A member of the Data Protection Board who hears and decides on complaints and penalty proceedings.
An Adjudication Officer is a member of the Data Protection Board who is assigned to hear specific cases. They examine complaints, review evidence, hear submissions from both parties, and determine whether a violation has occurred. They have the power to impose penalties up to the amounts specified in the Act's schedule. Their orders are binding and can only be appealed to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
Understanding the adjudication process helps you prepare effective responses if a complaint reaches the Board. Proper documentation, audit trails, and evidence of good-faith compliance efforts can significantly influence adjudication outcomes.
A Data Principal's complaint about a Pune startup's failure to respond to an erasure request is assigned to an Adjudication Officer. The Officer reviews: the request timeline, the company's response records, their DSR process documentation, and any mitigating factors before determining the penalty amount.
The adjudication process is digital-first — there are no physical court hearings by default. Submissions are made online and hearings can be conducted via video conference.