(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 Also, the PRB Act, 1867 stands repealed after the coming into force of the PRP Act.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.

31. How can an Indian entity apply for approval to publish a ‘facsimile edition’ of a foreign periodical in India?

 An Indian entity is required to apply on the National Single Window System, seeking approval from the Central Government for the same. The application should align with the Guidelines formulated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for this purpose, which are available on the National Single Window System. 

32. What is the process of "publishing" as per the Act?

"Publishing" means the process of making a work available to the public by issuing or causing to be issued the copies thereof or in any other manner, whether for a price or free of charge. The word "publishing" shall be construed accordingly. 

33. How to apply when owner is a non-individual company etc?

In case the owner is a non-individual, the owner can authorise an applicant on its behalf by providing an authority letter to the individual. The applicant will be able to file the form for title options and invite a publisher for submitting the application online. The applicant will be given all rights to carry out the duties on the Press Sewa Portal on behalf of the owner.

34. What are the steps an Indian entity needs to take after receiving approval for publishing a facsimile edition?

Within fifteen (15) days of the approval, the Indian entity must apply to the Press Registrar General on the Press Sewa Portal for the grant of a certificate of registration. This application should be accompanied by documents specified in the Press Sewa Portal, and a fee of rupees ten thousand (Rs. 10,000) needs to be paid on Bharat Kosh as per specified payment modes. 

35. Who is a "publisher" under the Act?

A "publisher" is a person responsible for publishing a periodical. 

36. What happens to my title which were already verified under PRB Act and not registered yet.?

The owner has the option to file the Registration form online after selecting the option of ‘already verified title’. The owner can map the title using his title code online and then fill the form for registration.

37. How does the Press Registrar General process the application for the certificate of registration?

The processing of an application by the Press Registrar General involves checking the correctness and completeness of the application details. It also considers additional information obtained from the applicant, or comments received from the Ministry on the Press Sewa Portal. If the application fulfils all the requirements, the Press Registrar General issues a certificate of registration for publishing the facsimile edition in India. 

38. What is the definition of a "printer" in the Act?

A "printer" is the owner or keeper of a printing press.

39. How to register a journal ?

As per the PRP Act 2023, Journals will not be considered for registration. 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.

40. When can an applicant commence the publication of the facsimile edition in India?

The applicant is allowed to commence the publication of the facsimile edition in India only after the Press Registrar General grants the certificate of registration as per sub-rule (5).