Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill 2023

• Context (PIB): Lok Sabha passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023.
• The Bill replaces the Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act 1867.

Provisions of the PRP Bill 2023

• The Bill simplifies the registration process for periodicals.
• One-time registration is mandated for digital news platforms.
• The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General (PRG) to suspend/cancel registration.
• Convicts of terrorist acts, unlawful activity, or acts against the state’s security will not be allowed to operate periodicals.
• Foreign periodicals can be printed in India with prior approval of the Central Government.
• The requirement to file a declaration before the District Magistrate is replaced with Online intimation.
• Decriminalisation: A six-month prison term is specified only for the continued operation of non-registered periodicals after direction by PRG.
• Any refusal of grant of registration and penalty or cancellation can be appealed against.
• The Press and Registration Appellate Board will comprise the Chairperson-Press Council of India (PCI) and two members of the PCI.

Significance of the PRP Bill 2023

• Transparency and ease of doing business by simplification of process.
• Bill covers digital media, addressing the issue of fake news.
• Books are excluded from the PRP Bill’s purview, administered by the Ministry of Education.

Criticism of PRP Bill 2023

• Expansion of power beyond PRG, including law enforcement agencies, can restrict press freedom.
• The power to enter the premises of Press organisations to PRG is considered intrusive.
• Concerns are being raised against the power to frame rules for the Central government.