RNI Registration

RNI Registration: Know-it-all

In order to seek an authorisation to print a newspaper, magazine, journal etc you need to obtain RNI registration. The owners can get themselves registered under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. In order to start a legal business of printed publications, journals etc, getting RNI registration is a requisite.

Why RNI is essential

What if you do not find newspapers authentic and you are in search of relevant information or want to publish a journal on some topic you are interested in? What if an idea to start your own publication strikes your mind? You can anytime do so by just getting registered under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. A regulatory body was framed under this Act in order to regulate the introduction of printed publications called the Registrar of the Newspapers of India(RNI). It is the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which keeps a check on RNI, and frames rules to guide. The requisites of RNI registration are-

• To collect and upkeep the register of newspapers
• Issuing Certificate of Registration
• Affirming circulation claims as well as the non- statutory functions performed.

Who should get RNI Registration ? 

Persons who are willing to publish Indian or foreign newspaper, editorials, magazines, any foreign entity interested in printed publications within India compulsorily needs to get RNI registration. There are various benefits one can avail after getting the RNI registration such as

• Appropriate compliance
• Safeguarding against 3rd party claim
• Shielding the title
• Provides recognition and authentication to the publication

What liabilities are borned by RNI

Various functions are exercised by RNI. The responsibilities it needs to accomplish are

• To manage and check that the functions performed are consistent to the rules framed.
• To timely issue the certificate of registration to a newspaper whose publication is made fulfilling the valid requirements.
• To check that the annual statements, provided by the publishers of newspapers every year are in compliance with the PRB Act.
• Availability of titles should be brought in the knowledge of District Magistrates, to encourage the filling of declarations by the publishers.
• Confirming that newspapers published are in compliance with the rules and provisions of PRB Act.
• Authenticity of the circulation claims submitted in the annual statements by the publishers should be verified.

Requirements for RNI Registration

There are some basic requirements that need to be accomplished for getting RNI registration. They are

• Volume number
• Issue number
• Page number
• Dateline
• Prominent Title displayed on cover page as well as other pages
• Printer
• Name of the publisher
• Name of the editor and owner
• Name and address of Publication place and printing press

What documents are essentially needed for RNI Registration ? 

RNI registration requires following documents

For Registration

• A letter verifying the title
• The declaration should be verified and authenticated by District Magistrate/Additional Magistrate etc.
• For no foreign Tie-up, a duly signed affidavit should be notarized by the publisher.
• One should bring a copy of the first issue of the newspaper
• Printer agreement should be brought along with the copy of the printing press

Documents required by a Company or Proprietorship 

• MOA, AOA, and COI of the company as well as the details of the directors.
• A copy of PAN card is a must where Partnership deed is involved along with the details of each partner.
• In the case of a company, a copy of board resolution is a necessity.
• ID and address proof of all directors, Partners, Proprietar is also required

After Registration 

By the last week of February, the duly filled form no. IV, which is a declaration of ownership and consists of various details of the newspaper, should be included in the first issue of the newspaper

Next requirement is, the necessary compliance related to the annual statement in form II  before or on 31st May, every year.

Fresh Filing

In case there is a change of publisher

• Printer
• Owner
• Printing Press
• Periodicity

Procedure for RNI registration

This procedure can be bifurcated into four parts

1. Verification of Title

Title of the newspaper should be verified by the RNI before one applies for RNI registration. This verification is conducted to ensure the availability and accessibility of the title so that if any conflict arises in the future it can be easily resolved. Thus, this step of verification is of utmost importance. After the title is verified, the registration process can be carried out further as follows

An application shall be submitted along with the requisite application stating-

• Name of the owner as well as the newspaper
• language in which the newspaper shall be published and circulated.
• Periodicity.
• The areas where newspapers shall be published.

A maximum of 5 options can be listed in case the amendment is required, along with the importance of the title name.

Words which are inappropriate to be used in the Title, and should be verified are

• Channel
• Book
• Abbreviation of words
• Gazette
• Religious connotations
• Obscene words
• Head of government functionaries

The exact particulars used should be submitted to the concerned district magistrate to verify, approve and thus, forward the application to RNI. In order to inform the author and District Magistrate regarding the approachability of the title, the RNI issues a letter of Title authentication. A publisher needs to submit a declaration with the District Magistrate, before publishing the newspaper. The application and the submission can be made in both online as well as offline mode. One can also receive the RNI confirmation of registration online.

2. Seek a validation of declaration

Once the title confirmation letter is received from the RNI, it must be submitted to the concerned authority along with the appropriate declaration (form-I) for verification. In Cases where the publisher and the printer are two different individuals, separate declarations need to be filed from the publisher as well as a printer. The first issue of the paper should only be brought into notice after the declaration has been verified

3. Publication

The provisions of PRB Act, 1867 states that-

• If the publication is to be made on an everyday basis then, within 42 days from the date on which affirmation was validated, the first issue should be added.
• If publication is to be made every fortnight or above then, within 90 days from the date on which affirmation was validated, the first issue should be added. The publication will only be considered valid if printed in the press which was mentioned in the declaration.
• The particulars, or articles need to be printed in all the languages mentioned, in the cases of numerous language publications.

4.Certificate of Registration

The authority issues an RNI certificate and the registration process is completed once all the required steps are duly fulfilled and are in the compliance of PRB Act, 1867, also the documents are submitted and verified

Estabizz Procedure for RNI Registration

You can follow the above given process to get RNI registration and avail the benefits of authentic and enhanced publications. Our Estabizz experts are always there to guide you and solve your concerns regarding RNI registration, its procedure and importance in India. Our Estabizz specialists will help you in fulfilling the criterias required in a cost effective way and attain the result awaited.

It is suggested that an attorney who specialises in the registration/certification process must be appointed to understand the requirements in detail as well as eliminate and overcome the difficulties or issues involved in the RNI registration process. Getting the knowledge of the primary information from your end will be of great help to initiate the process. Attorney will do the needful once the information is provided and the payment is received

Why trust Estabizz

Estabizz is a renowned platform which helps you to attain all your legal and financial needs by connecting you with experienced professionals. Yes, our clients believe in our trustworthy legal services! Because we tend to focus on cutting down expenses in the process and simplifying the legal procedures. Our progress can also be tracked down by you on our platform. Any of your queries related to RNI registration process is just a call away and will be solved by our professionals who expertise in this field. Estabizz will ensure that your connection with our professionals proves to be worthy.

You can purchase a plan which guarantees expert guidance.

• Add issues or problems you are facing regarding RNI registration.
• Provide documents for verification to Estabizz professionals.
• Writing an application as well as fulfilling all the required criterias for elementary screening.
• Title verification and documentation for RNI registration.
• Compliance with the procedural actions.
• Get your RNI registration done easily at your convenience

For Understanding More in Details Feel free to connect with us

CS Devyani Khambhati

Estabizz Fintech Private Limited

+91-98256-00907