Search Results

< Back Preserving the Right to to Safe, Inclusive and Quality Education in India 2024 DOWNLOAD Previous Next

< Back Amicus Brief in Right To Education Students & Parents Association Vs. State of Karnataka DOWNLOAD Previous Next

Making data protection compliance practical, contextual, and responsible Data Protection Compliance for Non-profits Pacta works with social impact organisations to navigate Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act (2023) and Rules (2025) compliance in ways that are legally sound, ethically grounded, and proportionate to risk, without diverting energy away from mission. Access Pacta's DPDP specific offerings here Pacta's Legal and Strategic Support for Navigating the DPDP Act Policy engagement and research Policy engagement and research Policy engagement and research Open knowledge resources Policy engagement and research Advisory and Capacity building Or scroll down for a comprehensive overview of our DPDP implementation and ecosystem support The Context and Our Role Why DPDP matters for the social sector? India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and Rules mark a significant shift in how organisations collect, use, and govern personal data. For non-profits and social impact organisations, this shift comes with unique challenges—working with sensitive populations, limited resources, complex funder mandates, and evolving digital systems. For Whom Is Pacta’s DPDP Work Most Relevant? Non-profits working with children, persons with disabilities, survivors, or marginalised communities Organisations handling beneficiary data, case records, or digital service delivery Funders and intermediaries seeking DPDP-compliant grantee ecosystems NGOs adopting new digital tools, M&E/ MIS systems, or AI-enabled platform Pacta's non-profit-first approach to data protection is shaped by three core beliefs: Compliance is not neutral: The same law lands very differently on large institutions and resource-constrained non-profits. Context matters: Data protection practices must reflect organisational purpose, scale, risk, and the realities of frontline work. The spirit of the law matters as much as the letter: DPDP is not only about documentation, but about data rights, dignity, and accountability. Our work therefore goes beyond checklist compliance to help organisations build responsible, durable data practices. Pacta’s DPDP Engagement Framework Policy engagement and research 1. Policy Engagement and Sector Feedback Pacta actively engages with data protection law and policy from the perspective of civil society. Our work includes: Providing feedback on the DPDP Act and Rules from a non-profit and social sector lens Highlighting risks, gaps, and unintended consequences for non-profits and rights-based organisations Thought leadership on data rights, consent, and accountability This ensures that non-profit and civil society realities are visible in evolving data governance frameworks. 2. Data Privacy Research Pacta’s data privacy research advances inclusive and rights-based approaches to consent and data protection. White paper on Verifiable Parental Consent under the DPDP Act, 2023 exploring challenges in obtaining consent for children’s data Research paper on Impact of India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 on Persons with Disabilities Digital Data Protection & Consent Protocols for Persons with Disabilities – A legal primer mapping data protection laws in eight countries Open knowledge resources 3. Open knowledge resources Pacta is committed to making DPDP understanding accessible. These resources are designed for: Founders and leadership teams Programme and operations staff M&E, data, and fundraising teams We have published: A series of blogs unpacking DPDP compliance for non-profits - Pulse by Pacta – a monthly legal and policy digest published by Pacta, offering short, accessible insights on technology law, social sector regulation, and compliance A DPDP Primer for Non-profits , offering a consolidated and practical introduction to the law DPDP Act Toolkits and Templates such as the self-audit tool AI Governance Resources – A primer to equip NPO leaders with implementable strategies to mitigate legal and ethical risks from using AI. Advisory and Capacity building 4. Capacity Building & Learning Spaces We design and facilitate DPDP capacity-building workshops tailored to non-profit contexts. Our engagements include: Workshop for partner organisations of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies Sessions with Central Square Foundation partner organisations Learning Spaces focused on practical interpretation of DPDP obligations These sessions focus on: DPDP requires in practice What matters most for non-profits Common misconceptions and over-compliance risks Practical decision-making under uncertainty 5. DPDP Advisory & Compliance Support Pacta has supported 10+ non-profit and social impact organisations in setting up DPDP-compliant systems and processes. Our advisory work typically includes: Mapping data flows and identifying personal and sensitive data Assessing risks based on scale, purpose, and beneficiary context Drafting and reviewing DPDP-related policies and notices Advising on consent, data retention, grievance redressal, and vendor management Supporting internal role clarity and decision-making We work closely with organisations to ensure compliance is proportionate, realistic, and implementable. Some organisations we have worked with: ARMAAN, ARGHYAM, Piramal, BAT Where Are You in Your DPDP Compliance Journey? Select the stage that best reflects your current position, and explore relevant engagement options here Beginning Your DPDP Journey If you are newly engaging with the DPDP Act and seeking conceptual clarity, access our open knowledge resources and research insights LEARN Assessing Your Current Readiness If you are familiar with the law and would like to evaluate your organisation’s preparedness, use our DPDP self-audit tool ASSESS Seeking Strategic Compliance Measures If you are actively designing or strengthening your compliance framework, write to us to explore DPDP advisory support CONTACT

Dispute resolution for NGOs. DISPUTE RESOLUTION Some civil society organizations work towards securing fundamental rights for various marginalized groups - victims of gender, class, and caste-based violence/injustice, child trafficking, environmental protection, and more - by taking the fight for justice before the courts or judicial authorities. Typically, nonprofits do not engage in fostering conflict and have little inclination for litigation. However, if the need arises, we can support you with : Legal Research Public Interest Litigation Civil and Commercial Litigation Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration

