Kerala High Court Expects Data Protection Board to Become Functional Within Eight Weeks

The Kerala High Court called for the Data Protection Board of India to become operational within eight weeks while disposing of a PIL concerning passenger privacy in Digi Yatra.

Background and legal issue

The petition questioned how airport identity systems handle travellers’ personal information and whether adequate statutory safeguards exist. The Union told the Court that the Board had been constituted but was not yet functional.

Legal reasoning and context

Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. noted the importance of effective oversight under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The Court also expressed an expectation that additional identity documents could be considered for Digi Yatra access.

Legal effect and next step

The proceedings ended with the Court’s expectation that the Board would become functional within the stated period. The decision does not establish that every Digi Yatra data-processing activity is unlawful.