16. Interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communications prohibited. -Except as otherwise specifically provided in section 14, any police officer who— (a) intentionally intercepts, endeavours to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavour to intercept any wire, electronic or oral communication;
(b) intentionally uses; endeavours to use, Or procures any other person to use or endeavours to use any electronic, mechanical or other device to intercept any oral communication when-
(i) such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through a wire, cable, or other like connection used in wire communication; or
(ii) such device transmits communications by radio, or interferes with the transmission of such communication;
(c) intentionally discloses, or endeavours to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication in violation of this sub-section;
(d) intentionally uses, or endeavours to use, the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication in violation of this subsection; or
(e) (i) intentionally discloses, or endeavours to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, intercepted by means authorized by section 14;
(ii) knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of such a communication in connection with a criminal investigation under this Act;
(iii) having obtained or received the information in connection with a criminal investigation; and
(iv) with intent to improperly obstruct, impede, or interfere with a duly authorised criminal investigation; or
(f) intentionally continues the interception of wire, electronic or oral communication after the issue of an order of disapproval by the Review Committee under sub-section (4) of section 15, shall for such violation be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine upto rupees fifty thousand.
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