The final draft of the `cyber law', which seeks to amend various information acts formulated by the cyber law committee, is now with the law ministry for its approval, department of electronics secretary Ravindra Gupta has said.

"The draft is now with the law ministry. Once it is returned after translation and vetting, we intend to take it to the cabinet for its approval before introducing it in the winter session of parliament," he said.

Once passed, the Information Technology Act (ITA) 1998, will be the first step towards information technology security in the country and will strive to improve the concept of electronic governance and E-commerce.

The proposal, in 15 parts with 79 sections, defines computer crimes and data protection to check computer piracies and related offenses as recommended bythe national IT task force.

The legislation will ensure security and easy access of electronic data to facilitate better electronic communication to promote E-commerce, thereby recognising electronically transacted documents valid.

The bill will empower all government departments to accept as well as to issue electronic documents. Similarly, payments can also be availed of, strictly abiding by the act.

Today, several departments in government do not recognise such documents and insist on attested or original certificates prepared manually.

To have a check on illegal and unauthorised practice of electronic data transactions, the law proposes to set up a controller of certification and authorised licensing officers.

"We have worked in detail that one should account for everything," Gupta said. The bill will also confer legal recognition to electronic records by stating that any information will not be denied legal validity for the documents in the form of electronic records.

The law further saysthat it has taken efforts to minimise forged electronic contracts and recommends amendment to various acts to result in a smooth deal.

The recommendations include suitable amendments in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872; the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; Bankers Book Evidence Act, 1891; and the General Clause Act, 1897 and with moderate changes in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885; the Indian Post Office Act, 1888.