Glossary
What is nomination under DPDP?
Nomination lets a Data Principal name someone to exercise their DPDP rights if they die or become incapable.
Definition
Nomination is the Data Principal's right under s.14 of the DPDP Act, 2023 to nominate a person who will exercise their rights under the Act in the event of death or incapacity. Rule 14, which covers the rights of Data Principals, also covers nomination and applies from 13 May 2027.
What it means
A Data Principal can name someone who will exercise their rights under the Act if they die or become incapable. The nominee can then use those rights, such as access, correction, erasure and grievance redressal, in their place.
Treat nomination as one more request type in your rights process, published with the others under Rule 14.
Where it appears in the Act and Rules
| Provision | What it says |
|---|---|
| s.14 | Right to nominate a person for death or incapacity |
| Rule 14 | Rights of Data Principals, including nomination; publish how to make requests |
| s.13 | Grievance redressal if a nomination is not handled |
| s.2 | For a child, parents or lawful guardian are part of the Data Principal definition (a separate concept) |
Common misconceptions
- “A parent is a child's nominee.” For a child, the parents or lawful guardian are included in the definition of Data Principal (s.2). Nomination under s.14 is a separate right.
- “Nomination needs no process.” Rule 14 covers nomination, so build it into how you take and verify requests.
- “Nominees can act at any time.” s.14 is for the Data Principal's death or incapacity.
Related terms
Access, correction, erasure, grievance redressal and nomination (ss.11 to 14).
Data PrincipalThe individual the personal data relates to (s.2).
Grievance redressalThe fiduciary's complaint process, used before the Board (s.13).
CorrectionCorrecting, completing and updating personal data (s.12).
In TruePrivacy
Nomination is one of the request types in Data Principal requests, with identity verification before work starts and an audit trail of each step. Data Principals can submit it through your privacy center.
What does a nominee do under DPDP?
On the Data Principal's death or incapacity, the nominee exercises the Data Principal's rights under the Act (s.14).
Is a parent a nominee for a child?
No. For a child, the parents or lawful guardian are part of the definition of Data Principal (s.2). Nomination under s.14 is a separate right.
When must Data Fiduciaries support nomination?
Rule 14, which covers nomination, begins on 13 May 2027 with the other core obligations.
Your DPDP plan, starting today
Core obligations for data fiduciaries begin on 13 May 2027.
Core obligations begin