Government & Law Enforcement Request Policy

Module: Governance & Enforcement (Utsav World™ / Utsav Messenger™)
Document Type: Hybrid — Plain English + Legal Reinforcement
Trademark: Utsav World™ and Utsav Messenger™ are trademarks of MyMahotsav Futuretech Ltd
Effective Date: 24th February 2026
Version: 1.0

Part A: Plain English Summary #

When Government Agencies Request User Data #

From time to time, law enforcement and government agencies request information about users. This policy explains how we handle those requests—balancing user privacy with legal obligations.

The Simple Truth #

• We require legal process: We don’t hand over user data without a valid legal request (warrant, court order, etc.).

• We challenge overbroad requests: If a request is too broad or legally insufficient, we push back.

• We notify users when we can: If permitted by law, we’ll tell you if your data has been requested.

• Emergency exceptions: In life-threatening situations, we may provide information more quickly.

• We publish transparency reports: We regularly report on government requests we receive.

Part B: Legal Terms and Conditions #

1. Types of Government Requests #

2. Our Principles #

2.1 Utsav World™ follows these principles when responding to government requests:

• Transparency: We publish aggregate data on requests

• User Notice: We notify users when legally permitted

• Legal Sufficiency: We require valid legal process

• Proportionality: We challenge overbroad requests

• Human Rights: We consider international human rights standards

3. Information We May Disclose #

Depending on the legal request, we may disclose:

Note: End-to-end encrypted message content cannot be disclosed because we cannot access it.

4. Legal Process Required #

5. User Notification #

5.1 When We Notify:

• We notify users before disclosing information unless prohibited by law

• Notice allows users to seek legal protection

5.2 When We Don’t Notify:

• Prohibited by law (non-disclosure orders, national security letters)

• Emergency situations (immediate threat)

• Attempting to notify would impede investigation

• Account is involved in illegal activity

5.3 Delayed Notification:

• Some laws allow temporary delay of notification

• We comply with lawful delay orders

6. Emergency Requests #

6.1 In emergency situations involving imminent threat of death or serious injury, we may voluntarily disclose information to law enforcement.

6.2 Emergency disclosures require:

• Formal request from law enforcement

• Description of emergency

• Explanation of why information will help

• Commitment to follow up with formal process

6.3 We document all emergency disclosures.

7. Challenging Requests #

7.1 Utsav World™ may challenge requests that are:

• Legally insufficient

• Overbroad

• Not authorised by law

• Contrary to human rights

7.2 We may:

• Seek to narrow the request

• Move to quash in court

• Appeal orders

• Publicly disclose redacted versions

8. Content Takedown Requests #

8.1 Government may request removal of content alleged to violate local law.

8.2 Our response:

• Review request for legal sufficiency

• Consider international human rights standards

• May restrict content in the relevant jurisdiction only

• Notify user where permitted

8.3 We distinguish between:

• Court orders (enforceable)

• Administrative requests (may be complied with voluntarily)

• Informal requests (may be rejected)

9. Transparency Reporting #

9.1 Utsav World™ publishes semi-annual transparency reports, including:

9.2 Reports are available at: https://mymahotsav.com/transparency (Coming Soon)

10. Law Enforcement Guide #

10.1 Law enforcement agencies should direct requests to:

10.2 Required information for requests:

• Requesting agency and officer

• Legal authority

• Specific user/target

• Specific information sought

• Case number

• Non-disclosure requirements

11. Preservation Requests #

11.1 Law enforcement may request preservation of account information pending legal process.

11.2 We preserve information for 90 days (renewable) upon a valid request.

12. Foreign Government Requests #

12.1 Requests from foreign governments:

• Generally require a mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT)

• May be honoured if consistent with human rights

• Subject to local law restrictions

12.2 We consider:

• Whether the request complies with local law

• Human rights record of the requesting country

• Potential impact on the user

Part C: Jurisdiction-Specific Addendums #

India Addendum #

IT Act, 2000 – Section 69: Government may issue directions for interception, monitoring, or decryption for national security.

IT Rules, 2021:

• Nodal Contact Person for 24/7 coordination

• Response within 72 hours

• Preservation of information for up to 90 days

Criminal Procedure Code: Search warrants issued by magistrates.

UK Addendum #

Investigatory Powers Act 2016:

• Equipment interference warrants

• Bulk powers for intelligence

• Technical capability notices

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984: Search warrants and production orders.

US Addendum #

Stored Communications Act (18 U.S.C. § 2701) :

• Warrant required for content < 180 days

• Subpoena sufficient for basic subscriber info

• Emergency disclosures permitted

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): National security requests.

EU Addendum #

Evidence Regulation (proposed): Streamlined cross-border access to electronic evidence.

Mutual Legal Assistance: Traditional channel for cross-border requests.