Concept
Person is defined broadly to include individuals, companies, firms, associations, the State and artificial juristic persons.
"person" includes an individual; a Hindu undivided family; a company; a firm; an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or not; the State; and every artificial juristic person not falling within any of the preceding sub-clauses.
The wide definition matters because roles like Data Fiduciary and Data Processor are defined as a 'person'. Almost any kind of entity can hold them.
It includes the State, so government bodies can be Data Fiduciaries, subject to the Act's provisions and exemptions.
A partnership firm, a company and a government department are all 'persons' who can be Data Fiduciaries.
Does 'person' include the government?
Yes. The State is expressly included.
Can a Data Principal be a 'person' in this sense?
A Data Principal is always an individual. The wider 'person' definition governs who can be a fiduciary or processor.