Introduction: A New Era for Internet Safety in India
The digital world just became a safer place for both brands and consumers. In a landmark decision by the Delhi High Court, the legal framework surrounding domain registration obligations India has undergone a massive transformation. Presided over by Justice Prathiba M. Singh, the court addressed the growing menace of cyber fraud in the case of Dabur India Limited vs. Ashok Kumar and ORS. This ruling is not just a legal victory; it is a shield for every person who has ever been wary of clicking a link on the internet.
How the Court Is Unmasking Cyber Scammers
For years, scammers used “Privacy Protect” features to hide their identities while launching fake websites. They registered domains like daburdistributor.com to swindle innocent people by offering fake franchises. The court has now ruled that domain registration obligations India must prioritize transparency over anonymity.
Specifically, the court mandated that:
- Privacy is No Longer the Default: Registrars cannot mask owner details by default; users must now explicitly opt-in for privacy as a value-added service.
- Rapid Disclosure: If a brand reports an infringing domain, the registrar must reveal the owner’s full data—including name, address, and payment history—within 72 hours.
- Traceability: Registrars must now verify contact information, such as emails and phone numbers, through tool-based authentication to ensure registrants are traceable.
Protecting Your Brand with “Dynamic +” Injunctions
One of the most innovative parts of this ruling involves the introduction of “Dynamic +” injunctions
. In the past, if a brand shut down a fake site, the scammers would simply register a slightly different version (like .net instead of .in). Under the new domain registration obligations India, a single court order can now automatically extend to these mirror sites. This saves brand owners from the endless cycle of filing new lawsuits for every minor variation a scammer creates.
Why Local Accountability Matters for You
The court also highlighted that many registrars operate from outside the country, making it hard to enforce Indian laws. To fix this, the ruling requires registrars to appoint Grievance Officers located within India. This means that when a court issues a blocking order, there is a local point of contact who is legally responsible for making sure it happens quickly.
A Human Touch: Trusting the “Online Soul”
The court beautifully described a domain name as the “Online Soul” of a business. When a scammer steals that name, they aren’t just infringing on a trademark; they are stealing the trust you have built with your customers. These new domain registration obligations India are designed to restore that trust. It’s a move toward an internet where a brand’s name actually represents the brand, and where the “Wild West” of anonymous registration is finally being tamed.
Last modified: December 30, 2025
