New Delhi: The central government has introduced stringent regulations to combat the misuse of SIM cards in criminal activities. The new law, enacted by the Ministry of Telecommunications, limits the number of SIM cards an individual can possess and imposes severe penalties for violations.
Key Points of the New Regulation:
SIM Card Limit: Individuals are now restricted to a maximum of nine SIM cards. In the states of Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, the limit is reduced to six.
Penalties: Possessing 10 or more SIM cards will result in fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. A first-time offense incurs a Rs 50,000 fine, with repeat offenses attracting the maximum penalty.
Document Fraud: Using another person’s documents to acquire SIM cards can lead to up to three years in prison or a fine of up to Rs 50,000.
Commercial Messages: Telecom companies sending commercial messages without user consent can be fined up to Rs 2 lakh. Non-compliant services may also face bans.
The enactment follows a surge in criminal activities facilitated by the easy availability and disposal of multiple SIM cards. Criminals, including some politicians and celebrities, have exploited this to avoid detection in cases such as kidnappings, murders, and robberies. They often use different numbers to communicate, making it challenging for law enforcement to track them. Previously, telecom companies offered free SIM cards through various promotions, leading to widespread collection and misuse. Many users were unaware of the numbers linked to their SIMs, which were later discarded after use by criminals.
Recognizing the role of SIM cards in anti-social activities, the government has acted decisively to regulate their distribution and use. The new law aims to enhance security, accountability, and reduce the incidence of crime facilitated by mobile communications. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the telecommunications framework and ensuring public safety.