LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR E-GOVERNANCE IN INDIA

Abstract

E-governance has emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery in India. This study examines the legal and policy framework governing e-governance in India, analyzing key legislations, digital initiatives, and institutional mechanisms that facilitate electronic governance. The paper evaluates foundational laws such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, Digital India Policy, and Aadhaar Act, alongside data protection concerns under the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA). It highlights the role of MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), and emerging challenges like cybersecurity, privacy, and digital divide. By assessing judicial interpretations and policy gaps, the study explores whether India’s legal infrastructure adequately supports secure, inclusive, and accountable e-governance. The findings suggest that while India has made significant progress, strengthening data privacy laws, ensuring interoperability, and bridging digital literacy gaps remain critical for sustainable digital governance.