Legally Recognized Under the IT Act

• Digital signatures are recognized as legally equivalent to physical (handwritten) signatures under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  
• The Act provides the legal framework for the use of digital signatures in electronic records and communication.
  
• A valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by a licensed Certifying Authority is legally binding.
  
• Such signatures hold the same enforceability as manual signatures.
  
• They are accepted in courts and for official purposes.
  

Requirements for Validity

• To be considered equivalent, the digital signature must be generated using an approved algorithm and a secure private key.
  
• It must be uniquely linked to the signer and capable of identifying them.
  
• The data signed must be unaltered and tamper-proof post-signing.
  
• The signer must have sole control over the private key used.
  
• The certificate must not be expired, revoked, or invalid.
  

Permitted in Most Legal and Official Transactions

• Digital signatures are valid for signing contracts, declarations, agreements, forms, and official filings.
  
• They are accepted in corporate governance, taxation, intellectual property filings, and regulatory compliance.
  
• Government portals and departments use digital signatures for authentication and communication.
  
• They enable paperless workflows and remote documentation.
  
• Exceptions exist for certain types of documents that require manual signatures.
  

Exclusions Defined by Law

• Some documents are excluded from being signed digitally under Indian law.
  
• These include wills, trusts, negotiable instruments, and powers of attorney.
  
• These documents must be signed in physical form unless otherwise allowed.
  
• The exclusion ensures higher scrutiny and witnesses for sensitive personal matters.
  
• Always verify specific requirements before relying on a digital signature for such documents.
  

Admissibility in Legal Proceedings

• Digital signatures are admissible as evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
  
• Courts accept digitally signed records if their authenticity can be proven.
  
• Audit trails, timestamps, and certificate chains strengthen their legal validity.
  
• The burden of proof rests on the signer if authenticity is challenged.
  
• DSCs add a layer of legal protection and accountability in digital transactions.