Discuss the composition, functions and working of Cyber Tribunal under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Cyber Appellate Tribunal under the IT Act, 2000 — Composition, Functions & Working:

Established under Section 48 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended 2008) as a specialized statutory tribunal to hear appeals against cyber adjudications (merged with TDSAT via Finance Act 2017):

• Composition (Section 49): Headed by a Chairperson (qualified to be a High Court Judge) and Members with specialized knowledge in information technology, telecommunications, and cyber law appointed by the Central Government.
• Jurisdiction & Functions (Section 57):
  • Hears appeals against orders passed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) or State Adjudicating Officers regarding cyber contraventions, hacking compensation, and data breaches.
• Working & Powers (Section 58):
  • Vested with powers of a Civil Court (summoning persons, requisitioning public records).
  • Not bound by the strict procedure of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908; guided by the Principles of Natural Justice.
  • Appeals against its decisions lie directly to the High Court within 60 days (Section 62).