Now you will be fined and sent to jail for keeping more SIM cards than this limit, know what is the limit?

SIM Card limit: The government is constantly tightening telecom rules to prevent fraud and crime. In this connection, a new rule has been implemented regarding the limit of SIM cards. In such a situation, if many SIM cards are issued in the name of a person, then it can create problems for him. According to the new act, if you have more SIM cards than the limit set by the Telecom Act, then you may have to pay a heavy fine or even go to jail. In such a situation, it is important to know how many SIM cards have been issued in your name and what is its limit.

What is the limit for holding a SIM card?

The number of SIM cards a person can get will depend on which state of the country he is getting the SIM card from. According to Nitin Arora, partner, Grant Thornton India, “The maximum limit of SIM cards per person is nine, while in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Northeast licensed service areas (LSAs) it is limited to six.”

The new Telecom Act 2023 allows a person to have a maximum of 9 SIM cards. Clarifying further, Arun Prabhu, Partner (Head – Technology and Telecom), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said, “The Telecom Act, 2023 does not set any specific limit on the number of SIM cards a person can have. In fact, it makes the existing rules on subscriber verification effective.”

How much will the fine be?

According to this rule, which will come into effect from June 26, 2024, if you get more than nine or six (in some circles) SIM cards issued in your name, then you can be fined heavily. Explaining the penalty prescribed in the new Telecom Act, Nitin Arora of Grant Thornton India said, “A fine of up to Rs 50,000 will be imposed for getting more SIM cards than the prescribed limit for the first time, while it can go up to Rs 2 lakh if ​​done multiple times.”

can be imprisoned for 3 years

At the same time, Abhishek, a lawyer at DSK Legal, while explaining about the new Telecom Act, said, “There is no specific provision for penalty or jail for having more SIM cards than the limit. However, under the new Telecom Act, 2023, obtaining SIM cards by fraud, cheating or wrong means can lead to imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh or both. Therefore, if someone has more SIM cards than the prescribed limit, it is possible that they have been obtained illegally.”