FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. Is it necessary to register the Newspaper?

Registration of newspaper is essential under PRB Act, 1867. It protects the rights
of owner of the newspaper so that nobody else can publish the newspaper with
same/similar title in same language/State.

2. What are the steps required to register new Newspaper?

STEP 1. VERIFICATION OF TITLE To register the newspaper one should first
apply for the title verification through DM/SDM concerned. Format of title
verification application can be downloaded from RNI website www.rni.nic.in.
After the application duly forwarded by DM/SDM concerned, is received in
RNI, title status can be checked from RNI website by clicking title status
button. Title Verification letter can also be downloaded from RNI website.
The title verification letter with scanned signature downloaded from RNI
website is valid for authentication of declaration by DM/SDM concerned. The
verified title is to be got registered within 2 years from title verification date, to
prevent deblocking/cancellation of the title. The ownership of the title is non
transferable before registration.

STEP 2. AUTHENTICATION OF DECLARATION After downloading/receiving the
title verification letter, the same should be presented to DM/SDM concerned
alongwith properly filled declaration (Form-I) for authentication. The
proforma of the declaration can be downloaded form RNI website (proforma
button). There are 11 points in the declaration. All columns should be filled
properly, either completely typed or completely hand written legibly. No
column should be left blank. Fluid and overwriting should be avoided and if
there is such case, the same should be counter signed by the authenticating
authority. Each page of the declaration should be authenticated clearly with
reference number, date of authentication, signature, full name, designation and
seal of the authenticating authority. If publisher and printer are different
persons, then separate declarations from both publisher and printer are required.
If place of publication and printing press are in different districts then separate
declarations are required from both the districts.


STEP 3. PUBLICATION OF VOLUME/YEAR-1 ISSUE-1

(i) Under section 5 (5) of PRB Act 1867, volume/year-1 issue-1 should be
brought within 42 days of authentication of declaration, if periodicity is
daily or weekly. If periodicity is fortnightly or above, volume/year-1
issue-1 should be brought out within 90 days of authentication of
declaration. In case volume-1 issue-1 is not brought out with in the
required time period, a revised declaration should be filed and volume-1
issue-1 should be brought out within the required period from the date of
authentication of revised declaration.
(ii) The publication should be printed in the press mentioned in the
declaration and should primarily contain news/views/articles etc. In
case of bilingual/multilingual publications news/views/articles etc
should be carried out in all the languages of the publication.
(iii) To ensure distinctiveness of the title, it should be displayed in the
masthead, as verified and should not resemble/imitate any existing title.
The title shall be displayed in uniform font/letter size in mast head of the
publication. The difference in font/letter size should not be more than
25%. The title shall be displayed either horizontally or vertically. In
case of bilingual/multilingual publications the title in the masthead
should be displayed in one of the languages of publication. Periodicity
should not be mentioned alongwith the title in the masthead if it is not
part of the verified title. If title displayed in the masthead is in language
other than English or Hindi, the same should also be displayed in
English/Hindi (it should be as verified and not translation and it can be
in smaller font size).
(iv) The masthead should also carry dateline containing volume and issue
number, date/month/year, periodicity, price and publication city, in the
language of publication and also in English/Hindi in case of publications
in languages other than English and Hindi.
(v) Each page should display the title, page number, and date/month/year of
publication.
(vi) The imprint line should be printed legibly as Printed by___ Published
by___ on behalf of ___(name of owner)__ and Printed at ___( name and
complete address of printing press)___ and published from ___ complete
address of place of publication___. Editor___.

(In case of publications in languages other than English or Hindi, the imprint
line should also be displayed in English/Hindi for reference. It can be in
smaller font size)

STEP 4. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS TO RNI FOR REGISTRATION
Following documents should be submitted to RNI alongwith covering
Registration Certificate application, completely filled and signed by
publisher (Proforma available on RNI website), for obtaining registration
number and registration certificate, at the earliest:
.
1. Declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or Copy
Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary). If publisher and printer are different
persons, then separate declarations from both publisher and printer are required.
If place of publication and printing press are in different districts then separate
declarations are required from both the districts.
2. Under section 5(2B) of PRB Act, 1867 where the printer and publisher of a
newspaper making a declaration is not owner thereof, the authorization letter from
the owner authorizing such person as publisher and printer and also authorizing
him/her to make declaration is required.
3. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website). However,
in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from Ministry of I&B is
required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B
or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of foreign contribution etc. (Proforma
for these affidavits are available on RNI website)
4. First issue of the newspaper published within the required time period, after the
authentication of declaration mentioning volume/year-1 and issue-1. (Please
ensure that the volume/year-1 issue-1 is bought out as per details given in STEP 3).
Please also submit the latest issue brought out at the time of submitting
application for registration.
5. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or plain
paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing press),
alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the DM/SDM
concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer agreement is
available on RNI website)
6. Copy of the Title Verification Letter.


