What Makes an Electronic Signature Legal in India

What makes an electronic signature legal in India? We have an answer!

Nowadays, printing hard copies of documents and manual signing is nothing but wasting time and effort. People around the globe are going paperless every single day and replacing wet ink signatures with electronic ones.

“what makes an electronic signature legal in India” is a big question right now. The answer is simple and straightforward; use airSlate SignNow, an online platform for fast and legally-binding eSignatures.

How can I eSign PDFs and what makes an electronic signature legal in India?

1. Sign up for an account. Open the airSlate SignNow website, click Free trial to get started.
2. Select a sample. Select the blue Upload Documents button to find a file from the internal memory or drag and drop one into the designated area.
3. Edit the PDF. Include new texts, checkmarks, dates and so on, that you can find on the left toolbar.
4. Make the document interactive. Add smart fillable fields, dropdowns, radio button groups, and more.
5. Add a payment request. Select Settings > Request Payment.
6. Recheck your form. Make sure everything is updated and correct.
7. Add signature fields. Add a Signature Field for each party you need.
8. airSlate SignNow the document. Find the My Signature element and choose to draw, type, or capture picture of your signature.
9. Send the document for signing. Click Invite to Sign and specify recipient email(s) to send an electronic signature request.
10. Download your form. Select Save and Close > Download (on the right sidebar) to save the file on your device.
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What makes an electronic signature legal in India

In India, the legality of electronic signatures is governed by the Information Technology Act of 2000. This act recognizes electronic signatures as valid and enforceable, provided they meet certain criteria. The electronic signature must be unique to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, and created using means that the signatory can maintain under their sole control. Additionally, the signature must be linked to the document in such a way that any subsequent changes to the document are detectable.

Key elements of electronic signatures

To ensure that an electronic signature is considered legal, it must include the following key elements:

• Authentication: The signature must be able to authenticate the identity of the signer.
• Integrity: The signature must ensure that the document has not been altered after signing.
• Non-repudiation: The signer cannot deny having signed the document.
• Compliance with regulations: The electronic signature must comply with the guidelines set forth in the Information Technology Act.

How to use electronic signatures in India

Using electronic signatures in India involves a straightforward process. First, the document that requires signing can be uploaded to an eSignature platform. Users can then fill out the necessary fields and apply their electronic signature. This can be done using a digital certificate or through simpler methods like typing a name or using a stylus on a touchscreen. Once signed, the document can be securely shared with all relevant parties.

Security & Compliance Guidelines

Ensuring the security and compliance of electronic signatures is crucial. Users should choose a reputable eSignature solution that adheres to the legal standards set by the Information Technology Act. This includes using secure encryption methods to protect the data and ensuring that the platform has measures in place to verify the identity of signers. Regular audits and compliance checks should also be conducted to maintain the integrity of the signing process.

Examples of using electronic signatures

Electronic signatures can be utilized across various sectors in India. For instance, in real estate transactions, electronic signatures can streamline the signing of agreements and contracts. In the corporate sector, businesses can use eSignatures for HR documents, such as employment contracts and policy acknowledgments. Additionally, financial institutions can employ electronic signatures for loan agreements and account opening forms, enhancing efficiency and reducing paperwork.

Risks of not using eSignature properly

Failing to use electronic signatures correctly can lead to significant risks. Documents may lack legal validity if the signature does not meet the required standards, potentially resulting in disputes. Additionally, improper handling of electronic signatures can expose sensitive information to security threats. It is essential for users to adhere to best practices to ensure that their electronic signatures are legally binding and secure.