Electronic signatures validate statutory authentication and signing requirements when affixed through the prescribed method, notwithstanding contrary signature formalities.

Section 5 grants legal recognition to electronic signatures for statutory authentication and signing requirements. A legal requirement that information be authenticated by signature, or that a document be signed or bear a person's signature, is deemed satisfied where an electronic signature is affixed in the manner prescribed by the Central Government. "Signed" includes a handwritten signature or any mark on a document. References to digital signature were replaced with electronic signature.

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