishment includes up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both.
- Section 420 IPC: Covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, often applied in fraud cases.
2. Information Technology Act, 2000
- Section 66D IT Act: Specifically addresses cheating by personation using computer resources or communication devices. Punishment includes up to 3 years imprisonment and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
- Covers impersonation through emails, social media, and digital platforms.
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3. Other Relevant Provisions
- Section 468 IPC: Forgery for the purpose of cheating.
- Section 471 IPC: Using forged documents as genuine.
Together, these laws provide a strong framework to punish impersonation both offline and online.
How to Cross-Check and Avoid Getting Cheated
Citizens can protect themselves from impersonation scams by following these simple verification steps:
- Check Email Domains: Official government emails end with.gov.in. Fraudulent emails often use lookalike domains.
- Verify Contact Numbers: Cross-check with official websites before responding to unknown calls or WhatsApp messages.
- Look for Red Flags: Poor grammar, urgent demands, or suspicious attachments are warning signs.
- Use Official Channels: Confirm communications through official portals like ISRO.gov.in or Pentagon.mil.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited emails; they may lead to phishing sites.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds extra security to email and social media accounts.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Use cybercrime.gov.in to report impersonation attempts.
Similar Cases of Misuse
- Fake Government Job Offers: Fraudsters impersonate officials to demand money for recruitment.
- Banking Scams: Impersonation of RBI or bank officials to steal account details.
- Celebrity Impersonation: Fake social media accounts used to dupe fans.
- Corporate Frauds: Fraudsters impersonate CEOs in “business email compromise” scams.
These examples show that impersonation is widespread across sectors, making vigilance essential.
Impact of the Delhi Case
The misuse of PM Modi’s name in emails to global institutions raises serious concerns:
- National Security Risk: Fake communications to Pentagon and ISRO could damage India’s credibility.
- Public Trust: Misuse of authority figures’ names erodes trust in digital communication.
- Legal Consequences: The accused faces charges under IPC and IT Act, with possible imprisonment.
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Conclusion
The Delhi impersonation case is a reminder that cheating by personation is a serious crime under Indian law. With IPC Section 419 and IT Act Section 66D providing strong penalties, offenders face imprisonment and fines.
For citizens, the best defence is awareness and verification. By checking domains, verifying contacts, and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can protect themselves from fraud. In the digital age, vigilance is not optional—it is essential.
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