The Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023 and its rules were recently notified to govern the registration of newspapers and periodicals in India, replacing the 1867 Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act.
Key Features
- Online registration system for newspapers & periodicals
- PRGI replaces RNI as regulatory authority
- Exempts books/academic journals from registration
- Publishers must register titles before publishing
Registration Process
- Online applications via Press Sewa Portal
- Intimation for new periodicals
- Registration certificates to publishers
- Updated records of periodicals
Key Application Types under PRP Act
| Application | Purpose |
| Intimation | By printer before publishing a new periodical |
| Registration | For issuing registration certificate |
| Revision | For updating registration record |
| Transfer | For change in ownership |
| Annual Statement | Publisher to submit circulation details |
Authorities under PRP Act
Press Registrar General of India (PRGI)
- Administer the registration system
- Verify circulation figures
- Enforce compliance as per rules
- Maintain registrar & code of conduct
Press Registrar (PR) – State-wise Registrars
- Appointed by State Governments
- Send intimations/applications to PRGI
- Carry out verifications for registrations
- Periodic review of registered publications
Analysis
Intent behind Replacing PRB Act
- PRB Act 1867 had obsolete provisions for press regulation
- Needed simplification considering expansion of print media
- Decriminalize rules which gave excessive powers to authorities
- Enable fair, transparent and automated regulation
Scope of the PRP Act
- Covers newspapers, magazines, journals and other print periodicals
- Registration required for publication in India in any language
- PRGI is mandated to issue registration certificates
- Seeks to protect newspaper freedom and monitor circulation
Key Functions of the PRGI
- Process applications for title verification and registration
- Review annual statements for circulation verification
- Take action against fake/non-compliant publications
- Maintain up-to-date records of registered publications
- Promote research on newspaper statistics and trends
Criticism of Continued Registration Needs
- Seen by some critics as way for authorities to control content
- Online registration additional burden on small publishers
- Circulation controls reminiscent of license raj past practices
- Self-regulation by news media associations could be an alternative
Recent Expansion of Digital News Media
- Over 500 news websites and channels now allowed uplinking
- But online portals don’t need any license or registration currently
- Forthcoming Digital Media Code of Ethics will likely change this
- Streamlining ahead – uniform press and news media regulation
Ongoing Reforms
- Ministry drafting Mediation Bill to resolve media disputes
- Plans to replace Cable TV Act & revamp Film Certification process
- Creation of Media Commission also on the anvil for reforms
Comparison with Previous PRB Act
- PRP Act has wider scope covering periodicals beyond newspapers
- New rules prohibit demand for security deposit or imposing pre-censorship
- Shifts registration process completely online through Press Sewa portal
- Annual verification of circulation instead of demanding declaration
Benefits of the New Act
- Simplified legal framework replaces outdated colonial-era rules
- Clearly defined process for title verification and dispute resolution
- Removal of restrictive provisions like forfeiture of press property
- Decriminalization – violations now dealt as civil infractions
Challenges in Implementation
- Training local press registrars on using online registration system
- Streamlining coordination between state registrars and PRGI
- Building IT capabilities and grievance redressal mechanisms
- Ensuring transparency through proactive disclosure norms
Global Press Freedom Issues
- India ranked 8th on World Press Freedom Index before the new act
- However, 150 media persons arrested and 10 killed since 2017
- Rising trend of internet shutdowns in the name of public safety
- New act must safeguard media freedom in this context
Way Forward
- Ensure PRGI autonomy and prevent governmental overreach
- Address concentrated media ownership through cross-media limits
- Incentivize subscriptions for independent journalism sustainability
- Enact fresh legislation to protect journalists and whistleblowers
The PRP Act, 2023 overhauls the press and periodicals regulatory framework to facilitate fair growth while preserving freedom of expression.