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

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(zb):** (zb) “State” means the State as defined under article 12 of the Constitution.


## 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 "State" by pointing directly to the Constitution of India. Specifically, the Act states that "State" has the exact same meaning as it is given under Article 12 of the Constitution. This means the Act relies entirely on the existing constitutional framework to determine what qualifies as the State. By using this direct reference, the Act ensures that whenever it mentions the "State" in its rules and requirements, it means the government and its various authorities exactly as they are already understood in Indian constitutional law. The Act does not create a new, separate, or narrower definition for this term. Instead, it aligns the privacy law's understanding of government entities with the fundamental legal structure of the country. Any entity that qualifies as the State under Article 12 of the Constitution will automatically be treated as the State under this Act.

### Key points

- The term "State" is defined by referencing Article 12 of the Constitution. [Section 2(zb)]
- The Act does not create a new or separate definition for government entities. [Section 2(zb)]

### Common misreadings

- A reader might assume the Act provides a specific list of government departments that count as the State, but it simply adopts the existing definition from the Constitution.

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

## Used in

- [s. 7 Certain legitimate uses](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-7-certain-legitimate-uses/)
- [s. 10 Additional obligations of Significant Data Fiduciary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-10-additional-obligations-of-significant-data-fiduciary/)
- [s. 15 Duties of Data Principal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-15-duties-of-data-principal/)
- [s. 17 Exemptions](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-17-exemptions/)
- [s. 27 Powers and functions of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-27-powers-and-functions-of-board/)
- [s. 28 Procedure to be followed by Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-28-procedure-to-be-followed-by-board/)
- [r. 5 Processing of personal data for provision or issue of subsidy, benefit, service, certificate, licence or permit by State and its instrumentalities](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-5-processing-of-personal-data-for-provision-or-issue-of/)
- [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. 15 Transfer of personal data outside the territory of India](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-15-transfer-of-personal-data-outside-the-territory-of-india/)
- [r. 23 Calling for information from Data Fiduciary or intermediary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-23-calling-for-information-from-data-fiduciary-or-intermediary/)