Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information the District Bar Association, Siwan ("DBA Siwan", "we", "us", "our") collects through this website and the DBA Siwan App, why, and how it is kept.

1. What This Policy Covers

This Privacy Policy applies to this website (dbasiwan.com) and to the DBA Siwan App (mobile app) and associated records/verification pages, used by advocates enrolled with DBA Siwan, office staff, approvers, and administrators authorised by DBA Siwan, as well as members of the public using the public advocate-verification and inquiry features on this website.

2. Information We Collect

• Account information (DBA Siwan App): name, mobile number, email address, bar enrolment number, role, and password (stored securely, never in plain text).
• Profile images (DBA Siwan App): your uploaded signature and official stamp, used to render on documents you create.
• Document/case information (DBA Siwan App): details entered while creating a Vakalatnama, Bail Bond, or similar document — e.g. court, case number/year, and parties' names.
• Usage/technical information (DBA Siwan App): device identifiers used for fast-login, login timestamps, and action logs kept for audit and security purposes.
• Payment records (DBA Siwan App): a record that a fee was paid and for what. The App does not store card/bank details.
• Website inquiries: if you use the "Send an inquiry" or newsletter subscription forms on this website, we collect the name, phone number, email, and message you provide.

3. How We Use This Information

• To create and manage accounts, and to let advocates, approvers, and office staff carry out document creation, approval, printing, and verification.
• To respond to inquiries and newsletter sign-ups submitted through this website.
• To maintain an audit trail for security and dispute-resolution purposes.
• To maintain the public advocate-verification feature and the "Kosh" financial transparency screen (using only transaction totals, not individual case details).

4. Who Can See Your Information

• Approvers and admins can see DBA Siwan App documents and help requests relevant to their role.
• Other advocates named on the same document can see that document's details.
• Anyone with a document's printed QR code or serial number can see a limited public verification view (court, case type/number, parties, and approval status) — this does not show your personal profile, mobile number, or email.
• DBA Siwan does not sell or rent your personal information to third parties, and does not share it outside DBA Siwan except where required by law or a valid court/government order.

5. How Long We Keep Your Information

Account and document data is kept for as long as an account is active and as needed for the legal/record-keeping purposes described above. Website inquiry and subscription records are kept for as long as needed to respond to and manage them. You may ask DBA Siwan to close an account or remove website inquiry data; certain records may be retained as required for legal/audit purposes.

6. Security

We take reasonable technical measures to protect your information, including password hashing, device-bound PIN login, and account lockout after repeated failed login attempts. No system is completely risk-free, and you also play a part by keeping your own login details confidential.

7. Your Choices

DBA Siwan App users can view and update most profile information from within the App. Anyone may contact DBA Siwan (details below, or via the Bar office) about what information is held about them, or to request a correction.

8. Children's Privacy

This website and App are intended for use by enrolled advocates, authorised Bar Association staff, and members of the public seeking Bar Association information, and are not directed at children.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time; the "Last updated" date above will reflect the latest version.

10. Contact

For privacy questions, contact the District Bar Association, Siwan office.