---
title: "Chairperson: meaning under the DPDP Act"
url: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/chairperson/
description: "\"Chairperson\" as defined in section 2(e) of the DPDP Act, 2023: the official definition, its plain meaning, and where the term is used."
kind: term
updated: 2026-09-09
official_source: https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/06/2bf1f0e9f04e6fb4f8fef35e82c42aa5.pdf
text_type: official-text-plus-interpretation
publisher: MYND Integrated Solutions
license: Official Government of India texts are reproduced verbatim (public domain / open government data). Interpretation is CC BY 4.0, MYND Integrated Solutions.
disclaimer: Not legal advice. Official text prevails over any interpretation.
html_version: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/chairperson/
---
# Chairperson

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(e):** (e) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Board;


## Interpretation in plain English (not legal advice)

> This is a plain-English interpretation of the official text, prepared by the DPDP Wiki editorial team. It is not the law and not legal advice, and it may be incomplete or wrong. Always rely on the official text of the Act, the Rules and the notifications, and take advice from a qualified professional for your situation.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 defines the term Chairperson simply as the Chairperson of the Board. In this context, the Board refers to the Data Protection Board of India, which is the official regulatory body established under the Act to oversee compliance. This definition is brief because it serves as a straightforward shorthand for the rest of the legal text. Whenever the law mentions the Chairperson, it is specifically referring to the individual who leads the Data Protection Board of India. By defining this term upfront, the Act avoids repeating the full title of the position in every section where the role is mentioned. It clarifies that the Chairperson is directly tied to the Board and its administrative or regulatory functions as outlined throughout the law. The definition ensures that there is no confusion between the head of the regulatory body and any other leadership roles within organizations that process data.

### Key points

- The term Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Board (2(e)).
- It serves as a specific legal shorthand for the head of the Data Protection Board of India (2(e)).
- The definition ensures the term is interpreted consistently throughout the Act (2(e)).

### Common misreadings

- Assuming the term Chairperson refers to the head of a Data Fiduciary or a corporate board, rather than the Data Protection Board of India.

*Interpretation prepared 2026-09-09 from the official text only; the official text prevails.*

## Used in

- [s. 19 Composition and qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-19-composition-and-qualifications-for-appointment-of-chairperson-and-members/)
- [s. 20 Salary, allowances payable to and term of office](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-20-salary-allowances-payable-to-and-term-of-office/)
- [s. 21 Disqualifications for appointment and continuation as Chairperson and Members of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-21-disqualifications-for-appointment-and-continuation-as-chairperson-and-members-of-board/)
- [s. 22 Resignation by Members and filling of vacancy](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-22-resignation-by-members-and-filling-of-vacancy/)
- [s. 23 Proceedings of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-23-proceedings-of-board/)
- [s. 25 Members and officers to be public servants](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-25-members-and-officers-to-be-public-servants/)
- [s. 26 Powers of Chairperson](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-26-powers-of-chairperson/)
- [s. 35 Protection of action taken in good faith](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-35-protection-of-action-taken-in-good-faith/)
- [s. 40 Power to make rules](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-40-power-to-make-rules/)
- [r. 17 Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-17-appointment-of-chairperson-and-other-members/)
- [r. 18 Salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-18-salary-allowances-and-other-terms-and-conditions-of-service/)
- [r. 19 Procedure for meetings of Board and authentication of its orders, directions and instruments](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-19-procedure-for-meetings-of-board-and-authentication-of-its/)
- [r. 22 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-22-appeal-to-appellate-tribunal/)