Private sector organisations or private individuals cannot procure or use jammers in India, according to an advisory issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Further, the DoT advisory states that it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, import or otherwise market signal jamming devices in India, except as permitted under the guidelines issued by the government, a Ministry of Communications release said on Monday (4 July).

Under the government's policy on jammers, the devices can be bought or used only by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State Governments/Union Territory Administration (Defence Forces, Central Security Organisations, Police Departments and Jail Authorities), and statutory examination conducting bodies of Govt. of India/ State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.

In its advisory issued last week to the general public on the proper use of Wireless jammer, and booster or repeaters, the DoT has said that the use of cellular signal jammer, GPS blocker or other signal jamming device is generally illegal, except specifically permitted by Government of India.

With regards to signal booster or repeater, it has been stated that it is unlawful to possess, sale, and/or use mobile signal repeater or booster by any individual or entity other than the licensed Telecom Service Providers.

Earlier on 21 January this year, the DoT had issued a notice warning all e-commerce companies from selling or facilitating the sale of wireless jammers on their online platforms.