Who needs a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under the DPDPA 2023?

Appointment of a DPO is mandatory for entities designated as Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs) under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Other Data Fiduciaries — including most MSMEs that process sensitive personal data at scale — are strongly encouraged to designate a person performing equivalent functions to manage compliance, grievances and regulator interface.

What does DPO-as-a-Service include for an Indian MSME?

DRMLAW's DPO-as-a-Service appoints an external Data Protection Officer with board-level reporting. The engagement covers data mapping and Records of Processing (RoPA), gap assessments, DPIAs, privacy notices and consent architecture, Data Principal request management, vendor & third-party risk management, staff training, breach response and supervisory authority representation.

Why outsource the DPO role instead of appointing an internal staff member?

Internal legal counsel, CTOs or HR managers who directly decide how personal data is used to drive the business often face a conflict of interest when also designated as DPO. An external DPO guarantees unbiased monitoring and an independent line of defence at the board level — frequently a prerequisite for regulator credibility.

Is digital evidence admissible in Indian courts?

Yes, subject to compliance with Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the corresponding provisions of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. A certificate authenticating the integrity of the electronic record is required. DRMLAW maintains trial-tested templates aligned with current Supreme Court jurisprudence including Arjun Panditrao.

Where does DRMLAW practise?

DRMLAW is headquartered in Kolkata with a presence in Bengaluru, with primary appearances before the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta and the Supreme Court of India. Pan-India representation is provided through an associated counsel network for matters in other High Courts and tribunals.

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D.R. MUKHERJEE & CO.

Advocates

About D.R. MUKHERJEE & CO.

A practice built on
evidence & restraint.

D.R. Mukherjee & Co. Advocates is a full-service Indian law firm. We work with individuals, founders and enterprises across corporate, commercial, intellectual property, technology and dispute resolution mandates — before the constitutional courts, tribunals and arbitral fora.

Mandate

Independent counsel.

We turn away mandates that compromise existing clients. Our work compounds with continuity.

Method

Trial-led research.

Counsel who appear in court write the brief. We do not hand off between research and argument.

Measure

Evidence over rhetoric.

Whether it is a DPDPA gap-assessment or a forensic affidavit — the artefact is built to be defended.

Practice trajectory

From courtrooms to data rooms.

Then

Founded as a chamber practice with a focus on commercial litigation before the High Courts of India.

Mid

Built specialised practice lines in intellectual property and technology law as Indian digital regulation matured.

Now

Operates as a techno-legal firm: DPDPA advisory, privacy training and digital forensics — alongside the courtroom practice.

Continuing investment in forensic capability, AI-governance counsel and cross-border privacy mandates.

Counsel

The people on the file.

Founder & Managing Partner

Adv. R. D. Mishra

Bar Council of India

Partner — Litigation

Adv. P. Sharma

Bar Council of India

Partner — Techno-Legal

Adv. N. Iyer

Bar Council of India

Senior Associate

Adv. K. Verma

Bar Council of India

Engage with the firm

Continue to a practice page.

Legal Practice Techno-Legal

A practice built onevidence & restraint.

Independent counsel.

Trial-led research.

Evidence over rhetoric.

From courtrooms to data rooms.

The people on the file.

Continue to a practice page.

A practice built on
evidence & restraint.