Lok Sabha Passes Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, Paving the Way for Press Freedom and Business Ease

New Delhi: In a historic move, the Lok Sabha has approved the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, marking the end of the colonial-era Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. Having already been passed by the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, this legislative change is anticipated to bring about a new era of press freedom and simplify the process of doing business in the media sector.

The newly enacted statute, The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, streamlines the allotment of titles and registration of periodicals by introducing a seamless online system, eliminating the need for any physical interface. This innovation aims to expedite the process, especially benefiting small and medium publishers, allowing for hassle-free initiation of publications. Notably, publishers are no longer obligated to file declarations with District Magistrates or local authorities, and printing presses only need to provide intimation, removing the complexity of the previous 8-step process.

Presenting the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur stated, “the Bill reflects yet another step of the Modi Government towards jettisoning the mentality of slavery and bringing new laws for new India.” The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to decriminalizing outdated statutes, improving ease of doing business, and enhancing the overall living experience. The revised legislation introduces financial penalties instead of convictions for certain violations, and an appellate mechanism led by the Chairperson of the Press Council of India has been established. Thakur highlighted the significance of the new law in reducing the title registration process time from 2-3 years to 60 days.

The 1867 Act, a relic of British rule, was designed to exercise control over the press, imposing heavy fines and penalties, including imprisonment. In the context of today’s free press and the government’s dedication to media freedom, the outdated law was deemed incongruent with the current media landscape.

Key Features of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023:

I. Grant of Title Allotment and Certificate of Registration Periodicals

• Simple online mechanism for title verification and certificate of registration.
• No requirement for furnishing declarations before local authorities.
• Persons convicted of offenses against the security of the state prohibited from publishing a periodical.
• Facsimile edition of foreign periodicals can be printed in India with Central Government approval.

II. Printing Presses

• Printers to provide online intimation to the Press Registrar General and local authorities.
• No requirement for printers to file declarations before local authorities.

III. Role of District Magistrate/Local Authority

• Minimalistic role in the grant of certificates and title allotment.
• District Magistrate expected to provide comments/NOC to the Press Registrar General within 60 days.
• No requirement for publishers to file declarations before District Magistrates.

Comparison with the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867:

• Books removed from the purview of the 2023 Bill.
• Printing presses only need online intimation, not declarations.
• Publishers apply for title allotment and registration simultaneously to the Press Registrar General and the district authority.
• Decriminalization with reduced penalties for various violations.
• Jail term envisaged only for extreme cases.
• Empowerment of the Press Registrar General to suspend/cancel Certificates of Registration.

The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, stands as a significant stride toward modernizing and liberating India’s media landscape, aligning with the nation’s aspirations for progress and freedom of expression.