📋 Introduction to GAC

The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) was established under the October 2022 Amendment to IT Rules 2021, providing users an appellate forum against decisions of platform Grievance Officers.

📜 Rule 3A — Grievance Appellate Committee
Inserted by IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2022. Allows any person aggrieved by a decision of the Grievance Officer to appeal to the GAC within 30 days.

Why GAC Was Created

  • Large number of grievances left unaddressed by platforms
  • Unsatisfactory responses from Grievance Officers
  • Need for low-cost, accessible dispute resolution before courts
  • Create culture of platform responsiveness
  • Protect constitutional rights (Articles 14, 19, 21) of users

🏛️ GAC Structure & Composition

AspectDetails
Number of GACsThree committees constituted (January 27, 2023)
CompositionChairperson + 2 whole-time members per GAC
ChairpersonSelected from MeitY, MHA, or MIB (internal)
MembersOne ex-officio + two independent members
Term3 years from date of assumption
NatureVirtual/digital platform — entirely online
Websitegac.gov.in (operational from March 1, 2023)

📊 GAC Statistics (2023-2025)

5,276
Appeals Received (Sep 2025)
5,087
Appeals Disposed
96%
Disposal Rate
1,214
Orders Issued

*Statistics based on publicly available GAC data

📝 Three-Tier Grievance Redressal

1
Tier 1: Platform Grievance Officer
User files complaint with platform's Grievance Officer. GO must acknowledge within 24 hours, resolve within 15 days. For women's dignity/privacy issues: 24-hour action.
2
Tier 2: Grievance Appellate Committee
If unsatisfied with GO decision OR no response within 30 days, appeal to GAC within 30 days. GAC to resolve within 30 days. Digital process via gac.gov.in.
3
Tier 3: Courts
GAC decision can be challenged in court. Right to approach courts directly is preserved — GAC is an alternative, not a mandatory pre-condition.

⚙️ GAC Appeal Process

Step 1: Filing the Appeal

  • Visit gac.gov.in
  • Register/login with valid credentials
  • Fill appeal form with details of:
    • Original complaint to Grievance Officer
    • Platform response (if any)
    • Grounds for appeal
    • Relief sought
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Submit appeal electronically

Step 2: GAC Examination

  • GAC reviews appeal and platform response
  • May seek additional information
  • Entirely online — no physical hearings
  • GAC to "endeavour" to decide within 30 days

Step 3: Decision & Compliance

  • GAC issues digital order
  • Order is binding on the intermediary
  • Platform must comply and report compliance
  • Periodic review of GAC orders published

⏱️ Timelines Summary

StageTimelineRule
GO acknowledgment24 hoursRule 3(2)(a)
GO resolution15 daysRule 3(2)(a)
Women's privacy issues24 hours actionRule 3(2)(b)
Appeal to GACWithin 30 days of GO decision/non-responseRule 3A(2)
GAC disposalEndeavour within 30 daysRule 3A(4)

📋 Types of Grievances

Common issues appealed to GAC include:

  • Account Suspension: Wrongful account blocks/bans
  • Content Removal: Unjustified takedowns
  • Impersonation: Fake accounts not removed
  • Harassment: Inadequate action on complaints
  • Privacy Violations: Intimate images, doxxing
  • Defamation: Defamatory content not removed
  • Copyright: IP infringement complaints
  • Platform Inaction: No response from GO

⚖️ Legal Considerations

⚠️ Constitutional Concerns
Critics argue GAC may lack constitutional foundation — tribunals with adjudicatory powers typically require enabling legislation (per Madras Bar Association case). GAC was created through subordinate legislation (Rules) without explicit statutory backing. Members lack mandatory judicial expertise.
✅ Benefits of GAC
  • Free of cost — no fees for filing
  • Digital-only — accessible from anywhere
  • Quick resolution — 30-day target
  • Creates platform accountability
  • Alternative to expensive litigation
  • Binding orders on platforms

Limitations

  • Only against decisions of Grievance Officers — not original platform actions
  • No enforcement mechanism if platform ignores order
  • Limited transparency on orders and reasoning
  • Potential conflicts with court orders
  • Third parties cannot file appeals (user-only)

📝 Sample Appeal Format

Appeal Before GAC — Key Contents
  1. Appellant details (name, contact, ID)
  2. Respondent intermediary details
  3. Original complaint reference number
  4. Date of complaint to GO
  5. GO response (or non-response)
  6. Grounds for dissatisfaction
  7. Specific relief sought
  8. Supporting documents
  9. Declaration of accuracy