What is Section 151 of the Communications Act 2003?

Asked by: Melisa Homenick  |  Last update: January 30, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)

Section 151 of the UK's Communications Act 2003 provides key definitions for terms like "public electronic communications network" (a network mainly for public services like phone/internet) and "public electronic communications service" (services provided to the public), forming the basis for regulating networks and services, including definitions for related concepts like "network access," crucial for defining obligations under regulations such as those for universal service or privacy (PECR).

What is 151 of the Communications Act 2003?

A 'public electronic communications network' is defined in section 151 of the Communications Act 2003 as: “an electronic communications network provided wholly or mainly for the purpose of making electronic communications services available to members of the public”.

What are the main points of the Communications Act 2003?

Communications Act 2003: The highlights

  • Ofcom. Ofcom is the new unified regulator for media, telecommunications and radio communications. ...
  • Authorisation regime. ...
  • Licence conditions. ...
  • Spectrum licensing and trading. ...
  • Electronic Communications Code. ...
  • Media ownership reform. ...
  • Broadcasting licences. ...
  • Public service remit.

What is Section 151 of the IT Act?

151. (1) No notice shall be issued under section 148 after the expiry of eight years from the end of the relevant assessment year, unless the Board is satisfied on the reasons recorded by the 97c[Assessing] Officer that it is a fit case for the issue of such notice.

What are the Offences of the Communications Act 2003?

Communications Act 2003

127. - (1) A person is guilty of an offence if he- (a) sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or (b) causes any such message or matter to be so sent.

So What if He's a Lawyer? I'll put Him Behind Bars Under Section 151...| Tansukh Paliwal |

19 related questions found

What points do you need to prove malicious communications?

To successfully prosecute someone for malicious communications, points to prove include: Proving that the accused's communications were intended to cause distress. Proving that the communications were sent.

What does the communications Act of 2003 criminalize?

Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 contain communications offences which criminalise the sending of indecent or grossly offensive messages.

What is the rule of Section 151?

Section 151 of the Code gives inherent powers to the court to do justice. That provision has to be interpreted to mean that every procedure is permitted to the Court for doing justice unless expressly prohibited, and not that every procedure is prohibited unless expressly permitted.

What are the responsibilities of Section 151?

Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires local authorities to make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and appoint a S151 Officer, also known as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to have responsibility for those arrangements.

What are some examples of section 151 usage?

Practical Examples of Use of Section 151 CPC

  • Staying proceedings to prevent parallel litigation.
  • Recalling an order passed without giving an opportunity of hearing.
  • Correcting clerical or procedural errors where Section 152 is not applicable.
  • Preventing abuse of process through repeated and vexatious applications.

Can I sue for malicious communication?

Under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, a person is also guilty of an offence if the purpose of their communication is to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another. Malicious communications can include: Making hoax calls.

What is the WIFI in the Communications Act 2003?

Wi-Fi. It is an offence under section 125 of the act to obtain access to the Internet when there is no intention to pay for that service. The legislation was intended to prevent the major defrauding of communications companies.

What are the 5 major purposes of communication?

Purposes. Communication serves five major purposes: to inform, to express feelings, to imagine, to influence, and to meet social expectations. Each of these purposes is reflected in a form of communication.

What is the FIR under Section 151?

Description. A police officer knowing of a design to commit any cognizable offence may arrest, without orders from a Magistrate and without a warrant, the person so designing, if it appears to such officer that the commission of the offence cannot be otherwise prevented.

What is the purpose of the Communications Act 2003?

The Communications Act 2003: the main legislation dealing with broadcast media in the United Kingdom, giving rise to ofcom and containing a number of controversial new offences in relation to misuse of public electronic communications networks that have been used amongst others to prosecute users of social media ...

What does CPC 151 stand for?

Section 151 CPC preserves the inherent powers of the Court to make such orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of the Court. It ensures that technicalities do not override fairness and justice during judicial proceedings.

What is a section 151 notice?

The law, under Section 151 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, has a crucial safeguard: AO cannot reopen an assessment without the approval of a higher authority. This is meant to be a meaningful check to prevent taxpayer harassment.

What is the case law 151?

Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.

Who qualifies as an officer of a company?

They are appointed by the board of directors. The number and specific roles of officers vary depending on state law and the corporation's articles of incorporation, but commonly include a president or chair, a vice president, a treasurer, and a secretary.

When can a court use Section 151 CPC?

(Paras 28.2, 13 and 14) The inherent powers under Section 151 CPC can be exercised where a party has obtained a decree or order by playing a fraud upon the court, or where an order has been passed by a mistake of the court, the court may be justified in rectifying such mistake, either by recalling the said order, or by ...

What is application under 151 of CPC?

Application under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure for seeking exemption from filing the certified copy before the High Court. AN APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 151 CPC FOR EXEMPTION FROM FILING THE ORIGINAL/ CERTIFIED/ LEGIBLE COPIES OF THE ANNEXURES TO THE PETITION.

Can a suit be dismissed under section 151 CPC?

Present application has been filed U/s 151 CPC, whereby this court has been asked to exercise the inherent powers in order to dismiss the suit. At the outset, it is observed that the power U/s 151 CPC can be invoked in rare cases in order to meet the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of court.

What are the Offences under the Communications Act 2003?

the summary offences under section 127(1) CA 2003 (sending via a public communications network a message which is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing); and, under section 127(2)(c) CA 2003, of persistently making inappropriate use of a public communications network.

What is an example of unlawful use of a two-way communication device?

Given that the facilitation or furtherance of any felony using a two-way communications device is a crime, there are countless examples of how this offense may be committed. Some of these may include: Using a cell phone to arrange a drug sale with a dealer. Coordinating a burglary using text messages.

What is an example of malicious communication?

Some examples of malicious communication include: threats - verbal or written threats of violence or harm to someone or their property. harassment - repeatedly sending messages that are insulting, offensive or upsetting. offensive messages - sending messages that are sexually suggestive, extremely rude or ...