RNI Registration | Registration of a Newspaper

Introduction to RNI Registration

RNI stands for the Registrar of Newspapers of India. RNI registration is a mandatory requirement to start a business of newspapers, magazines or journals in India. In India all the publishing industry is governed under the press and books registration act, 1867. Nowadays this is one of the most rapidly growing industry. All the daily, weekly, month newspapers, magazine or journals are required to get them self-registered under Registrar of Newspaper for India, which is governed by the ministry of information and broadcasting. This Ministry is responsible for controlling and framing rule regulation for Registrar of Newspaper for India (RNI) under the press and registration of books act, 1867. There is a need for prior approval of RNI to start a business of newspaper, magazine, and journals etc.

Publishing Industry is growing very fast in India. Press and Books Registration Act, 1867 is the primary statue that governs and regulates the Publication of books, newspapers and magazines.

The office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) is controlled by The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and it is also responsible for framing rules under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. So, anybody who’s willing to start a Newspaper or Magazine, Journals, etc. will have to seek prior approval of RNI.

The Regional offices of RNI are in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

Who needs to get registered under RNI?

All person or body corporate who is indulged in the business or going to establish the business of printing of newspaper, magazine or journals etc.

Newspaper in India

Any organisation or company that want to operate a newspaper in India must first obtain RNI Registration. A RNI Registration would also be necessary for regional newspapers.

Editorials

Any editorial, including those in newspaper editorials, must be RNI Registered.

Foreign Journal

Any foreign newspaper company or entity that want to publish its newspaper in India must first obtain RNI Registration.

Magazines

Any kind of publication, in any language, would need to be registered with RNI.

Process of RNI Registration

➲ STEP 1: First step is to verify the name availability for the proposed name of the newspaper, which is verified by RNI. For verification of the title an application is required containing the following Information:

• Name of newspaper
• Name of owner
• Circulation language
• Periodicity and
• The proposed area of newspaper publication

➲ STEP 2: The application will be filed online with RNI and information will be submitted to the concerned district magistrate.

➲ STEP 3: Once District magistrate verifies the credentials of the applicant and then forward the application to the RNI for checking the availability.

➲ STEP 4: After verifying the name RNI will issue the letter of the title to notify the district magistrate and to the publisher.

➲ STEP 5: After this, a declaration in form-I is required to be filed by publisher with district magistrate to start the publishing the newspaper.

If the periodicity of the newspaper is daily or weekly, within 45days from the date of authentication of declaration, the first issue of the newspaper should be brought or in other cases of periodicity within 90 days newspaper should be brought.

The RNI must confirm the title of the Newspaper before submitting an application for registration. It is both the first and most important stage in the RNI Registration process. The verification is carried out to ensure the title's accessibility and to maintain resolution in the future. Following completion of the verification, the prospective person or business can begin the registration process, which is as follows:

Along with the required application, a request must be made.

Name of the newspaper's owner and publication name.

language should be used for publication of the newspaper

Tenure.

specifics about the publication area.

The title and the significance of the title name may be provided in a maximum of five different ways.

The following words cannot be used in the title when it is being verified:

• Channel
• Book
• shortened form of words
• Gazette
• with a religious bent
• vulgar language
• leaders of government officials

The information provided to the relevant District Magistrate must be correct. The District Magistrate sends the application to the RNI after verifying these requirements. A letter of title authentication is thus given by the RNI to inform the District Magistrate and author of the title accessibility.

The publisher must file a declaration with the District Magistrate prior to issuing the publication. Online delivery of RTI confirmation is also possible. Apply to the District Magistrate with the correct information. There are online and offline options for application and submission.

Getting registered with RNI Authorities

Registration with RNI Authorities (registration of title) consists of three steps:

Declaration Validation

Following receipt of the title confirmation letter from the RNI, it must be presented to the relevant authorities for verification along with the proper Declaration (Form-I).

If the publisher and the printer are two different individuals, separate declarations from each are required. The first edition of the newspaper shall be brought when the declaration has been verified.

Publication

According to the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867,

If the frequency of publication is daily or on a regular basis, the first issue must be added within 42 days of affirmation validation.

Within 90 days of the affirmation's verification, the first fault must be identified if the frequency is fortnightly or above. The article needs to appear in the press that was indicated in the declaration.

The information, articles, etc., need to be started in the languages mentioned in the case of publications that are available in various languages.

Documents Required for RNI Registration

➲ Application for Registration in the prescribed form shall be submitted with the RNI along with following attachments:

• Attested copy of titled verification.
• A copy of Declaration of commencement of business in the prescribed format
• A copy of first edition/issue of the applicant Newspaper’s/magazine/journal
• Duly notarized and attested affidavit declaring that no-foreign collaboration exists with the applicant

➲  A copy of the agreement with the printing press and/or the publisher

➲ Certificate of incorporation (in case if the applicant of a company/ LLP)

➲ Copy of Certificate of registration under the respective shops and establishment (in case if the applicant is proprietor)

➲ Copy of Partnership deed (in case if the applicant is a partnership/ LLP)

➲ PAN of the firm/company/business entity

➲ A copy of the Board resolution on the letterhead (in case of Company)

➲ Identity and address proofs of partners/directors/Proprietor

Benefits of Registering with RNI for Journal Publication

Benefits of Registering with RNI for Journal Publication

The following are some significant advantages of RNI Registration for Journal Publication: -

Suitable Compliance

The Press and Registration of Books Act and the rules promulgated thereunder must be followed by any registered firm or entity engaged in the business of publishing newspapers, magazines, etc.

Defence of the title

Because title protection is crucial in the publishing industry, the publishing business or any publisher will receive it through RNI registration.

Because title protection is crucial in the publishing industry, Ny RNI Registration the publishing business or any publisher will receive title protection.

Safety from Third-Party Claims

Along with security for ownership and title, the register would also be protected from any erroneous claims made by third parties. This type of registration also provides protection from any copyright-related difficulties.

Recognition

RNI Registration ensures that the registered company or entity in India's newspaper and publication industry is recognised in some way.

Mandatory Information to be Included in a Newspaper

The newspaper should contain following information:

➲ Issue number

➲ Volume number

➲ On cover page title should be displayed promptly

➲ Dateline

➲ Numbering of page

➲ An imprint containing the following

• Publisher name
• Printer
• Editor or owner
• Publication place address
• Printing press address

Post Registration Compliance

➲ FORM NO. IV which is a statement regarding ownership and other detail of the newspaper should be filled on the very first day of march

➲ Annual Statement in form II on or before the last day of May every year

Duties Carried Out by RNI

The RNI is responsible for carrying out a variety of duties and tasks. The list of duties performed by RNI is provided below: -

• Management and Compliance of a Newspaper Registrar.
• Granting a newspaper published under an authorised declaration a Certificate of Registration.
• Under the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867, annual statements sent by newspaper proprietors are subject to inspection and compliance.
• notifying the district magistrates of the existence of certain titles in order to encourage publishers to file declarations
• Ensuring that newspapers are published in compliance with the rules established by the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867