Unit IV · Information Technology Law

Intermediary liability and safe harbour: section 79

Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.

Statute sections

Act / instrument	Section	Name
Information Technology Act, 2000	79	Exemption from liability of intermediary
Information Technology Act, 2000	2(1)(w)	Intermediary
Information Technology Act, 2000	81	Act to have overriding effect

(2020) 4 SCC 162 · Supreme Court of India

An intermediary is not automatically liable for third-party defamation; s. 79 protection depends on due diligence and knowledge.

2016 SCC OnLine Del 6382 · Delhi High Court

Safe harbour is lost where the intermediary, after specific knowledge, fails to take down infringing content.

(2008) 150 DLT 769 · Delhi High Court

Directors or officers of an online platform may still face prosecution if the s. 79 conditions are not met.