Whoever knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy or alter any computer source code used for a computer, computer programme, computer system or computer network, when the computer source code is required to be kept or maintained by law for the time being in force, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years , or with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.— For the purposes of this section, "computer source code" means the listing of programmes, computer commands, design and layout and programme analysis of computer resource in any form.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 65
Section 65 of the Information Technology Act criminalizes the intentional tampering, concealing, destroying, or altering of computer source code, prescribing imprisonment up to three years or fine up to two lakh rupees.
This statutory framework establishes clear operational guidelines, balancing legal compliance with procedural safeguards.
Section 65 is frequently invoked in corporate espionage, software theft, and illicit alteration of audit trails. If an employee or rogue developer deletes git repositories, alters system kernel files, or modifies accounting software logic before resigning, Section 65 provides immediate criminal recourse.