Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI)

Overview of RNI Registration

RNI stands for the Registrar of Newspapers for India. Registering for an RNI is a must for starting a newspaper, magazine, printing press or journal company. The Press and Registration of Periodical Act of 2023 governs the publishing business in India. These days it is one of the fastest growing industries. Every newspaper, magazine or Journal whether it is daily, weekly, monthly etc. has to self-register with the Registrar of Newspapers for India, an organization run by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act of 2023 mandates this Department to oversee and establish regulations for the Registrar of Newspaper for India. Establishing a newspaper, magazine, printing press or other type of business requires prior clearance from RNI.

The Registrar of Newspapers for India is overseen by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and their role includes developing regulations in accordance with the Press and Registration of Periodical Act of 2023. Therefore, anybody wishing to launch a newspaper, magazine, journal, etc. must first obtain RNI certification.

Comparing the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 vs. the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

What is the role of RNI?

The role and functions are mentioned below:

Title Verification: Ensures that no two newspapers have the same or similar titles, preventing confusion.

Enrolment of Newspapers and Magazine: Grants official Certification to newspapers, periodicals, and publications across India.

Issue of Certificate: Provides a certificate of Approval that allows the publication to operate legally.

Monitoring Circulation: Monitors the circulation of registered newspapers, magazines and journals .

Compliance with Press Act: It ensures that the publisher is following the rules of the Press and Registration of Periodical Act of 2023

Protection of Title Rights: Protects ownership of the title of the publication once it is registered.

Guidance and Assistance: Offers guidance on various legal requirements and procedural steps for Certification and compliance.

Dealing with Complaints: Handles disputes and complaints regarding titles, content, or circulation.

Publishing Annual Reports: Publishes annual statistics and reports on the press and media industry in India.

Who Require RNI Registration ?

Any individual or corporate entity engaged in or planning to enter in the business of publishing of newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. will require a Certification, such as:

• Indian Newspaper 

To run a newspaper in India, a firm or organisation must first register with the RNI. Moreover, the Certification is also required by Regional newspapers.

• Editorials 

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

• International Journal

To publish a newspaper in India, a foreign newspaper firm or organisation must first seek RNI Certification. 
 

• Magazines 

Publications of any sort, in any language, must be registered with the Registrar of Newspapers in India.

• Printing Press

All printing presses in India are now required to have an RNI certificate.

What are the Benefits of RNI Registration?

Under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, the benefits of RNI include:

• Legal Validity

Approval Certificate grants legal recognition to newspapers and journals. Publications must be registered to be considered legitimate and credible.

• Protection of Intellectual Property

 Certification establishes and protects the publisher's ownership rights, preventing unauthorized use or duplication of the publication's name, title, or content.

• Government Advertising Accreditation

Registered newspapers gain access to government advertising, a crucial revenue source. Government agencies prioritize ads in registered publications, enhancing distribution and reach.

• Title Protection

RNI Certificate ensures protection of the publication's title, safeguarding it from misuse or duplication. This protection is essential in the competitive publishing industry.

• Security Against Third-Party Claims

Certification offers protection from false claims and disputes by third parties, including defenses against copyright issues.

• Mandatory Details for Inclusion

Publications must include specific details:

Issue number

Volume number

Prominent title on the cover page

Dateline

Page numbering

Imprint section with: Publisher's name, Printer's details, Editor or owner’s name, Address of the publication, Address of the printing press

What are the Documents Required for RNI Registration?

When applying for RNI , the following documents are required:

• Title Verification Copy:

 Attested copy of title verification.

• Declaration of Start of Business: 

Duplicate of the declaration in the required format.

• Inaugural Edition: 

A copy of the publication’s first edition.

• Declaration of Non-International Partnership: 

Certified statement confirming no involvement in international partnerships.

• Contract Document: 

Agreement between the publisher and the printing press.

• Certificate of Incorporation:

 If the applicant is a business entity or limited liability partner.

• Partnership Deed:

 For LLPs or partnership firms.

• PAN Card:

 For commercial entities, corporations, or firms.

• Board Resolution:

 If applicable to the company.

• Proof of Identity and Address: 

For directors, proprietors, and partners.

