The Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister introduced the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill aims to replace the existing Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act 1867, which currently governs the registration of print and publishing industries in India. The PRP Bill proposes significant changes to the registration process for periodicals and brings digital news platforms under its purview.
Background of the PRB Act 1867
The PRB Act 1867 was established to regulate printing press and newspapers in India, preserve copies of books and newspapers printed in the country, and provide for their registration. It included even pamphlets, music sheets, maps, and charts under the definition of ‘book.’ However, electronic media was excluded from the Act’s purview. The Act only allowed the district magistrate (DM) to cancel the declaration of a periodical, while the Press Registrar General (PRG) lacked the power to cancel or suspend the Certificate of Registration.
Salient Provisions of the PRP Bill 2023
The PRP Bill 2023 aims to simplify the registration process for periodicals and introduces mandatory one-time registration for digital news platforms. The Press Registrar General (PRG) will have the authority to suspend or cancel registrations. Additionally, individuals convicted for offenses related to terrorism, unlawful activities, or actions against the security of the state will not be permitted to publish periodicals.
Eliminating Redundant Provisions
The PRP Bill 2023 removes two provisions that required publishers and printers to file declarations before the district magistrate (DM). Instead, they will only need to file an online intimation before the PRG and DM. Moreover, the Bill reduces the punishment for improper declaration of information, focusing on cases where a periodical is published without a certificate of registration or if the publisher fails to cease printing after six months of a directive by the PRG.
Introduction of Appellate Authority
The PRP Bill 2023 establishes the Appellate Board (Press and Registration Appellate Board) comprising the chairperson of the Press Council of India (PCI) and two PCI members. The Appellate Board will hear appeals against the refusal of registration, imposition of penalties, or suspension/cancellation of registration by the PRG.
Significance of the PRP Bill 2023
The proposed PRP Bill holds significant importance in modernizing media regulation in India. By providing a simplified registration process, it aims to bring transparency and ease of doing business, especially benefiting small and medium publishers. Moreover, the inclusion of digital news media under the PRP Bill’s purview is expected to counter the spread of fake news on apps, websites, and social media accounts.
Impact on Digital News Platforms
With traditional print and electronic media already governed by various laws, digital news platforms were previously exempt from registration requirements. To address this loophole, the Indian government introduced the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, making it mandatory for digital news platforms to register with the government. The PRP Bill 2023 aligns with this effort, further regulating digital news platforms and promoting responsible journalism.
Exclusion of Books from the PRP Bill
The PRP Bill 2023 notably excludes books from its purview, as books are administered by the Ministry of Education. This move ensures better focus and specific regulations for the publishing industry while not duplicating the efforts of other governing bodies.
