Context: Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023, which has already been passed by Rajya Sabha in the previous session. 

• It repealed the colonial era law of the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867.

Key Features of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023

• No Requirement of Physical Interface on Grant of Title Allotment and Certificate of Registration Periodicals: It provides a simple online mechanism to apply for title verification and grant of certificate of registration by the Press Registrar General.
  • Significance: It would enable the PRG to fast-track the process. 
• Limited Role of Local Authorities/District Magistrate (DM): Publishers and Printing Presses are not required to furnish any declaration or its authentication before the local authority.
  • Need for Online Intimation: Printing Presses need to furnish an online intimation only to the Press Registrar General (PRG) and the local authority.
  • Time Framework on receipt of Application: The DM is expected to provide its comments/NOC to the PRG within 60 days. Thereafter, the PRG will take the decision to grant registration.
• Ban on Periodicals: A person who has been convicted by any court for an offense involving a terrorist act or unlawful activity, or having done anything against the security of the State shall not be permitted to bring out a periodical.
• On Facsimile/Reprint Edition of a Foreign Periodical: Its printing would require a prior approval of the Central Government and its registration with the Press Registrar General.
• A Credible Appellate Board: The Bill has been provided a credible appellate mechanism, which would be headed by the Chairperson, Press Council of India.  

How the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023 differs from the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867?

• On Administration: Books which were part of the PRB Act 1867 have been taken away as books as a subject are administered by the Ministry of HRD/Education.
• Online Facility: Now only an online intimation has to be filed by the Printing presses before the PRG and the DM unlike earlier to file any declaration before the DM. 
• On Punishment: The PRB Act 1867 which had severe penalties leading to conviction and imprisonment of up to 6 months for various violations of the Act. However, the 2023 Bill provides punishment of jail up to six months only in extreme cases.
  • For Example: If a periodical is published without a Certificate of Registration and the publisher continues the printing of such publication even after six months of direction has been issued to that effect by the PRG.
  • For certain violations, financial penalties have been proposed instead of conviction as earlier. On 
• Power to Suspend/Cancel the Certificate of Registration: In the 1867 Act, only the DM could cancel the declaration of a periodical, but the new Bill empowers the PRG to suspend/cancel the Certificate of Registration.

Must Read: The Lok Sabha Passed The Post Office Bill 2023

News Source: PIB