RNI Title Registration Online and Verification Process: Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

Online Application: Submit the title verification application through the Press sewa portal, including details like title, language, periodicity, and publication place.

Automated Title Check: Press sewa Portal performs automated checks to ensure the title is unique and not similar to existing one.

Document Upload: Upload required documents, including publisher and printer details and publication information.

Title Approval: Receive an approval notification or rejection alert. Resubmit with modifications if necessary.

Declaration Filing: After approval, file a declaration with the District Magistrate (DM) or authorised officer.

Digital Verification: The DM’s verification is sent electronically to RNI.

Approval Certificate: RNI issues a digital Approval certificate, authorizing publication.

Title Validity: The title is valid for one year. If unused, reapplication is necessary.

Digital Media Provisions: The Certification framework includes digital magazines.

What is the RNI Registration Process?

The RNI registration process under the Press Sewa portal includes the following steps:

• 1. Title Verification

Objective: Ensure the proposed title is unique and avoid conflicts with existing titles.

Process: Submit an online application to the Press sewa portal with details including:  

Newspaper's name, Proprietor's name

Language of publication

 Regularity (daily, weekly, etc.)

Suggested place of publication

The title verification letter must be submitted online or to the relevant authority.

• 2. Authentication of Declaration

Objective: Validate the Certificate with appropriate authorities.

Process:

After obtaining the title verification letter from RNI, file a declaration (Form-I) with the DM or relevant authority.

If the printer and publisher are different, separate declarations from each are required.

For different districts, declarations are needed from both the printing press and publication locations.

• 3. Publication of the First Issue

Objective: Ensure timely publication of the first issue.

Process:

Daily/Weekly Periodicity:- First issue must be published within 42 days of the declaration's validation.

Other Frequencies:- 

First issue should be released within 90 days.

If the printing press and publication locations are in different districts, the date of the declaration's authentication in the publication district is used.

Any delays in publication require an updated declaration.

The publication must include news, articles, and opinions in the specified languages, as stated in the declaration.

RNI Registration Fee

The  RNI Registration are mentioned below:

• Government Fees is nil.
• Title verification fee is Rs 1000 
• Professional fees for Certification range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000.

Why PSR Compliance for RNI Registration?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When RNI registration is not required?

If you run books and magazines of scientific, technical and educational nature, which are not governed by Registrar of Newspapers for India

2. How long does it take to complete the RNI registration process?

Under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, the Registration process involves verifying the title of a publication followed by the Certification process. This process typically takes around 3-4 months to complete, depending on the accuracy of the application and the verification procedures.

3. Do I mandatorily need to get an RNI registration for online newspapers or digital publications?

Yes, under the new Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, digital publications and online newspapers are now required to register , similar to print media. 

4. Do I Need to Periodically Renew the RNI registration?

No, there is no need for a periodic renewal of Certificate. 

5. What Happens if I Operate a Newspaper/Magazine  without RNI ?

It is against the law to run a newspaper without an Approval Certificate . Penalties, fines, and legal repercussions may result from it. 

6. What is the RNI Registration Cost?

Cost For newspapers, magazines and other publications in India ranges from Rs 15000 to Rs 30,000.

7. How to Check RNI Title Verification Status?

To check title application status, visit the Press Sewa portal, enter your application details, and view the status.

8. What is the RNI Reference Number?

The RNI reference number is a unique identifier assigned to each application for newspaper and magazine registration in India. It helps track the application status and facilitates communication with the Registrar.

9. What is the RNI Full Form?

Registrar of Newspapers for India, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as mandated by the Press and Registration of Periodical Act of 2023.

10. What is RNI Title Registration?

RNI Title Registration is a process managed by the Registrar of Newspapers for India, ensuring that newspapers and periodicals have a unique title, comply with legal requirements, and are officially recognised. It helps maintain organised media and publication records in India.

11. How to Check RNI Registration ?

Visit the Press sewa official portal, and enter the newspaper's name or registration number to verify its status.

12. How to know about RNI Title Status?

Go to the Press sewa portal, use the title search option, and enter the newspaper's title. This will show if the title is registered or not.

13. How to Apply RNI Registration Online?

Visit the Press sewa portal, fill out the form with your publication details, upload required documents, and submit. Follow any additional instructions provided for approval.