Old press law to go, new bill covers digital media

In a major liberalisation move in the nation’s print media and publishing sectors, the Centre has decided to discard the colonialera Press and Registration of Books Act. The proposed new Registration of Press and Periodicals Bill 2019, which will do away with stringent punishments and jail terms for violations under the current law, will for the first time allow publishers of digital media news platforms to register with the Registrar of Newspapers of India. It will also decriminalise publishing of newspapers and periodicals without permission.

In a major move aimed at liberalisation of the print media and publishing regime in the country, the Narendra Modi government has decided to discard a British-era Act and introduce a new liberal law for the industry for the first time in 70 years. The proposed law, the Registration of Press and Periodicals (RPP) Bill, 2019, aims to replace the imperial era Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 which is often criticised for being draconian in nature.

The proposed law also aims to do away with the stringent punishments and jail terms for infringement under the current imperial era law. For the proposed law also allows the publishers of news on digital media platforms to register themselves with the Registrar of Newspapers of India in a prescribed manner.

The move is significant as the legislation has been proposed by the Narendra Modi government, which has been facing criticism over the years for its tough position on mediarelated issues.

Sources stated that the

proposed law aims to restrict the power of local administration and government officials in the publishing industry. At the same time, it would also de-criminalise the publishing of newspapers and periodicals without the permission of the administration.

Under the proposed law there would be no requirement to seek permission for establishing a printing press and only the local administration would need to be informed. Currently, anyone wishing to start a printing

press needs to seek permission from the local administration for the same.

The Union information and broadcasting ministry has sought suggestions and views of the common people and stakeholders within a month on the proposed law.

Sources stated that once the process of seeking suggestions is over the bill is expected to be put before the union council of ministers for its approval and then introduced in Parliament for passage.