Daily Current Affairs : 4-August-2023
In a significant development, the Rajya Sabha recently passed The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, thereby repealing the long-standing Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. This new legislation aims to modernize and streamline the registration process for newspapers, periodicals, and books in India, addressing various challenges and intricacies present in the earlier law.
The Legacy of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867:
The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, played a crucial role in regulating the print and publishing industry within India. It was designed to oversee the functioning of printing presses and newspapers, ensuring the preservation of copies of books and newspapers printed in the country while facilitating their registration. It’s noteworthy that the Act’s definition of “book” included not just traditional books but also pamphlets, sheets of music, maps, charts, and similar materials. However, it is important to highlight that electronic media was not encompassed by the Act’s provisions.
Key Innovations of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023:
- Broadened Scope of Registration:
- The new bill expands the registration ambit to include not only newspapers and periodicals but also books, catalogues, and publications containing public news or comments on public news.
- However, scientific and academic journals are excluded from the definition of periodicals.
- Streamlined Registration Process:
- The process of obtaining a certificate of registration for a printing press has been simplified. A declaration about the printer/publisher is now submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) and then conveyed to the Press Registrar through an online portal, leading to the issuance of a registration certificate.
- This replaces the previous practice where an applicant had to wait for the Press Registrar’s approval of the title availability before commencing the registration process.
- Foreign Periodicals:
- Reproducing a foreign periodical in India requires prior approval from the central government, ensuring greater oversight and control over such publications.
- Role of Press Registrar General:
- The establishment of the Press Registrar General of India is a noteworthy addition, responsible for issuing registration certificates for all periodicals.
- The Press Registrar General also undertakes various functions, including maintaining a register of periodicals, formulating guidelines for title admissibility, verifying circulation figures, and exercising powers to revise, suspend, or cancel registrations.
- Suspension and Cancellation Provisions:
- The bill empowers the Press Registrar General to suspend a periodical’s registration for a minimum of 30 days, extendable up to 180 days. Grounds for suspension include furnishing false information, failure to publish periodicals continuously, or providing false particulars in annual statements.
- Registration can be cancelled if defects are not corrected. Furthermore, registration may also be revoked if a periodical shares a similar title with another, or if the owner/publisher is convicted of certain criminal activities.
- Penalties and Appeals:
- The bill introduces penalties for publishing periodicals without registration (up to five lakh rupees) and failing to furnish annual statements on time (up to Rs 20,000 for the first default).
- Non-compliance with a directive to stop publishing an unregistered periodical within six months can lead to imprisonment for up to six months.
- The legislation also provides for appeals against registration refusal, suspension/cancellation, or penalties, to be filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within 60 days.
Important Points:
- The Rajya Sabha passed The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, replacing the old Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.
- The earlier Act regulated printing presses, newspapers, and book registration in India.
- The new bill aims to modernize and simplify the registration process for newspapers, periodicals, books, and other publications.
- The definition of “book” under the 1867 Act included pamphlets, music sheets, maps, and charts, but not electronic media.
- The new bill expands registration to include newspapers, periodicals, books, catalogues, and publications with public news or commentary.
- Scientific and academic journals are excluded from the definition of periodicals.
- The registration process for printing presses is simplified through an online declaration system submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) and Press Registrar.
- The new process eliminates the need for Press Registrar’s title approval before registration.
- Reproduction of foreign periodicals in India requires prior approval from the central government.
- The Press Registrar General of India is established to issue registration certificates for periodicals and undertake various functions.
- Functions of the Press Registrar General include maintaining a periodical register, setting title admissibility guidelines, verifying circulation figures, and managing suspensions and cancellations.
- Periodical registration can be suspended for 30-180 days due to false information, failure to publish, or false particulars in statements.
- Registration can be canceled for uncorrected defects or if a periodical has a similar title to another, or if the owner/publisher is convicted of certain crimes.
- Penalties are introduced for publishing unregistered periodicals (up to five lakh rupees) and failing to submit annual statements (up to Rs 20,000).
- Non-compliance with a directive to stop publishing an unregistered periodical can lead to up to six months of imprisonment.
- Appeals against registration refusal, suspension/cancellation, or penalties can be filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within 60 days.
- The bill reflects India’s commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and responsible media landscape.
Why In News
The recent passage of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 by the Rajya Sabha marks a significant modernization step as it replaces the antiquated Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. This transformative legislation aims to streamline the regulation of periodicals and adapt to the evolving landscape of media and information dissemination in today’s digital age.
MCQs about The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023
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What is the main objective of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023?
A. To regulate social media platforms.
B. To streamline the registration process for newspapers, periodicals, and books.
C. To ban foreign periodicals in India.
D. To enforce stricter penalties for unregistered publications.
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Under the new bill, what is the role of the Press Registrar General of India?
A. To oversee international media partnerships.
B. To manage printing press operations.
C. To issue registration certificates for periodicals and perform various functions related to periodical registration.
D. To regulate electronic media content.
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What is the consequence of publishing a periodical without registration under the new bill?
A. Warning letter from the Press Registrar.
B. Suspension of registration for up to 180 days.
C. Immediate cancellation of registration.
D. Fine of up to five lakh rupees.
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What can lead to the suspension of a periodical’s registration under the new bill?
A. Sharing a title with another periodical.
B. Reprinting foreign articles without approval.
C. Failure to submit annual statements.
D. Publishing academic journals.
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