According to the draft 'The Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016', it will be mandatory to take permission from a government authority before acquiring, disseminating, publishing or distributing any geospatial information of India. The government indicated that it may review the provisions of a draft bill that proposes jail term and a fine if anyone wrongly depicts the Indian map. However, there have been criticism from various quarters saying the provisions of the draft bill are stringent and may violate the privacy of individuals. A top Home Ministry official said the draft 'The Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016' has been made public seeking views and suggestions of the general public on its various provisions. Facing criticism, the government indicated that it was ready for review of the provisions of a draft bill that proposes jail term of seven years and a fine up to Rs 100 crore if anyone wrongly depicts India's map.

Source: dna May 12, 2016 21:59 UTC