(Updated as on 17.5.2024)

The Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867 and The Registration of Newspapers (Central) Rules, 1956 governed the regulation of printing presses and newspapers printed in India and registration of books and newspapers till 29.2.2024.

With the notification of the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023 and the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Rules, 2024 with effect from 1.3.2024, the registration and publication of periodicals (which includes newspapers) and the manner of furnishing intimation by printing presses will be governed by the PRP Act, 2023. Also, the PRB Act, 1867 stands repealed after the coming into force of the PRP Act.

The PRP act provides for the appointment of a Press Registrar General of India to carry out the purposes under the Act. The Press Registrar appointed under the PRB Act has taken over as the Press Registrar General. Under the PRP Act, the office of the Registrar of Newspapers of India (RNI) has been renamed as the Office of the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI).

The following FAQ is published for the benefit and guidance of all stakeholders.

21. Is the application required to be submitted to and authenticated by the Magistrate/ Specified Authority, as was the process under the old PRB Act, 1867?

No. The procedure of physical submission of application and subsequent authentication by the area magistrate mandated under the PRB Act, 1867 has been done away with in the PRP Act. Application submitted by the publisher on the press sewa portal, after the removal of deficiencies, if any, will be forwarded to the Specified Authority by the Press Registrar General through the Portal itself and the Specified Authority will furnish no-objection or comments within the specified period.

22. How are references to 'forms' interpreted in these rules?

All references to 'forms' in these rules should be understood as references to forms set out in the Press Sewa Portal. 

23. What does the term "publication" signify in the Act?

"Publication" means newspapers, magazines, journals, or newsletters printed periodically and published in India. It includes reproduction in electronic form or any syndication, facsimile edition, for public distribution or access. 

24. Am I required to apply for Title verification first and later for title registration.

As per the new PRP Act 2023, which has replaced the old system under the PRB Act 1867, the two separate processes of title verification and registration are now replaced by a single Periodical Registration Process which is completely online.

25. What is the process a printer has to follow with regard to the Press and Registration Periodical Rules, 2024?

The printer of a periodical shall, within fifteen (15) days of starting a printing press of a periodical, send intimation to the Press Registrar General and the specified authority within whose jurisdiction the printing press is situated, on the Press Sewa Portal. The intimation should include the particulars and documents specified in the Press Sewa Portal. 

What should a printer do if there are changes in the particulars mentioned in the intimation? 

If any changes occur in the particulars mentioned in the intimation after its submission, the printer is required to inform the Press Registrar General and the specified authority about the changes. On Press Sewa Portal. 

26. What is a "facsimile edition" under the Act?

A "facsimile edition" of a periodical means an exact reproduction of the original edition of a foreign publication in English or an Indian language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. 

27. What happens if the Press Registrar General decides not to grant registration and what steps can the publisher take?

If the Press Registrar General decides not to grant registration, an online communication is issued to the publisher specifying the reasons. The publisher has ten days to submit a reply on the Press Sewa Portal. The Press Registrar General, after considering the reply, may either grant or refuse registration. If registration is refused, a speaking order specifying the grounds is sent to the publisher on the Press Sewa Portal.

28. How should a printer handle changes in particulars that involve a change in the location of the printing press under a different specified authority's jurisdiction?

In cases where changes in particulars involve a change in the location of the printing press falling under the local jurisdiction of another specified authority, the printer should send a fresh intimation online on the Press Sewa Portal to the Press Registrar General and the new specified authority. Additionally, the printer must also inform the specified authority to whom the original intimation was sent. 

29. How does the Act define a "journal"?

According to the Act, a "journal" means a periodical publication, other than a magazine, which primarily carries academic, scientific, or technical content related to a particular discipline or profession. 

30. How is the process of application for Facsimile edition initiated?

An Indian entity wishing to publish a facsimile edition is required to apply first on the National Single Window System for obtaining approval from the ministry of I & B as per the guidelines laid down on this behalf by the Ministry.

After obtaining the approval of the Ministry, the publisher is required to apply for registration on the Press Sewa portal within 15 days.