Once the application is submitted, RNI verifies the details and checks if the newspaper or periodical meets the eligibility criteria. If everything is found to be in order, RNI grants registration and issues a registration certificate.
RNI registration is mandatory for newspapers and periodicals in India, and failure to obtain registration can result in legal consequences. Remember that RNI registration only applies to publications that are printed and published in India, it does not apply to publications that are published online.
As per the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, all newspapers and periodicals that are published in India, whether in print or digital format, are required to obtain RNI registration. This includes both Indian and foreign publishers.
A newspaper or periodical is defined broadly as any publication that is released on a regular basis, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. This category includes any periodicals with a similar format that are marketed to the general public and provide news, information, or opinions on current events or other topics.
All publications that meet the requirements must be registered with RNI, failure to do so may have implications for law. Therefore, all publishers of newspapers and periodicals in India, regardless of their size or frequency of publication, are required to obtain RNI registration.
RNI registration provides legal recognition to the newspaper or periodical, which is important for publishers to establish their credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of readers and advertisers. Protection of Intellectual Property: RNI registration provides legal protection to the name, masthead, and title of the newspaper or periodical, which is important for publishers to protect their intellectual property rights.
RNI registration is also important for journalists and photographers who work for newspapers and periodicals, as it enables them to obtain press accreditation for various events and activities. Overall, RNI registration provides several benefits to publishers of newspapers and periodicals in India, which can help them to establish their credibility, protect their intellectual property, and access various government schemes and benefits.
RNI registration enables publishers to avail of various government schemes and benefits that are available to registered newspapers and periodicals.
RNI registration is mandatory for newspapers and periodicals to avail of government advertising, and it also helps publishers to attract private sector advertising, as many advertisers prefer to advertise in registered publications.
Declaration Form:
- Name of the newspaper
- periodical
- Language in which it is published,
- frequency of publication
- Address of the publisher.
Certificate of Publication:
This certificate, which was granted by the newspaper or periodical's publisher or printer, attests to the publication's publication and printing in India.
Affidavit: Copy of the Publication:
Publishers are required to send the masthead, editorial page, first and last pages of the latest issue, as well as a copy of the journal.
Affidavit:
The publisher is required to provide an affidavit attesting that the publication complies with all relevant laws and regulations and is free of any banned content.
It is important to ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete, and complies with the guidelines given forward by the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). If the supporting paperwork contains any errors or mistakes, the application may be rejected.
Check Eligibility:
Publishers should check if their publication is eligible for RNI registration as per the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. All newspapers and periodicals published in India, whether in print or digital format, are required to obtain RNI registration.
Gather Required Documents:
Publishers should gather all the required documents for RNI registration, including the declaration form, certificate of publication, copy of the publication, affidavit, and demand draft for the registration fee.
Fill in the Declaration Form:
When filling out the declaration form's fields, remember to include the publication's name, language, frequency of publication, and publisher's address.
Prepare the Certificate of Publication:
Obtain a certificate of publication from the publication's publisher or printer to verify that it was written and printed in India.
Prepare the Copy of the Publication:
Send a copy of the journal, the masthead, the copy of the editorial page, as well as the front and back pages of the most recent edition.
Prepare the Affidavit:
Prepare an affidavit stating that the publication does not carry any prohibited content and complies with all the relevant laws and regulations.
Submit the Application:
Submit the application form and the required documents to the RNI office in your region either in person or by post.
Verification and Approval:
RNI will verify the details and documents submitted by the publisher. If everything is found to be in order, RNI will grant registration and issue a registration certificate.