India’s New Domain Rules: What Investors Must Know After Delhi High Court Ruling

A landmark ruling by the Delhi High Court has fundamentally altered how domain registration services will operate in India. According to a detailed report published by Legal ET, the court has imposed sweeping new compliance obligations on registrars and, in certain cases, registries. This decision represents one of the most consequential regulatory interventions in India’s digital infrastructure in recent years.

For domain investors, founders, and digital professionals, this ruling arrives at a time when governance, accountability, and automation are reshaping online ecosystems. Much like how artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing decision-making and work structures across industries—as explored in this analysis on AI-driven workplace transformation—India’s domain market is now entering a phase where higher oversight and responsibility are becoming unavoidable.

Why the Delhi High Court Stepped In

The court observed that the existing domain registration ecosystem had consistently failed to prevent fraudulent activity, trademark misuse, and deceptive practices. Malicious actors were able to exploit gaps in identity verification and registrar practices, resulting in financial losses for businesses and erosion of public trust.

End of Default Whois Privacy

One of the most visible changes is the elimination of default Whois privacy or proxy services. Registrars are no longer permitted to automatically mask registrant details. Instead, privacy protection must be explicitly selected and paid for by the registrant.

While this may appear restrictive at first glance, the practical effect is limited for legitimate investors. Transparency often facilitates trust-based negotiations, while the opt-in requirement primarily disrupts anonymous abuse.

Mandatory KYC for Domain Registrations

The court has mandated Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for domain registrations in India. Registrars must now verify registrants using government-issued identification or valid corporate documentation, aligning domain registration more closely with regulated financial services.

This measure directly targets large-scale fake portfolios and shell registrations. Genuine investors operating transparently are unlikely to face meaningful disruption.

Registrar Accountability and Safe Harbor Limits

A central pillar of the ruling is the limitation of safe harbor protections for registrars that fail to take proactive steps against intellectual property abuse. The court emphasized that registrars cannot remain neutral facilitators when their systems enable infringement.

Blocklists and Search Suppression

The ruling allows authorities and courts to impose blocklists that prevent specific names or phrases from being registered. Registrars may also be required to suppress search suggestions for sensitive or restricted terms.

72-Hour Data Disclosure Rule

Registrars must now provide registrant data within 72 hours when requested by courts, law enforcement agencies, or parties with a legitimate interest in cases involving unlawful or infringing domains.

Local Grievance Officer Requirement

Registrars are also required to appoint a grievance officer based in India to receive complaints, notices, and legal communications, ensuring faster and more effective dispute resolution.

What This Means for Domain Investors

For serious domain investors, the ruling introduces clarity rather than chaos. Cleaner registration data, reduced fraud, and improved enforcement are likely to increase buyer confidence and long-term portfolio value.

A Maturing Indian Domain Market

The broader takeaway is clear: India is aligning its domain registration framework with higher standards of accountability. While compliance introduces friction, mature markets consistently favor transparency, trust, and long-term sustainability.

Final Thoughts

The Delhi High Court’s ruling signals a decisive shift toward a more accountable and transparent domain registration ecosystem in India. While it raises expectations for registrars and registrants alike, it ultimately strengthens the foundation upon which legitimate domain investment depends.

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*Standard Disclosure: This content was drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence tools to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topic, and subsequently reviewed by a human editor prior to publication.*