The Telegraph Act, 1885

1. PreamblePreamble

Part I PRELIMINARY

1. Section 1Short title, local extent and commencement
2. Section 2[Repealed]Repealed
3. Section 3Definitions

Part II PRIVILEGES AND POWERS OF THE GOVERNMENT

1. Section 4Exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs, and power to grant licenses
2. Section 5Power for Government to take possession of licensed telegraphs and to order interception of messages
3. Section 6[Omitted]Repealed
4. Section 7Power to make rules for the conduct of telegraphs
5. Section 7ARecovery of dues in respect of telegraph, etc.
6. Section 8Revocation of licenses
7. Section 9Government not to responsible for loss or damage

Part III POWERS TO PLACE TELEGRAPH LINES AND POSTS

1. Section 10Power for telegraph authority to place and maintain telegraph lines and posts
2. Section 11Power to enter on property in order to repair or remove telegraph lines or posts
3. Section 12Power for local authority to give permission under section 10, clause (c), subject to conditions
4. Section 13Power for local authority to require removal or alteration of telegraph lines or post
5. Section 14Power to alter position of gas or water pipes or drains
6. Section 15Disputes between telegraph authority and local authority
7. Section 16Exercise of powers conferred by section 10, and disputes as to compensation, in case of property other than that of a local authority
8. Section 17Removal or alteration of telegraph line or post on property other than that of a local authority
9. Section 18Removal of trees interrupting telegraphic communication
10. Section 19Telegraph lines and posts placed before the passing of this Act
11. Section 19APerson exercising legal right likely to damage telegraph or interfere with telegraphic communication to give notice
12. Section 19BPower to confer upon licensee powers of telegraph authority under this Part

Part IV PENALTIES

1. Section 20Establishing, maintaining or working unauthorised telegraph
2. Section 20ABreach of condition of license
3. Section 21Using unauthorised telegraphs
4. Section 22[Omitted]Repealed
5. Section 23Intrusion into signal-room, trespass in telegraph office or obstruction
6. Section 24Unlawfully attempting to learn contents of messages
7. Section 25Intentionally damaging or tampering with telegraphs
8. Section 25AInjury to or interference with a telegraph line or post
9. Section 26Telegraph officer or other official making away with or altering or unlawfully intercepting or disclosing messages, or divulging purport of signals
10. Section 27Telegraph officer fraudulently sending messages without payment
11. Section 28Misconduct
12. Section 29Sending fabricated or obscene messages
13. Section 29APenalty
14. Section 30Retaining a message delivered by mistake
15. Section 31Bribery
16. Section 32Attempt to commit offences

Part V SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS

1. Section 33Power to employ additional police in places where mischief to telegraphs is repeatedly committed
2. Section 34[Omitted]Repealed