Reclaiming a squatted .in domain used to mean couriering complaints in triplicate. NIXI has streamlined the INDRP — soft-copy filing, electronic payment, and new size and service rules. Here’s what changed.
Why it matters
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) notified changes to the INDRP Rules of Procedure, aimed at streamlining the process and making it easier for rights holders to act against .in domain squatting. Spurred by the pandemic-era shift to digital, it’s a welcome change for applicants and attorneys.
What changed
1. Soft copies suffice
The biggest change: no more physical copies of the complaint and annexures (previously in triplicate). The complaint and Power of Attorney can be filed electronically — emailed to legal@nixi.in. This especially helps foreign complainants, who previously waited weeks for the original POA to arrive before filing.
2. Electronic payment
The official fee can now be paid by electronic bank transfer (NEFT) to NIXI, instead of a cheque or DD — removing another source of delay. Transfer details are sent to NIXI with the electronic complaint and POA.
3. Size limits on complaint and annexures
New caps: the complaint cannot exceed 5,000 words (per pleading, excluding annexures), and annexures cannot exceed 100 pages total. The arbitrator has some discretion to allow more, but sticking to the limits avoids objections. This is the one change that cuts both ways — it keeps files small, but some complainants may be unable to submit as much evidence as they’d like.
4. Service on the arbitrator
Once NIXI approves the complaint as procedurally compliant, the complainant must forward a copy to the arbitrator within 2 working days. (In practice, NIXI has often done this itself — but if it isn’t forwarded within a day of approval, the complainant should do it to be safe.)
5. Service on the respondent
A new requirement: the complainant must serve both hard and soft copies of the complaint (with annexures) on the respondent(s), and provide proof of service to all parties (respondent, NIXI, arbitrator). This may add some delay — but letting complainants serve respondents themselves can also speed things up, since they have the most incentive to do it promptly.
The takeaways
- File electronically — soft-copy complaint and POA by email; no more triplicate hard copies.
- Pay by NEFT — faster than cheque/DD.
- Mind the limits — 5,000 words and 100 pages of annexures; plan your evidence.
- Handle service — forward to the arbitrator within 2 days, and serve the respondent with proof.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file an INDRP complaint electronically now? Yes — the complaint and Power of Attorney can be emailed to legal@nixi.in, with no need for physical copies in triplicate.
How do I pay the INDRP fee? By electronic bank transfer (NEFT) to NIXI, sending the transfer details along with the electronic complaint and POA.
Are there limits on the complaint’s length? Yes — the complaint cannot exceed 5,000 words (excluding annexures) and annexures cannot exceed 100 pages, though the arbitrator has some discretion.
Do I need to serve the respondent myself? Yes — under the amended rules the complainant must serve hard and soft copies on the respondent and provide proof of service to all parties.