IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is governed by multiple laws and regulations in India. Understanding these rules helps you stay compliant and protect your rights.
IMEI Legal Rules India
Complete overview of laws governing IMEI in India: Indian Telegraph Act, IT Act, TRAI regulations, and legal provisions.
Read MoreIMEI Tampering Law
What constitutes IMEI tampering? Legal sections, punishments, and how tampering is detected by authorities.
Read MoreIMEI Change Illegal Consequences
Penalties for changing IMEI in India: imprisonment, fines, and long-term legal consequences.
Read MoreConsumer Rights on IMEI
Your rights as a consumer regarding IMEI: warranty, counterfeit phones, purchase verification, and legal recourse.
Read MoreIMEI Legal FAQ
Answers to frequently asked legal questions about IMEI in India.
Read MoreIMEI Legal Rules India: Complete Framework
IMEI Tampering Law: What Is Illegal?
IMEI tampering means any unauthorized modification, alteration, or duplication of the IMEI number of a mobile device. This is strictly illegal in India.
- Changing IMEI using software tools
- Hardware modification to alter IMEI
- Using duplicate IMEI on multiple phones (cloning)
- Selling phones with tampered IMEI
- Possessing IMEI-changing tools/software
- IT Act Section 66 – Computer-related offenses (up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to ₹5 lakh)
- Indian Telegraph Act Section 25 – Tampering with telegraph equipment (imprisonment up to 3 years)
- Indian Penal Code Section 420 – Cheating (if tampered phone sold as genuine)
IMEI Change Illegal Consequences: Penalties
If you change your phone's IMEI or use a phone with tampered IMEI, you can face serious legal consequences.
- Imprisonment up to 3 years (under IT Act Section 66)
- Fine up to ₹5 lakh (under IT Act)
- Additional punishment under Indian Telegraph Act
- Phone may be permanently blocked by all networks
- IMEI blacklisted in CEIR – phone becomes unusable in India
- Warranty voided by manufacturer
Consumer Rights on IMEI: What You Must Know
As a consumer, you have specific rights related to IMEI when buying mobile phones or dealing with manufacturers/operators.
Consumer Helpline: National Consumer Helpline: 1915 | consumerhelpline.gov.in
IMEI Legal FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Is it legal to check someone else's IMEI?
Checking IMEI by dialing *#06# is not illegal. However, using that IMEI to impersonate, block, or commit fraud is illegal under IT Act.
Can I go to jail for changing my own phone's IMEI?
Yes. Changing IMEI of your own phone is also illegal under IT Act. Several cases have resulted in imprisonment. The law applies to any IMEI tampering, regardless of ownership.
What if I buy a phone from abroad with different IMEI format?
Phones bought abroad may have IMEI, but must comply with Indian regulations. Using such phones is generally allowed, but if the IMEI is not in GSMA database or is blacklisted elsewhere, it may get blocked in India. Always check before importing.
Can a manufacturer change IMEI legally?
Only the original manufacturer can change IMEI during authorized repair if the motherboard is replaced. They must register the new IMEI with GSMA. Any other entity changing IMEI is illegal.
What legal action can I take if my IMEI is misused?
File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or visit nearest police station. Provide evidence of misuse (e.g., someone blocked your IMEI fraudulently). You can also approach consumer court if seller is involved.
More IMEI Legal FAQs
Is there a specific IMEI law in India?
India does not have a single "IMEI Act". IMEI is governed by multiple laws: Indian Telegraph Act, IT Act, TRAI regulations, and DoT notifications. Together, they create a comprehensive legal framework.
Can I sue someone for stealing my phone using IMEI?
You can file an FIR for theft. IMEI helps police investigate. You can also file a civil suit for recovery of property, but criminal case is more effective.
What is the punishment for selling phones with duplicate IMEI?
Selling duplicate IMEI phones is cheating (IPC Section 420) and computer-related offense (IT Act Section 66). Punishment: imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. Additionally, goods can be seized.
Are IMEI changing apps legal on Play Store?
No legitimate IMEI changing app exists on Play Store because Google prohibits apps that require illegal permissions. Any app claiming to change IMEI is fake or malware. Downloading such apps is risky and illegal.
Does Indian law require IMEI on all mobile devices?
Yes. All GSM/CDMA mobile devices sold in India must have a valid IMEI as per TRAI regulations. Devices without IMEI cannot be connected to Indian networks.