Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article “Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill passed by Lok Sabha” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023

Why in the News?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023. Rajya Sabha had already passed this bill in the previous session.

What is the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?

Replaces: Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

Key Provisions of the bill:

1) Grant of title allotment and Certificate of Registration Periodicals: The Bill provides for an online mechanism to apply for title verification and grant of certificate of registration from the Press Registrar General.

2) Limited Role of District magistrate/ local authority: The publishers would no longer be required to file a declaration. Furthermore, printing presses would also not be required to furnish any such declaration; instead only an intimation would be sufficient.

3) Facsimile edition of a foreign periodical can be printed in India with prior approval of the Central Government and its registration with the Press Registrar General.

4) Books which were part of the Act have been taken away from the purview of the bill as books as a subject are administered by the Ministry of Education.

5) Substantially decriminalized: Now, the maximum jail term of six months applies only in extreme situations. For example, if a publication continues printing without a registration certificate despite a six-month warning from the Press Registrar General.
Moreover, for certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed instead of conviction as earlier.

6) Restrictions on who can bring out periodical: A person who has been convicted by any court for an offence involving terrorist act or unlawful activity or having done anything against the security of the State shall not be permitted to bring out a periodical.

7) Cancellation of registration: In the 1867 Act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical. The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

8) Press and Registration Appellate Board: It is headed by Chairperson, Press Council of India. It will deal with issues related to registration.

UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News