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.

Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 Regulation of the printing press, mandatory preservation of copies and registration of books & newspapers was included in the Act. Electronic media is outside the purview of this Act (reiterated in Sanjay Pinto v. A. Kamaraj, 2011). Only the District Magistrate had Suo-motu power to cancel or suspend the periodical registration. Offences attracted prison terms of up to six months, a fine, or both.

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.

The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory body under the Press Council Act 1978.

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.