Ease of doing business for media & publishing companies
Ease of doing business for media & publishing companies
New Bill of 2023 repealing the Press & Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867 was passed yesterday by the Rajya Sabha.
The pre-independence archaic law of PRB Act 1867 was amended many times between 1870 and 1983. However, with the changing times and onset of IT, digital world, the old Act is repealed.
Salient features as delineated in the Statement of Objects and Reasons –
Ease of doing the business – simplifying registration process
Online process of title verification and registration of periodicals
Online furnishing information by printer to the Press Registrar General
De-criminalisation of several colonial penal provisions
Removing unnecessary procedural obstacles for publishers and
Removing onerous task on owners of printing presses and publishers from filing declaration or revised declaration before the District Magistrate.
Specific provision for circulation and verification of newspapers
Foreign periodicals – Prior approval for exact reproduction in India.
Important provision that the persons involved in terrorist or unlawful activities will not be able to start periodical or paper.
