Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how APS ADVOCATES (“we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, transfers, retains, and processes personal and sensitive information (“Information”) provided by users and visitors of our website (www.apsadvocates.com). We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled responsibly and securely in accordance with applicable laws.
Information Collection
We collect Information when you interact with our website or communicate with us via online channels or email. This Information includes, but is not limited to:
- Basic details: name, qualifications, identification numbers (for staff/personnel), contact details (email, phone, address), languages spoken, gender, date of birth, voter ID, passport number, PAN card, marital status, dependents, emergency contacts, photographs, biometric data, medical records, physical/mental health information, and passwords.
- Financial data: bank and Demat account details, salaries, retainership fees, stipends.
- Employment and career information: job title, contractual information, system/application access records, device-related data.
- Performance records: application letters, resumes/CVs, documents provided to us, performance evaluations, and development reviews.
- Website and application usage data: device IDs, IP addresses, web browser types, page views, operating system information, usage frequency and timing, navigation activity.
- Information collected while providing services or during onboarding as per our contracts with clients or service providers.
- Identification documents: Aadhaar details may be requested for legal compliance, but alternatives like PAN cards, passports, or driving licenses may also be provided. Aadhaar information will only be requested when mandatory by law, and users will be notified accordingly.
We limit the collection of Information to only what is necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy.
Use of Information
Your Information may be used for the following purposes:
- To manage interactions concerning employment, engagement, or access to our premises and assets.
- To provide professional legal services and communicate with you, including emergencies.
- For business operations and highlighting our work with clients on our website or to third parties.
- To share insights about legal developments and knowledge management.
- To generate website statistics, analyze visitor activity, improve site performance, and support SEO.
- To monitor the use of our systems and conduct data analytics for service quality improvement.
- To send you newsletters, legal updates, or other communications, to which you agree by sharing your email address with us.
Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Right to access, review, and modify any Information you have provided to us at any time.
- Right to request deletion of your Information by contacting our Data Protection Officer. Please note, deleting data may affect service delivery and our relationship with you, and such requests will be honored within the bounds of applicable data retention laws.
- We maintain reasonable security practices compliant with regulatory standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your Information.
Disclosure and Transfer of Information
We only disclose or transfer Information under the following circumstances:
- Within APS ADVOCATES and affiliated entities, to those personnel who require access to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy.
- To third-party service providers who assist in operating our website or business. These providers are contractually bound to protect your Information and may only use it for agreed-upon purposes.
- In case where your explicit consent is obtained or where disclosure is necessary for contractual performance between APS ADVOCATES and yourself, including the transfer of Aadhaar or other identification data if required.
- Mandatory disclosures as required by law, regulatory authorities, court orders, or to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
We do not share your Information with advertisers and do not permit third parties to use it for purposes other than those contracted and described herein.
Data Retention
Your Information will be retained only for the duration necessary to achieve the purposes described in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
Security Measures
We utilize industry-standard security measures and procedures prescribed by applicable Indian law to protect your Information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Dispute Resolution
The laws of the Republic of India govern any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy. The courts located in Chandigarh, India, have exclusive jurisdiction over any claims or disputes related to this Policy.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
APS ADVOCATES reserves the right to amend, modify, or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any material changes will be indicated at the beginning of this Policy for your reference.
For any concerns, questions, or requests pertaining to your Information or this Privacy Policy, please contact our Data Protection Officer as listed on our website.