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

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(y):** (y) “she” in relation to an individual includes the reference to such individual irrespective of gender;


## 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 uses the pronoun "she" to refer to individuals throughout its text. Section 2(y) clarifies exactly what this word means in the context of the law. When the Act says "she" in relation to an individual, it means any individual, regardless of their actual gender. This definition ensures that the rights, duties, and protections outlined in the law apply equally to everyone. By stating that "she" includes a reference to an individual "irrespective of gender," the Act avoids the need to use multiple pronouns in every section. If a provision describes a Data Principal (the individual to whom the personal data relates) and says "she" has a certain right, this right belongs to any person of any gender. The same rule applies to any other individual mentioned in the Act, such as a person acting for a Data Fiduciary (the person or entity determining the purpose and means of processing personal data) or a member of the Board. The definition is drawn this way to keep the legal text simple and concise while remaining completely inclusive of all individuals governed by the law.

### Key points

- The Act defines the word "she" when used in relation to an individual. [2(y)]
- The term refers to any individual irrespective of their gender. [2(y)]
- This ensures that any provision using this pronoun applies equally to all persons. [2(y)]

### Common misreadings

- A reader might think a provision only applies to women because it uses the pronoun "she", but the definition explicitly states it applies irrespective of gender.

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

## Used in

- [s. 5 Notice](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-5-notice/)
- [s. 6 Consent](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-6-consent/)
- [s. 7 Certain legitimate uses](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-7-certain-legitimate-uses/)
- [s. 8 General obligations of Data Fiduciary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-8-general-obligations-of-data-fiduciary/)
- [s. 11 Right to access information about personal data](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-11-right-to-access-information-about-personal-data/)
- [s. 12 Right to correction and erasure of personal data](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-12-right-to-correction-and-erasure-of-personal-data/)
- [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/)
- [r. 7 Intimation of personal data breach](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-7-intimation-of-personal-data-breach/)
- [r. 8 Time period for specified purpose to be deemed as no longer being served](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-8-time-period-for-specified-purpose-to-be-deemed-as-no-longer/)
- [r. 10 Verifiable consent for processing of personal data of child](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-10-verifiable-consent-for-processing-of-personal-data-of-child/)
- [r. 14 Rights of Data Principals](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-14-rights-of-data-principals/)
- [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/)