3. What is the procedure for starting new edition of registered publication
within the same state?

a) Same language, same district, different periodicity: In such case no
separate title verification is required. Please directly file declaration to the
DM/SDM concerned mentioning the reason for filing declaration in
column 11(c). Reason should clearly state new edition in _____
periodicity. After authentication of declaration please follow STEP 3
and STEP 4 for registration of new newspaper.
b) Same language, different district, same/different periodicity: In such case
no separate title verification is required. Please directly file declaration to
the DM/SDM concerned mentioning the reason of filing declaration in
column 11(c). Reason should clearly state new edition from
_____district. After authentication of declaration please follow STEP 3
and STEP 4 for registration of new newspaper.
c) Different language, same state, same/different periodicity: In such case
first get the title verified in that language and after than follow STEP 2,
STEP 3 and STEP 4 for registration of new newspaper.
d) Different/same language, different state: In such case first get the title
verified in that language from state concerned and after that follow STEP
2, STEP 3 and STEP 4 for registration of new newspaper.




4. What are the documents to be submitted for Revised Registration Certificate
if there is no ownership change?

If there is change in Periodicity, Publisher, Printer, Place of publication and
Printing press, following steps are to be followed:

STEP 1. Revised declaration to be filed to the DM/SDM concerned mentioning all the
reasons for filing revised declaration in column 11(c).
STEP 2. Bring out next issue after authentication of revised declaration making
necessary changes in the imprint line as per the details given in the
declaration. In case of change in Publisher, Printer, Place of publication
and Printing press, the volume number and issue number will continue.
However, in case of change of periodicity the volume/year number will continue but
the first issue brought out after authentication of revised declaration in new
periodicity, would be issue 1.
STEP 3. Please submit following documents alongwith Revised Registration
Certificate application completely filled and signed by publisher (Proforma
available on RNI website) to RNI for obtaining revised registration
certificate:
1. Revised declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary). If publisher and printer are
different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher and printer
are required. If place of publication and printing press are in different districts
then separate declarations are required from both the districts.
2. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
3. Immediate issue of the newspaper published after authentication of revised
declaration and also latest issue.
4. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
5. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
6. If annual statements have not been submitted then fine of Rs. 500/- (for every
default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour of
DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)


5. What are the documents required for change in editor and price?

In such cases revised declaration is not necessary. To change the editor and price
one should send the application for change of editor and price to DM/SDM
concerned and a copy to RNI alongwith latest issue of newspaper which reflects
the change. A letter for change of Editor/Price of newspaper will be issued to
publisher under intimation to DM/SDM concerned. Further, if publisher wants
that change should be carried out in registration certificate, then publisher has to
file the revised declaration mentioning the reason for filing revised declaration in
column 11 (c) and submit all documents required for issuance of Revised
Registration Certificate to RNI.


