What happens to the copies of the newspapers sent to RNI?

The appellant sought to know if the record copy of the newspapers maintained by the Registrar of Newspapers of India (RNI) was in print format or otherwise; and some other related information was also asked. The PIO informed that the details of newspapers received in RNI as per section 11(B) of PRB Act, 1867 is updated on regularity portal on RNI website and RNI does not maintain copy(s) of newspapers. The Appellant contended that the PIO has provided a false and misleading reply and quoted Rule 5 of the Registration of Newspaper (Central) Rules, 1956. The CIC observed that the PIO has reaffirmed the factual position of not maintaining copy of newspapers and is within the confines of the RTI Act. The CIC observed that action or inaction of RNI in not maintaining the said record cannot warrant any punitive action against the PIO under the RTI Act. The CIC directed the PIO to place this order before their competent authority to look into the allegations of the Appellant in consonance with the extant rules governing RNI.

Comments

It is a classical case which demonstrates how the RTI Act can be used to initiate action against non-compliance of any act or rules. Rule 5 (1) of the Registration of Newspaper (Central) Rules, 1956 reads that “Every publisher shall, within 48 hours of the publication of an issue of his newspaper, send to the Press Registrar one copy of the issue by post or by a messenger”. Sadly, in many cases, no copies of the newspapers are retained for future.

Citation: Samir Sardana v. Office of the Registrar of Newspapers of India, CIC/RNIND/A/2021/662365; 27/04/2023

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com