RNI Registration In India

Introduction of RNI Registration

RNI stands for the Registrar of Newspapers for India. RNI Registration 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.

Who Need 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 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.

Step-by-Step Guide to RNI Registration?

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.