Section 213: Core Services of Information Utilities
Section 213 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 requires an information utility to provide the services specified under the regulatory framework, including core services, to a person who complies with the applicable terms and conditions.
Text of Section 213
An information utility shall provide such services as may be specified including core services to any person if such person complies with the terms and conditions as may be specified by regulations.
Meaning of Information Utility
Section 3(21) of the Code defines an "information utility" as a person registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India as an information utility under Section 210. Registration and regulation of information utilities are governed by the Code and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017.
Meaning of Core Services
Section 3(9) of the Code defines "core services" as services rendered by an information utility for accepting electronic submission of financial information in the specified form and manner, safe and accurate recording of financial information, authenticating and verifying financial information submitted by a person, and providing access to information stored with the information utility to persons as may be specified.
Scope of Section 213
Section 213 creates the statutory obligation to provide specified services, including core services, where the person seeking the service complies with the terms and conditions prescribed by regulations. The section therefore operates together with the detailed regulatory provisions governing the functioning of information utilities.
- Services are provided by an information utility registered under the Code.
- The statutory framework expressly includes core services.
- The person seeking the service must comply with the terms and conditions specified by regulations.
- The operational, technological and procedural requirements are supplemented by IBBI regulations, circulars and technical standards.
Information Utilities Regulations
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017 provide the detailed framework for registration and regulation of information utilities and for the performance of core and other services. The official IBBI legal framework lists the consolidated Information Utilities Regulations as amended up to 2 June 2026.
IBBI also issued the Information Utilities Amendment Regulations, 2026 on 2 June 2026 and a circular prescribing formats under the Information Utilities Regulations on 3 June 2026. The current consolidated regulations and subsequent official notifications should be checked when applying Section 213.
Technical Standards for Core Services
IBBI has issued Guidelines for Technical Standards for the Performance of Core Services and Other Services under the Information Utilities Regulations. These standards support the regulated electronic systems through which information utilities receive, authenticate, store and provide access to financial information. IBBI issued an amendment to these technical standards on 29 January 2025.
Related Duties Under Sections 214 to 216
Section 214 specifies obligations of an information utility in providing core services. Section 215 deals with the procedure relating to submission of financial information, while Section 216 addresses rights and obligations of persons submitting financial information. These provisions form part of the statutory framework governing the collection, authentication, storage and access functions of information utilities.
Official Legal Resources
For the latest statutory text, consolidated regulations, amendments, circulars and technical standards, refer to the official IBBI legal framework.