Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023

August 4, 2023

The Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023 has been a significant development in the realm of media regulation in India. Introduced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur in the Rajya Sabha on a particular date, this Bill seeks to replace the existing Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867.

Replacing the PRB Act

The PRP Bill, 2023 aims to modernize and streamline the registration process for periodicals in India. It takes a major step towards bringing transparency and ease of doing business for small and medium publishers. By replacing the outdated PRB Act from the 19th century, the new Bill acknowledges the need for updated regulations in a digital age where the media landscape has evolved significantly.

Empowering the Press Registrar General (PRG)

One of the significant changes introduced by the PRP Bill is empowering the Press Registrar General (PRG) with the authority to suspend or cancel registrations. In the previous Act, only the district magistrate (DM) had the power to cancel the declaration of a periodical. This shift in authority is aimed at streamlining the registration process and enhancing regulatory efficiency.

Streamlining Penal Provisions

The PRB Act, 1867 carried stringent penalties for various violations, including imprisonment of up to six months. However, the PRP Bill takes a more lenient approach by reducing the penal provisions. The new Bill only contemplates a maximum imprisonment of six months if a periodical is published without a registration certificate, and the publisher continues printing despite receiving a direction from PRG for six months. This step aims to balance regulation while providing some relief to publishers.

Introducing Appellate Authority

To ensure fair proceedings and address grievances, the PRP Bill introduces an Appellate Board known as the Press and Registration Appellate Board. Comprising the chairperson and two members of the Press Council of India (PCI), this board will hear appeals against refusal of registration, imposition of penalties, or suspension/cancellation of registration by PRG.

Exclusion of Books and Digital Intimation

In a strategic move, the PRP Bill excludes books from its purview, as books fall under the domain of the Ministry of Education. This clear distinction ensures better focus and regulation of periodicals specifically.

Moreover, the Bill simplifies the process for printing presses, as they will now be required to file only an online intimation before the PRG and DM, instead of filing declarations before the district magistrate.

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