The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018: India’s regulatory journey towards a comprehensive data protection law

Abstract

This article analyses the relevance of Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 for developing a data protection legal framework in India. In this regard, the article attempts to analyse the evolution process of comprehensive personal data protection law in the Indian context. The manner in which the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 will revamp and strengthen the existing data protection regulatory framework forms the major edifice of this article. The article also dwells on the significant role played by the fundamental right to privacy judgment (Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India) of Supreme Court of India, thus preparing the regulatory ground for the evolution of the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018. The influence of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation in shaping the Indian legal framework is highlighted. The article also discusses pertinent legal concerns that could question the effectiveness of the proposed data protection legal framework in the Indian context.