LS passes landmark press law, overhauling the media sector

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.
The Bill, previously passed by the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, introduces a streamlined and online process for the allotment of titles and registration of periodicals, eliminating the need for physical interactions. This significant change is expected to expedite the process, particularly benefiting small and medium publishers, who will no longer be obligated to file declarations with district magistrates or local authorities.

Under the new statute, publishers and printing presses will experience a simplified procedure, with only an online intimation required for printing presses. The cumbersome eight-step process currently in place, consuming considerable time, will be replaced by a more efficient 60-day title registration process. Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, while presenting the Bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasized its role in breaking away from the colonial mentality and establishing new laws for a modern India.

The Bill also addresses criminality concerns, proposing financial penalties instead of convictions for certain violations. Additionally, it establishes a credible appellate mechanism, headed by the Chairperson of the Press Council of India. The Act of 1867, a remnant of the British Raj aimed at controlling the press, becomes obsolete in the context of today's free press and the government's commitment to media freedom.

Key features of the Bill include an online mechanism for title verification and registration, no requirement for declarations before local authorities, and a simplified role for District Magistrates/local authorities in the registration process. The Bill prohibits individuals convicted of offenses related to terrorism or unlawful activities from publishing a periodical. Moreover, it permits the printing of facsimile editions of foreign periodicals in India with prior approval from the Central Government and registration with the Press Registrar General. The overhaul seeks to align regulations with the current media landscape and foster a more business-friendly environment.