THE INDIAN TELEGRAPH ACT, 1885

ACT NO. 13 OF 1885 · Enacted [22nd July, 1885.] · 46 sections

PRELIMINARY

Section 1.Short title, local extent and commencement.

Section 2.[Repealed.].

Section 3.Definitions.

PRIVILEGES AND POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Section 4.Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses.

Section 5.Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages.

Section 6.Power to establish telegraph on land of Railway Company.

Section 6A.Power to notify rates for transmission of messages to countries outside India.

Section 7.Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs.

Section 7A.Saving of existing agreements.

Section 7B.Arbitration of disputes.

Section 8.Revocation of licenses.

Section 9.Government not responsible for loss or damage.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION FUND

Section 9A.Establishment of Universal Service Obligation Fund.

Section 9B.Crediting of sum to Consolidated Fund of India.

Section 9C.Grants and loans by the Central Government.

Section 9D.Administration and utilisation of Fund.

POWER TO PLACE TELEGRAPH LINES AND POSTS

Section 10.Power for telegraph authority to place and maintain telegraph lines and posts.

Section 11.Rower to enter on property in order to repair or remove telegraph lines or posts .

Provisions applicable to property vested in or under the control or management of local authorities.

Section 12.Power for local authority to give permission under section 10, clause (c), subject to conditions.

Section 13.Power for local authority to require removal or alteration of telegraph line or post.

Section 14.Power to alter position of gas or water pipes or drains.

Section 15.Disputes between telegraph authority and local authority.

Provisions applicable to other property

Section 16.Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority.

Section 17.Removal or alteration of telegraph line or post on property other than that of a local authority.

Section 18.Removal of trees interrupting telegraphic communication.

Section 19.Telegraph lines and posts placed before the passing of this Act.

Section 19A.Person exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice.

Section 19B.Power to confer upon licensee powers of telegraph authority under this Part.

PENALTIES

Section 20.Establishing, maintaining or working unauthorised telegraph. 20A. Breach of condition of license.

Section 21.Using unauthorised telegraphs.

Section 22.Opposing establishment of telegraphs on railway land.

Section 23.Intrusion into signal-room, trespass in telegraph office or obstruction.

Section 24.Unlawfully attempting to learn contents of messages.

Section 25.Intentionally damaging or tampering with telegraphs.

Section 25A.Injury to or interference with a telegraph line or post.

Section 26.Telegraph officer or other official making away with or altering, or unlawfully intercepting or disclosing, messages, or divulging purport of signals.

Section 27.Telegraph officer fraudulently sending messages without payment.

Section 28.Misconduct.

Section 29.[Repealed.].

Section 29A.Penalty.

Section 30.Retaining a message delivered by mistake.

Section 31.Bribery.

Section 32.Attempts to commit offences.

SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISION

Section 33.Power to employ additional police in places where mischief to telegraphs is repeatedly committed.

Section 34.Application of Act to Presidency-towns.

Section 35.[Repealed.].