Cyber Appellate Tribunal

What are the powers and functions of Cyber Appellate Tribunal? Elucidate.

The Cyber Appellate Tribunal (CAT) is a specialized judicial body in India that was established to deal with disputes related to the use of information technology. It has the power to hear appeals against orders issued by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The CAT has the following powers and functions:

1. To hear appeals against orders issued by the CCA in relation to matters such as the issuance, renewal, and suspension of digital signatures, and the recognition and certification of bodies that issue digital signatures.
2. To hear appeals against orders issued by the CCA in relation to the licensing of intermediaries, such as internet service providers and cyber cafes.
3. To hear appeals against orders issued by the CCA in relation to the regulation of cyber security and data protection.
4. To hear appeals against orders issued by the CCA in relation to the enforcement of the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
5. To exercise all powers and perform all functions of a civil court while trying a suit, including the power to summon and enforce the attendance of any person and to examine him on oath, to require the discovery and production of documents, and to issue commissions for the examination of witnesses.
6. To make such orders as it thinks fit for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of documents, or the examination of any person.

The CAT is composed of a Chairperson and two Members, who are appointed by the Central Government. It has its headquarters in New Delhi and may also hold sessions at such other places as the Central Government may direct.