---
title: "DPDP Act Section 18: Establishment of Board | dpdpr.in"
description: "Section 18 of the DPDP Act 2023, Establishment of Board: the official text, what it means in plain English and Hindi, and who it affects."
url: "https://dpdpr.in/act/section-18/"
canonical: "https://dpdpr.in/act/section-18/"
site: "dpdpr.in"
updated: "2026-11-02"
disclaimer: "Independent reference, not legal advice. Not affiliated with the Government of India or MeitY."
---

# Section 18. Establishment of Board

DPDP Act, 2023 · Chapter V: Data Protection Board of India

## In simple words

This section sets up the Data Protection Board of India as a body corporate. The Government decides where its headquarters is.

- **What this means for you**: The Board is where you can complain if a company does not fix your problem.

- **What this means for businesses**: The Board will inquire into breaches and can impose penalties once its powers start.

- **Everyday example**: The Board was established by notification G.S.R. 844(E) dated 13 November 2025, with its headquarters in the National Capital Region.

## Who it applies to

The Central Government and the Board.

## Related Rules

- [Rule 17. Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdpr.in/rules/rule-17/) In force

### Related sections

- [Section 19. Composition and qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and Members](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-19/)
- [Section 27. Powers and functions of Board](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-27/)

Official text as notified

Source: [MeitY copy of the Gazette (CG-DL-E-12082023-248045), page 12](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/Digital-Personal-Data-Protection-Act-2023.pdf#page=12). Printed dashes are shown as colons; the wording is unchanged.

(1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification, appoint, there shall be established, for the purposes of this Act, a Board to be called the Data Protection Board of India.

(2) The Board shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued.

(3) The headquarters of the Board shall be at such place as the Central Government may notify.

## When this takes effect

- Whole section **In force since 13 November 2025**

Source: [G.S.R. 843(E)](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/c56ceae6c383460ca69577428d36828b.pdf) and [rule 1](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/53450e6e5dc0bfa85ebd78686cadad39.pdf). [All deadlines](https://dpdpr.in/deadlines/)