The publication of an Electronic Signature Certificate is prohibited EXCEPT in which one of the following cases?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) The publication is for verifying electronic signature created prior to suspension.

Explanation

The rules regarding the publication of an Electronic Signature Certificate (ESC) are primarily governed by Section 73 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This section acts as a safeguard to ensure that unreliable or fraudulent certificates are not circulated, protecting the integrity of the digital ecosystem.

• General Rule: No person is allowed to publish or make an Electronic Signature Certificate available to any other person if they know that:

  1. The Certifying Authority (CA) listed has not actually issued it (Option a).

  2. The subscriber listed has not accepted it (Option b).

  3. The certificate has been revoked or suspended (Option c).

• The Exception (The "Unless" Clause): Section 73(1)(c) provides a specific exception. Publication is not prohibited if it is done solely for the purpose of verifying an electronic signature that was created before the certificate was suspended or revoked. This is necessary because a signature made while the certificate was still valid must remain verifiable even after the certificate's status changes.

Information Booster

The "Digital Lifecycle" of a certificate determines its legal validity. Understanding the transition from "Active" to "Revoked" is crucial for compliance.

Consequences of Contravention (Section 73):

If a person knowingly publishes a certificate in violation of these rules, they face:

• Imprisonment: Up to two years.

• Fine: Up to ₹1 lakh.

• Or both.