Rs 2 lakh fine if you have multiple SIM cards under your name: How to check?
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, has introduced new guidelines restricting the number of SIM cards one can hold. The limit is set at nine SIM cards per person across India
image for illustrative purpose
New Telecommunications Act and SIM Card Limit
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, has introduced new guidelines restricting the number of SIM cards one can hold. The limit is set at nine SIM cards per person across India, with a lower cap of six in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the Northeast Licensed Service Areas (LSAs). According to Nittin Arora, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, penalties for exceeding these limits can be significant, including fines and potential imprisonment for fraudulent activities.
Consequences of Exceeding the SIM Card Limit
Starting from June 26, 2024, anyone found with more than the allowed number of SIM cards will face serious penalties. First-time offenders may incur a fine up to Rs 50,000, while repeat offenders could be fined as much as Rs 2 lakh. In cases where SIM cards are obtained fraudulently, penalties can include up to three years of imprisonment, a fine up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. Keeping track of the SIM cards registered in your name is crucial to avoid such penalties.
Using the Sanchar Saathi Portal to Check Your SIM Cards
To prevent unauthorized use of SIM cards in your name, regularly checking the registered SIM cards is essential. The Sanchar Saathi portal, a government initiative, provides an easy way to verify this information. Here’s how to use the portal:
Visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal
Navigate to the Sanchar Saathi Portal.
Enter Your Mobile Number
Input your mobile number and complete the captcha. Click ‘Validate Captcha.’
OTP Verification
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed.
View Registered Connections
The portal will display the number of SIM cards registered under your name. You will have options to mark each number as ‘Not My Number,’ ‘Not Required,’ or ‘Required.’
Request Disconnection
If you identify any numbers that are not yours or are no longer needed, select ‘Not My Number’ or ‘Not Required’ to request disconnection.
What to Do if You Have More than Nine SIM Cards
For those who had more than nine SIM cards before the new regulations, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has provided instructions since December 7, 2021, for re-verifying existing mobile connections. You must surrender, transfer, or disconnect any excess SIM cards to comply with the new rules. By taking these actions promptly, you can avoid penalties.
Staying within the legal limit for SIM cards is crucial to avoid fines and legal issues. Regularly checking the number of SIM cards registered in your name via the Sanchar Saathi portal is a good practice to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized usage.
