Daily Current Affairs : 28-December-2023
The recent passage of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 by the Lok Sabha marks a significant shift from the archaic Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, signaling a stride towards a more contemporary regulatory framework for the media sector. This article delves into the key features of the new bill and its implications.
Key Features of Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023:
1. Scope and Coverage:
- Focuses on the registration of periodicals, specifically those containing public news or comments on public news.
- Excludes books and scientific/academic journals from its purview.
2. Online Registration:
- Periodical publishers can now register online through the Press Registrar General and designated local authorities.
3. Prohibition and Declaration:
- Individuals convicted of terrorism or actions against state security are prohibited from publishing periodicals.
- Declarations regarding periodicals now submitted to the Press Registrar General, replacing the District Magistrate’s role.
4. Reproduction of Foreign Periodicals:
- Requires prior approval from the central government for the reproduction of foreign periodicals in India.
- Specific registration protocols outlined for the same.
5. Role of Press Registrar General:
- Introduction of the Press Registrar General of India, responsible for various tasks including issuing registration certificates, maintaining a periodical register, and managing registration revisions, suspensions, or cancellations.
6. Online Declarations for Printing Presses:
- Declarations regarding printing presses can now be submitted online to the Press Registrar General.
7. Suspension and Cancellation:
- The Press Registrar General can suspend a periodical’s registration for reasons such as false information, discontinuity in publication, or inaccurate annual statements.
- Registration may be canceled for issues like title similarity or convictions related to terrorism or acts against national security.
8. Penalties and Imprisonment:
- The Press Registrar General has the authority to impose penalties for unregistered publication or failure to submit annual statements promptly.
- Non-compliance may lead to imprisonment for up to six months.
9. Appeals Mechanism:
- Provisions for appeals against refusal of registration certificates, suspension/cancellation of registration, or imposed penalties are available.
- Appeals can be filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within a 60-day timeframe.
Important Points:
- Scope and Coverage:
- Registration focus on periodicals with public news or comments on public news.
- Excludes books and scientific/academic journals.
- Online Registration:
- Periodical publishers can register online through the Press Registrar General.
- Prohibition and Declaration:
- Individuals convicted of terrorism or actions against state security are barred.
- Declarations regarding periodicals submitted to the Press Registrar General.
- Reproduction of Foreign Periodicals:
- Requires central government approval for reproduction in India.
- Specific registration protocols outlined.
- Role of Press Registrar General:
- Responsible for issuing registration certificates, maintaining a periodical register.
- Manages registration revisions, suspensions, or cancellations.
- Online Declarations for Printing Presses:
- Declarations regarding printing presses can be submitted online.
- Suspension and Cancellation:
- Press Registrar General can suspend for false information, discontinuity, or inaccurate statements.
- Registration may be canceled for title similarity or convictions related to security.
- Penalties and Imprisonment:
- Press Registrar General can impose penalties for unregistered publication or late statements.
- Non-compliance may lead to imprisonment for up to six months.
- Appeals Mechanism:
- Provisions for appeals against refusal of registration, suspension/cancellation, or imposed penalties.
- Appeals filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within a 60-day timeframe.
Why In News
Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, repealing the colonial-era law of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. The Bill, which aims to modernize regulations and streamline the registration process for periodicals, had already received approval from the Rajya Sabha in August 2023.
MCQs about Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
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What is the primary focus of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?
A. Books and Journals
B. Online Publishers
C. Periodicals with Public News
D. Scientific/Academic Publications
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How can periodical publishers register under the new bill?
A. Through District Magistrates
B. In-Person Registration Only
C. Online through Press Registrar General
D. Via Central Government Approval
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What is the role of the Press Registrar General in the new legislation?
A. Issuing Annual Statements
B. Approving Foreign Periodicals
C. Imposing Penalties
D. Issuing Registration Certificates
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Under what circumstances can the Press Registrar General cancel a periodical’s registration?
A. Late Submission of Annual Statements
B. Title Similarity Issues
C. Acts Against National Security
D. Both B and C
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