RNI Registration

To establish a newspaper, periodical, or printed publications in India, the owners has to obtain an RNI registration from the Registrar of the Newspapers. RNI registration is essential for every newspaper, circular, magazine, or foreign publications.

What is RNI Registration?

Proprietors must obtain an RNI registration from the Registrar of the Newspapers in order to launch a newspaper, journal, or printed publication. Under the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting established and maintains the regulations for the RNI. Prior to beginning a business involving print, publications, journals, etc., RNI approval is necessary. The following are the requirements for RNI Registration: -

Collection and also maintenance of a Register of Newspapers.
Issue of Certificate of Registration to the papers
Confirming circulation claims and also other non-statutory functions.

Any Indian or Foreign entity entering into a Publishing sector in India would require RNI Registration. Also, any form of editorials and magazine publication would require RNI Registration.

Process

1. Verification Of Title

Before applying for RNI registration, the title of the Newspaper needs to be verified by the RNI. It is the very initial as well as the vital step for RNI Registration. The verification is done to assure the accessibility of the title and to stay resolved in the future. Once the verification is done, the potential individual or company can start the registration process.

2. Validation Of Declaration

After receiving the title confirmation letter from the RNI, it must be present to the respectiveauthority in addition to the appropriate Declaration (Form-I) for verification.

Separate declarations from both publishers as well as a printer are needed if the publisher, as well as printer, is different people. Once the declaration has been authenticated the first issue of the newspaper should be brought.

3. Publication

The PRB Act of 1867 states that-

The first issue needs to be added within 42 days of validation of affirmation if the periodicity of publication is on every day or regular basis.
If the periodicity is fortnightly or above, the first issue needs to be highlighted within 90 days of verification of affirmation. The publication must be printed in the press mentioned in the declaration.
In the situation of multiple language publications, the particulars, and articles, etc. need to be initiated in the languages stated.

4. Certificate Of Registration By RNI

If all the requisite steps duly comply and documentation is in place, the authority issues an RNI Certificate along with the registration.