Research on bridging gaps between intent and implementation of gender equity laws and policies in India. GENDER & SEXUALITY Pacta helps to catalyze movement towards gender and sexual equality through primary and secondary socio-legal research, policy analysis and legislative drafting assistance. Supporting gender and sexual equality through inter-disciplinary legal and policy research. How does Pacta help? We document, and advance nuanced perspectives on critical gender and sexuality issues in India. Previously, Pacta has engaged in projects dedicated to understanding gender representation, implementation/adoption of gender minority communities. Acknowledging the inter-disciplinary impact of gender studies, we also ensure that our research across fields carries a gender sensitive perspective. RESEARCH OUTPUTS & PUBLICATIONS Anchor 1 SEE ALL PUBLICATIONS CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Legal, policy and research consulting for think-tanks and research initiative THINK TANKS & RESEARCH INITIATIVES How does Pacta serve Think Tanks and Research Initiatives? We provide comprehensive legal and research support for think tanks, including advisory on setup, funding, and compliance. We undertake collaborative research projects, provide training in research ethics and data privacy, and support the archiving of initiatives for the public good. CASE STUDY WADHWANI CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Leveraging Leaps in Generative AI Technology for Government A White Paper Series for MEITY, Ministry of Education and State Governments Read More CASE STUDY AZIM PREMJI UNIVERSITY & NATIONAL LAW SCHOOL OF INDIA UNIVERSITY Open Sourcing of Educational Resources - Through Open Libraries and Archives CLIENTS & PARTNERS

legal, research, strategy, consulting, theory of change for family philanthropies, philanthropies, , HNIs & PHILANTHROPIES How does Pacta serve HNIs and Philanthropies? We offer tailored legal and research support for HNIs and philanthropies, including setting up family trusts, charitable endowments and philanthropic initiatives. Our services cover legal due diligence for philanthropic funding and impact investments, legal structuring of incubators and accelerators and funding under diverse funding structures. We undertake research to guide funding decisions, create metrics for monitoring and evaluation and by analyzing trends in the social sector. Learning Spaces is our flagship initiative to build the collective legal capacity of the social sector. CASE STUDY Anchor 1 AZIM PREMJI PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES Documentation Architecture for India's first Corpus Grant Programs CASE STUDY Anchor 1 HARISH & BINA SHAH FOUNDATION Structuring Social Investments for Family Philanthropies & Independent Philanthropists CASE STUDY Anchor 1 ACT GRANTS Enabling ACT Grants to Realise their Vision of Improved Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare and Crafting an Investment Program for Deployment-Ready Digital/MedTech/DeepTech Innovations and Solutions CLIENTS & PARTNERS

legal organisational development strategy consulting research capacity building for ngos non profits NGOs & CSOs How does Pacta serve NGOs & CSOs? We provide end-to-end support for NGOs, beginning with incorporation as trusts, societies, or companies, and extending to strategic advice for international operations. Our services cover fundraising and grant documentation, compliance with laws like FCRA and the Income Tax Act,NGO governance, and strategic risk mitigation. We also undertake data privacy audits, listing on social stock exchange, and legal research to support programs, advocacy, and fund-raising. Learning Spaces is our flagship initiative to build the collective legal capacity of the social sector. CASE STUDY UNINHIBITED Creating a cohesive Governance Body for the smooth functioning of multiple entities under a single brand CASE STUDY HUMSAFAR TRUST Creating a Handbook and Training Material to de-mystify and de-jargonise rights of LGBTQIA and Female Sex Worker communities CASE STUDY AZIM PREMJI FOUNDATION Mapping Laws & Compliances Pertaining to setting up Health Care Centres to serve Low-Income Groups in India CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Tech policy research, data privacy and data governance research on tech and society implications. DATA & TECHNOLOGY Pacta acknowledges the potential of technology and data centric solutions to several population scale challenges in India. Devising good governance models and legal frameworks for just advancement of technology and data practices. How does Pacta help? Pacta tracks tech-policy and techno-legal developments to identify implications on access to safe internet, data privacy, gender, labour rights and anti-trust practices. In our tech law and policy research, we factor voices of the average citizen, marginalised communities and government. RESEARCH OUTPUTS & PUBLICATIONS Anchor 1 SEE ALL PUBLICATIONS CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Pacta provides Law and policy consulting for social impact. Legal Compliance for NGOs and philanthropies including FCRA and Income Tax. Strategic consulting, organisation development for CSR and Philanthropy. Public Policy Think-tank specialising in Disability and Tech Policy TOWARDS BETTER IMPLEMENTED LAWS & POLICIES LEARN MORE ABOUT US Our Services Pacta is a Bengaluru-based law firm and think tank dedicated to reducing inequities by bridging the gaps between the intent and implementation of laws and policies. GO Legal services for non-profits and social enterprises, aligned with ethics of public service Legal Consulting GO To reduce and close gaps in translation from intent to implementation of laws and policies Research GO Empowering changemakers on laws and policies through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives Capacity Building BUILDING THE COLLECTIVE COMPLY-ABILITY OF THE SOCIAL SECTOR LEARNING SPACES LEARN MORE Pulse by Pacta Legal Updates for the Social Sector GO SUBSCRIBE TO PULSE NEWSLETTER Finalised Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 & Compliance Implications for Non-profits in India Recent Amendments to the Social Stock Exchange Framework: Reporting and Eligibility Updates What the New Tax Regime Means for Donations to Indian Non-profits VIEW MORE Disability Bulletin Developments in Disability Law & Policy GO SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISABILITY BULLETIN VIEW MORE EDITION 10 EDITION 11 EDITION 9