6. What are the documents required for changing the ownership of Newspaper?

a) For transfer of ownership from individual owner to individual/ non
individual owner: In such cases Affidavit for transfer of ownership, duly
authenticated by DM/SDM concerned is required alongwith all other
documents required for issuance of revised registration certificate. If there are
more editions from different districts/states, ownership transfer affidavit will
be required from each district/ state. Ownership of all the editions of a title
will be transferred simultaneously to one owner only. (Affidavit proforma
available on RNI website www.rni.nic.in)
b) For transfer of ownership from non individual (company, firm etc.) to
individual/non individual: In such cases resolution (original or photocopy
attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) of non individual (company, firm etc.)
owner for transferring the ownership and also authorizing some person to file
the ownership transfer affidavit is required. Then Affidavit for transfer of
ownership by the authorized person, duly authenticated by DM/SDM
concerned should be submitted to RNI alongwith all other documents required
for issuance of revised registration certificate. If there are editions from
different districts/states, ownership transfer affidavit will be required from
each district/ state. (Affidavit proforma available on RNI website
www.rni.nic.in)
c) Change in the name of the non individual owner etc: In such cases
supporting documents to prove the change of name of the owner (original or
attested photocopy) is required alongwith the affidavit for change in name of
company by the authorized person duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned
and all other documents required for issuance of revised registration
certificate. If there are editions from different districts/states, ownership
transfer affidavit will be required from each district/ state. (Affidavit proforma
available on RNI website www.rni.nic.in)
d) Change in the name of owner in case of amalgamation of companies: In
such cases court decree (attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) is required
alongwith all other documents required for issuance of revised registration
certificate.
e) Change of ownership after death of owner: In case of death of the owner of
newspaper (a) Attested copy of registered Will made by the owner
transferring the title. (b) If will is not made then legal heir certificate duly
signed by authority concerned and No Objection Certificates from all other
legal heirs duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned are required along with
all other documents required for issue revised registration certificate. The No
Objection Certificate should clearly mention the name of the title (all editions)
transferred to new owner.

(Please note that Ownership of all the editions of a title will be
transferred simultaneously to one owner only.)

7. What is the procedure for issue of Duplicate Registration Certificate?

For obtaining duplicate registration certificate publisher is required to submit
following documents alongwith Revised/Duplicate registration certificate
application completely filled and signed by publisher (Proforma available on RNI
website):
1. Last declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or Copy
Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary). If publisher and printer are different
persons, then separate declarations from both publisher and printer are
required. If place of publication and printing press are in different districts
then separate declarations are required from both the districts.
2. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
3. Latest issue of the newspaper.
4. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
5. Affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
6. If annual statements have not been submitted then penalty of Rs. 500/- (for
every default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour
of DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)

8. What is the procedure for restarting of publication?

If a publication was stopped for more than a year, the publisher is required to file
revised declaration for restart under 5(7) of PRB Act, 1867. In such cases reason
for filing revised declaration i.e Restart of publication should be clearly
mentioned in column 11(c). Volume/Year-1 Issue-1 should be bought out after
authentication of declaration for restart of publication. In case of restart RNI will
retain the old registration number but year will be changed to the year in which
revised declaration is filed. Following documents are required alongwith Revised
Registration Certificate application completely filled and signed by publisher
(Proforma available on RNI website) for obtaining revised registration certificate
for restart of publication:

1. Revised declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary). If publisher and printer are
different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher and printer
are required. If place of publication and printing press are in different districts
then separate declarations are required from both the districts.
2. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
3. Volume/year-1 Issue-1 after revised declaration and latest issue of the
newspaper.
4. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
5. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.

9. What is the procedure of Deletion of language?

A revised declaration is required for deletion of language from
multilingual/bilingual, under section 5(2D) of PRB Act, 1867. Volume/Year
number will continue but issue one will be required to be brought out after
authentication of revised declaration. Following documents alongwith Revised
Registration Certificate application completely filled and signed by publisher
(Proforma available on RNI website) will be required:

1. Revised declaration mentioning the reason in column 11 (c) i.e deletion of
____ language and duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) is required. If publisher and
printer are different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher
and printer are required. If place of publication and printing press are in
different districts then separate declarations are required from both the
districts.
2. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
3. Immediate issue of the newspaper published after authentication of revised
declaration and also latest issue.
4. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
5. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
6. If annual statements have not been submitted then penalty of Rs. 500/- (for
every default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour
of DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)


10. What is the procedure for addition of language?

In such cases first title verification in concerned language will be required and
after obtaining the title verification letter, a revised declaration should be filed for
addition of language to make it multilingual/bilingual, under section 5(2D) of
PRB Act, 1867. Volume/Year number will continue but issue one will be
required to be brought out after authentication of revised declaration. Following
documents alongwith Revised Registration Certificate application completely
filled and signed by publisher (Proforma available on RNI website) will be
required:

1. Revised declaration mentioning the reason in column 11(c) i.e addition of
____ language and duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) is required. If publisher and
printer are different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher
and printer are required. If place of publication and printing press are in
different districts then separate declarations are required from both the
districts.
2. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
3. Immediate issue of the newspaper published after authentication of revised
declaration and also latest issue.
4. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
5. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
6. If annual statements have not been submitted then penalty of Rs. 500/- (for
every default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour
of DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)
7. Copy of fresh title verification letter.

