Owning Multiple SIM Cards can lead to be fined Rs. 2 Lakh

From June 26, 2024, having more SIM cards than nine, except in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Northeast Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) where the limit is six, will have serious repercussions. The maximum fine for first-time offenders is Rs 50,000; for repeat offenders, it rises to Rs 2 lakh. Furthermore, the new Act stipulates that obtaining SIM cards through deception, fraud, or impersonation can lead to a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, three years in prison, or both. To prevent these fines, a government project called Sanchar Saathi portal enables anyone to see how many SIM cards are registered under their name.

How to use this portal:

1. Visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal
• Go to Sanchar Saathi Portal.
2. Enter Your Mobile Number
• Input your mobile number in the designated field and complete the captcha verification. Click on ‘Validate Captcha.’
3. OTP Verification
• You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the designated field to proceed.
4. View Registered Connections
• A new page will display the number of SIM cards registered under your name. You will see three options next to each number: ‘Not My Number,’ ‘Not Required,’ and ‘Required.’
5. Request Disconnection
• If you identify any number that is not yours or no longer needed, click on ‘Not My Number’ or ‘Not Required’ to raise a disconnection request.

For those who had more than nine SIM cards before the new regulations came into effect, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued instructions on December 7, 2021, for re-verification of existing mobile connections. Users have the options to surrender, transfer, or disconnect the excess SIM cards to comply with the new rules. No penalties will be imposed if these actions are taken promptly as per the guidelines.

Staying within the legal limits for SIM cards is essential to avoid fines and legal trouble. Regularly checking the number of SIM cards registered under your name using the Sanchar Saathi portal is a prudent measure to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized usage.