New Delhi, Nov 4: The much-awaited Information Technology Bill to facilitate electronic communications, trade and commerce and prevent computer crime in public and private, was approved by the Union Cabinet today. It will now be introduced in the next session of Parliament which will commence from November 23.The Bill proposes amendments in the existing Acts such as Indian Evidence Act 1872, Indian Penal Code 1860, amendments to Section 2 of the Banker's Book Evidence Act and amendment of RBI Act, 1934. It provides for legal framework so that the information is not denied legal effect, validity or enforceability solely on the ground that it is in the form of electronic records. The Bill provides that, unless otherwise agreed, an acceptance of contract may be expressed by electronic means of communications.The IT Bill provides to facilitate electronic intercourse in trade and commerce, eliminate barriers to electronic commerce resulting from uncertainties over writing and signature requirements and topromote the development of the legal and business infrastructure necessary to implement electronic commerce.