11. What is the procedure for change of place of publication from one district to
another within the same state?

In such case ceasing declaration is required form the previous district and
revised declaration is required from the new district, clearly mentioning the
reason in column 11 (c) i.e shifting place of publication from _____ district to
_____ district. Volume and issue number will continue. Following documents
alongwith Revised Registration Certificate application completely filled and
signed by publisher (Proforma available on RNI website) are required to be
submitted in RNI for obtaining revised registration certificate:

1. Ceasing declaration from the previous district.
2. Revised declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) mentioning reason in column 11
(c) i.e Change of place of publication from ____ to ____. If publisher and
printer are different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher
and printer are required. If place of publication and printing press are in
different districts then separate declarations are required from both the
districts.
3. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
4. Immediate issue of the newspaper published after authentication of revised
declaration and also latest issue.
5. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
6. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
7. If annual statements have not been submitted then penalty of Rs. 500/- (for
every default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour
of DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)

12. What is the procedure for change of publication from one state to another?

In such cases first title verification will be required from new state. After
verification of tile from new state following documents alongwith Revised
Registration Certificate application completely filled and signed by publisher
(Proforma available on RNI website) are required to be submitted for obtaining
revised registration certificate:

1. Ceasing Declaration form the previous state/district.
2. Revised declaration duly authenticated by DM/SDM concerned (Original or
Copy Attested by Gazetted officer/ Notary) mentioning reason in column 11
(c) i.e Change of place of publication from ____ to ____. If publisher and
printer are different persons, then separate declarations from both publisher
and printer are required. If place of publication and printing press are in
different districts then separate declarations are required from both the
districts.
3. Affidavit D (if there is no foreign tie-up) duly signed by Publisher and
Notarized, in original (format of affidavit D available on RNI website).
However, in case owner has any foreign tie-up, then prior approval from
Ministry of I&B is required alongwith affidavit in relevant proforma i.e
Affidavit-A, Affidavit-B or Affidavit-C depending on the quantum of
foreign contribution etc. (Proforma for these affidavits are available on RNI
website)
4. Immediate issue of the newspaper published after authentication of revised
declaration and also latest issue.
5. Printer agreement (original or attested photocopy) either on stamp paper or
plain paper (signed by both publisher/owner and keeper/owner of printing
press), alongwith attested copy of printing press declaration filed to the
DM/SDM concerned under section 4 of PRB Act, 1867. (format of printer
agreement is available on RNI website)
6. Original registration certificate of newspaper. If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate and an IPO of Rs. 5/- in favour of
DDO, RNI.
7. If annual statements have not been submitted then penalty of Rs. 500/- (for
every default year) must be submitted in the form of Demand Draft in favour
of DDO, RNI. (For one default year Rs. 500/- for two default year Rs.
1000/- and so on .)

13. What is the procedure for ceasing of publication owned by individual
owners?

In such cases ceasing declaration can be filed either as affidavit or form I
(declaration format) by the publisher, to be authenticated by DM/SDM concerned.
In case ceasing declaration is filed in Form-I, reason should be clearly mentioned
in column 11 (c) i.e ceasing of publication. In case owner is different from the
publisher, an authorization letter from the owner is required. The Ceasing
Declaration (Orignal/ attested photocopy) should be submitted alongwith original
registration certificate (If RNI certificate is lost, then affidavit of loss of
registration certificate) to RNI for ceasing of publication in records.

14. What is the procedure of ceasing of publication owned by non individual
owners (company, firms etc.)?

In such cases, resolution of owner is required mentioning clearly that the owner is
ceasing the said publication and authorizing such person to file ceasing
declaration. The ceasing can be filed either as affidavit by the person authorized
by the owner or form I (declaration format) by the publisher authorized by the
owner, to be authenticated by DM/SDM concerned. In case ceasing declaration is
filed in Form-I, reason should be clearly mentioned in column 11 (c) i.e ceasing
of publication. The Ceasing Declaration (Orignal/ attested photocopy) should be
submitted alongwith original registration certificate (If RNI certificate is lost, then
affidavit of loss of registration certificate) to RNI for ceasing of publication in
records.

15. How do I get answer to any other query not covered in the FAQs?

There are following 2 ways:

a) You may email your query to [email protected]
b) You may go to RNI website and click the heading Public Queries and
Response Cell. Then fill up the relevant columns and submit. RNI will
automatically receive an email.