Section 6: Unauthorised modification of computer material

6. Unauthorised modification of computer material (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), any person who knowingly does an act which causes an unauthorised modification of data held in any computer system shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 100,000 rupees and to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years. (2) Where as a result of the commission of an offence under this section— (a) the operation of the computer system; (b) access to any program or data held in any computer; or (c) the operation of any program or the reliability of any data, is suppressed, modified or otherwise impaired, a person convicted of the offence shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 200,000 rupees and to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 20 years. (3) A person shall not be liable under this section where— (a) he is acting pursuant to measures that can be taken under Part III of this Act; or (b) he is acting in reliance of any other statutory power. (4) A modification shall be unauthorised if— (a) the person whose act causes it is not himself entitled to determine whether the modification should be made; and (b) he does not have consent to the modification from any person who is so entitled. (5) For the purposes of this section, it is immaterial whether an unauthorised modification or any intended effect of it be permanent or merely temporary.