Retaining a message delivered by mistake
Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 deals with retaining a message delivered by mistake. If any person fraudulently retains, or wilfully secretes, makes away with or detains a message which ought to have been delivered to some other person, or, being required by a telegraph officer to deliver up any such message, neglects or refuses to do so, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a The Act came into force on 01 Oct 1885.
If any person fraudulently retains, or wilfully secretes, makes away with or detains a message which ought to have been delivered to some other person, or, being required by a telegraph officer to deliver up any such message, neglects or refuses to do so, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Section 30, The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Act 13 of 1885).
Questions about Section 30
What does Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act deal with?
Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act is headed "Retaining a message delivered by mistake". If any person fraudulently retains, or wilfully secretes, makes away with or detains a message which ought to have been delivered to some other person, or, being required by a telegraph officer to deliver up any such message, neglects or refuses to do so, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a
How do I find court cases under Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Indian Telegraph Act 1885 30, section 30 Indian Telegraph Act 1885, section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act come into force?
Section 30 of the Indian Telegraph Act, cited as Indian Telegraph Act 1885 30, came into force on 01 Oct 1885, having been enacted on 22 Jul 1885. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 7. Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs901 words
- 4. Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses597 words
- 19A. Person exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice325 words
- 16. Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority325 words
- 3. Definitions316 words
- 5. Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages296 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 23 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.