---
title: "proceeding: meaning under the DPDP Act"
url: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/proceeding/
description: "\"proceeding\" as defined in section 2(w) 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/proceeding/
---
# proceeding

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(w):** (w) “proceeding” means any action taken by the Board under the provisions of this Act;


## 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 defines a "proceeding" as any action taken by the Board. The Board refers to the Data Protection Board of India, which is the regulatory body established under the Act. This means that whenever the Act mentions a proceeding, it is specifically talking about the official actions and processes conducted by the Board itself. By defining the term this way, the Act clarifies the scope of what counts as a proceeding. It limits the word to the Board's actions under the rules of this specific Act. It does not refer to general court cases, actions by other government departments, or internal processes of a Data Fiduciary, which is the entity determining the purpose and means of processing personal data. For example, if the Board initiates an inquiry, issues a direction, or imposes a penalty, these actions fall under the umbrella of a proceeding. This precise definition ensures that Data Principals, the individuals to whom the data relates, understand exactly which regulatory actions are being referred to when the term appears later in the Act.

### Key points

- A proceeding is defined strictly as any action taken by the Board under the Act (2(w)).
- The definition limits the term to the Board's official actions, excluding actions by other authorities or courts (2(w)).

### Common misreadings

- Assuming a proceeding includes lawsuits in civil courts or actions by other government agencies, when it only means actions taken by the Board.

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

## Used in

- [s. 6 Consent](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-6-consent/)
- [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. 26 Powers of Chairperson](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-26-powers-of-chairperson/)
- [s. 28 Procedure to be followed by Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-28-procedure-to-be-followed-by-board/)
- [s. 32 Voluntary undertaking](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-32-voluntary-undertaking/)
- [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. 39 Bar of jurisdiction](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-39-bar-of-jurisdiction/)
- [r. 17 Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-17-appointment-of-chairperson-and-other-members/)
- [r. 20 Functioning of Board as digital office](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-20-functioning-of-board-as-digital-office/)
- [r. 22 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-22-appeal-to-appellate-tribunal/)