India Data Law

In which languages must a DPDP notice be given?

Verified August 2026

Section 5(3) gives the Data Principal the option. The Data Fiduciary must let her access the notice in English or in any language listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The Eighth Schedule lists twenty-two languages. The choice belongs to the Data Principal and not to the Data Fiduciary.

What the notice itself must say

Section 5(1) requires a notice to accompany or precede every request for consent. It must inform the Data Principal, at the minimum, of three things: the personal data and the purpose for which it is proposed to be processed; how she may exercise her rights under section 6(4) and section 13 (both start on 13 May 2027); and how she may complain to the Board.

Section 5(3) then applies the language option to that notice and to the notice for older data under section 5(2).

What the language obligation requires in practice

It is a duty to give the Data Principal the option. The written answer given in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2026 describes this as an obligation to provide notices in twenty-two Indian languages, and lists it among the requirements falling due by May 2027.

This is a large operational task for a Data Fiduciary that serves Data Principals across India. A Data Fiduciary must hold twenty-two versions of every notice. It must update all twenty-two whenever the notice changes.

When it starts

Section 5 of the Act and Rule 3 of the Rules both start on 13 May 2027. The same date carries data principal rights, security safeguards and breach reporting. See the deadlines page.

Personal data collected before the Act commenced is governed by section 5(2), which requires a notice rather than fresh consent. See the page on consent for existing data.

What would change this page

A notification amending Rule 3 or an amendment to section 5. An amendment to the Eighth Schedule adding a language, which would change the number twenty-two. Guidance from MeitY on what giving the option requires in practice, which has not been issued.