JKJ 2005 (1) J-1

Book Review--A Handbook Of Information Technology [ Cyber Laws And E-Commerce (2004)]

By:- Dr. Ajeet Lal (M.A., LL.M., Ph.D., Formerly Lecturer, Faculty Of Law, University Of Jammu, Jammu)

In recent years the subject of Information Technology has developed very rapidly due to invention of computers and has been given a tremendous importance. At global level the subject has received an enormous attention. This is why one find that a number of researcher have been undertaken in this part of the globe too on Information Technology relating to Cyber Laws and E-commerce etc. Recently a number of books have been written relating to the Information and Technology.

The book under review deals with every special aspect relating to Information Technology. Chapter I of the book deals with the meaning of Information and Technology and E-commerce. Scope and object of cyber law legislation is also discussed at great length, The object of Information Technology Act, 2000 stated that it is an enactment to provide legal recognition for transactions carried out by means of electronic data interchange and other means of electronic communication, commonly referred to as electronic commerce which involve the use of alternatives to paper-based methods of communication and storage of information to facilitate electronic filing of documents with the government agencies and further to amend the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Indian Evidence Act, 1891 and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and for matters connected therewith.

It also depict the international impetus relating to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law adopted the Model Law on Electronic Commerce in 1996. The General Assembly of United Nations passed resolution in 1997 recommended that all States should give favourable considerations to the said Model Law when the enact or revise their laws. The Model Law provides for equal legal treatment of users of electronic communication and paper based communication.

There is need for bringing in suitable amendments in the existing laws in our country to facilitate E-commerce. Its object is to give legal recognition of electronic records and digital signatures.

Chapter II of the book under review explained the enumeration of expressions relevant to Information Technology. The authors have given the enumeration of expressions in alphabetical order for which reader has an easy access to refer them relating to Information Technology.

Chapter III deals with dissection of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The object and other provisions of the Information Technology Act, are explained. Sections 1 to 90 providing various provisions relating to Information Technology have also been mentioned.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 added the words electronic record in various legislations in Chapter IV of this book mentioned all the relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, 1860 whereas applicable. In the same way relevant sections of Indian Evidence Act, 1872 where relevant interpretation of clauses and electronic documents affected explained and sections with illustrations. Power of the Central Board to make Regulations under Section 58 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 amended by the Information Technology Act, 2000 has also been explained in Chapter VII of this book.

Indian perception is dealt in Chapter VIII. The factors discussed are as Need for focus on Indian Scenario, Technology focus, Purchase decisions not to be taken on irrelevant factors, Indian industries, Investment to be Consumer focused, Knowledge is the driving force of growth, Cyber crime rise goes unchecked, Need for common laws to check internet crimes, Wafer Technology to be explored by the industries, Indian infrastructure, Children Education and playing games, Life of a personal Computer and its configuration, Factors influencing decision making, Indian Dharma and Karma going net, Kerala set to launch CD on Ayurveda, Information Technology as an aid to dispose of pending cases in courts, Enterprise, to speed up flow of available information while building for future, Encouragement of hardware industry, a basic need and Sufficient training required in Information Technology institutes.

Information Technology as an easy tool of business has been discussed in Chapter IX of the book under review. In that authors have dealt as talking easily, cheaply and swiftly over web. Concept of E-post has also been dealt at the great length. Not only positive side but the authors have also discussed the dark side of the Information Technology in Chapter X. The important fall-outs they stated as Cyber stalking, Cyber thest, Workplace distress, mental, behaviourable disorders, desist children from being victims of the hightech hypes, the menace of hazardous E-wastes, toxic effect and health hazards, dumping of wastes by industralised countries, Cyber trespassers and enforcement of copyright. The book also contains the Statutes like Information Technology Act, 2000, Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000, The Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) rule 2000, Cyber Regulation Advisory Committee and UNCITRAL Model Law on E-Commerce.

The book is very informative in nature. The authors have presented the book in a systematic manner. The book is also lucidly written which has made it easy to understand. The systematic chapterization and important aspects relating Information Technology contained in the book is bound to generate interest in the readers. The binding, get up and printing of the book is very good. The price of the book is reasonable and within the reach of an ordinary reader. The book would be helpful to Judges, Lawyers, Teachers, students of Law, B.C.A., M.C.A., Computer engineering etc. It is certainly a valuable contribution to law as well as computer sciences.