IMEI Tampering Punishable by Up to 3 Years Jail
Tampering with a device's IMEI is punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment and a Rs 50 lakh fine, with Sanchar Saathi helping citizens verify and secure handsets.
Key Highlights:
- Tampering with a device's IMEI is unlawful, punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment, a Rs 50 lakh fine, or both, under Section 42(7).
- Citizens can use the Sanchar Saathi platform to verify a device's IMEI, brand, model and manufacturer.
- Procuring SIM cards through fake documents or transferring them to others for misuse are also punishable offences.
- Devices should be purchased only from authorised sellers and repaired only at authorised service centres.
- Lost or stolen devices can be blocked via the Sanchar Saathi (CEIR) portal using a police report and valid ID, generating a unique Request ID.
A Clear Warning Against IMEI Tampering
It is unlawful to intentionally remove, obliterate, change or alter a device's unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification number or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), an official factsheet said on Wednesday, laying out a clear legal position on a practice often associated with device theft and telecom fraud.
Broader Scope of the Prohibition
It is also unlawful to use, produce, traffic in, possess or control hardware or software knowing that it has been configured as above, the statement said, adding that citizens can leverage the Sanchar Saathi platform to verify and secure their mobile handsets. This broader scope means the law targets not just the act of tampering itself, but the entire ecosystem of tools and knowledge that could facilitate it.
How Sanchar Saathi Helps Verify Devices
The platform enables users to validate a device's IMEI details, including the brand, model and manufacturer, helping strengthen device authenticity and security. This verification capability gives consumers a practical way to confirm that a device they are purchasing or already own has not been tampered with or misrepresented.
