14C Notice under CrPC, BNSS, and IT Act
What is a 14C Notice? A 14C notice is a legal notice issued by the Cyber Cell or Police when a person is suspected of involvement in a cybercrime or financial fraud. It is not an arrest warrant but a summons for appearance. The notice requires the accused (or suspect) to appear before the investigating officer and cooperate in the inquiry. Ignoring a 14C notice can lead to serious consequences, including coercive action and even arrest in some cases. 14C Notice under the Old Law (CrPC & IT Act) Before the introduction of BNSS and BNS in 2023, the following provisions applied: CrPC Section 41A – Police could issue a notice of appearance instead of immediate arrest. IPC Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. IPC Sections 406, 467, 468 – Criminal breach of trust & forgery in financial/cyber matters. IT Act Section 66C – Identity theft using computer resources. IT Act Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources. Thus, under CrPC, a 14C notice was primarily linked to appearance before police without arrest in cybercrime or fraud-related matters. 14C Notice under the New Law (BNSS & BNS – 2023) With the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), certain sections have been replaced: BNSS Section 35 – Notice of appearance before police (replacing CrPC 41A). BNS Section 111 – Cheating (replacing IPC 420). BNS Section 336 – Identity theft (replacing IT Act 66C). BNS Section 337 – Cheating by personation using computer (replacing IT Act 66D). 👉 This means that 14C notices are now governed under BNSS Section 35 instead of CrPC 41A, but the principle remains the same – it is a summons to appear, not an immediate arrest order. Why You May Receive a 14C Notice You can receive a 14C notice if: Your bank account was used in a fraudulent transaction (even unknowingly). Your details were linked to online fraud, USDT scams, or gaming frauds. You were named in a cyber fraud complaint filed on the National Cyber Crime Portal. You are a suspect in identity theft, data breach, or financial fraud. What To Do If You Receive a 14C Notice? Do Not Ignore the Notice – Non-compliance may lead to legal action. Consult a Cyber Crime Lawyer – A lawyer will analyze whether the notice is valid and guide you on your response. Prepare Documents – Carry proof of identity, bank statements, and digital evidence. Reply in Writing – Through your lawyer, submit a formal written reply to the investigating officer. Seek Anticipatory Bail (if required) – In serious cases under IT Act/IPC/BNS, apply for bail to avoid arrest. How Advocate Deepak Helps in 14C Notice Cases In today’s digital era, cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing threats, impacting individuals, businesses, and even government institutions. From online frauds, identity theft, data breaches, social media harassment, and digital payment scams to corporate cyber disputes – legal assistance is crucial to protect your rights and recover losses. This is where Advocate Deepak stands out as one of the best cyber crime advocates and lawyers in India. Advocate Deepak provides legal support for: Drafting and replying to 14C notices. Representation before Cyber Cell and Police. Filing anticipatory bail under IT Act, IPC, or BNSS sections. Bank account lien removal and unfreezing. Defense in cases of financial fraud, cryptocurrency scams, or online cheating. Cyber Safety Tips from Advocate Deepak Always verify before making online payments. Never share OTP, bank PIN, or UPI credentials. Avoid downloading apps from unknown links. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Report fraud immediately to 1930 helpline and www.cybercrime.gov.in. Disclaimer This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. We are not advertising or soliciting work. If you receive a 14C notice or are a victim of cybercrime, immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), file a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in, and consult a qualified cyber crime advocate.
