The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867

Chhattisgarh · state statute

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THE PRESS AND REGISTRATION OF BOOKS ACT, 1867
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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
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PREAMBLE
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
SECTIONS
1. Interpretation-clause.
2. [Repealed.].
PART II
OF PRINTING-PRESSES AND NEWSPAPERS
3. Particulars to be printed on books and papers.
4. Keeper of printing-press to make declaration.
5. Rules as to publication of newspapers.
5A. Keepers of printing -presses and printers and publishers of newspapers in Jammu
and Kashmir to make and subscribe fresh declarations within specified period.
6. Authentication of declaration.
Deposit.
Inspection and supply of copies.
7. Office copy of declaration to be prima facie evidence.
8. New declaration by persons who have signed a declaration and subsequently ceased to be
printers or publishers.
Authentication and filing.
Inspection and supply of copies.
Putting copy in evidence.
8A. Person whose name has been incorrectly published as editor may make a declaration
before a Magistrate.
8B. Cancellation of declaration.
8C. Appeal.
PART III
DELIVERY OF BOOKS
9. Copies of books printed after commencement of Act to be delivered gratis to
Government.
10. Receipt for copies delivered under section 9.
11. Disposal of copies delivered under section 9.
11A. Copies of newspaper printed in India to be delivered gratis to Government.
11B. Copies of newspapers to be delivered to Press Registrar.

PART IV
PENALTIES
SECTIONS
12. Penalty for printing contrary to rule in section 3.
13. Penalty for keeping press without making declaration required by section 4.
14. Punishment for making false statement.
15. Penalty for printing or publishing newspaper without conforming to rules.
15A. Penalty for failure to make a declaration under section 8.
16. Penalty for not delivering books or not supplying printer with maps.
16A. Penalty for failure to supply copies of newspapers gratis to Government.
16B. Penalty for failure to supply copies of newspapers to Press Registrar.
17. Recovery of forfeitures and disposal thereof and of fines.
PART V
REGISTRATION OF BOOKS
18. Registration of memoranda of books.
19. Publication of memoranda registered.
PART VA
REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS
19A. Appointment of Press Registrar and other officers.
19B. Register of newspapers.
19C. Certificates of registration.
19D. Annual statement, etc., to be furnished by newspapers.
19E. Returns and reports to be furnished by 'newspapers.
19F. Right of access to records and documents.
19G. Annual report.
19H. Furnishing of copies of extracts from Register.
19-I. Delegation of powers.
19J. Press Registrar and other officers to be public servants.
19K. Penalty for contravention of section 19D or section 19E, etc.
19L. Penalty for improper disclosure of information.
PART VI
MISCELLANEOUS
20. Power of State Government to make rules.
20A. Power of Central Government to make rules.
20B. Rules made under this Act may provide that contravention thereof shall be punishable.
21. Power to exclude any class of books from operation of Act.
22. Extent.
23. [Repealed.].

THE PRESS AND REGISTRATION OF BOOKS ACT, 18671
ACT NO. 25 OF 1867
[22nd March, 1867.]
An Act for the regulation of Printing -presses and Newspapers, for the preser vation of copies of books
2[and newspapers] printed in 3[India], and for the registration of such books 2[and newspapers].
Preamble.—WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the regulat ion of printing -presses and of
4[newspapers], for the preservation of 5*** copies of 6[every book and newspaper printed in India and for
the registration of such books and newspapers]; It is hereby enacted as follows:—
PART I
PRELIMINARY
1. Interpretation-clause.—7[(1)] In this Act, unless there shall be something repugnant in the subject
or context,—

1. Short title given by the Indi an Short Titles Act, 1897 (14 o f 1897).
For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1867, p. 191; and for Proceedings in Council, see ibid.,
Supplement, pp. 72, 156 and 299.
This Act was declared by the Laws Local Extent Act, 1874 (15 of 1874), s. 3 to be in force in all the Provines of India,
except the Scheduled Districts.
It has hee n applied to the Santhal Parganas by the Santhal Parganas Settlement Regulation (3 of 1872 ), s, 3;
to the Khondm als Di strict by the Khond mals Laws Re gulati on, 1936 (4 of 1936), s. 3 and Sch.; and to the Angul
District by the Angul Laws Regu lation, 1936 (5 of 1936), s. 3 and Sch.
It has been extended to Goa, Daman and Diu w ith modifications by Reg. 12 of 1962, s. 3 and Sch.; to Dadra and Nagar
Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Sch. I (w.e.f. 1 -7-1965) and to Pondicherry by Reg. 7 of 1963, s, 3 and Sch. I (w.e.f. 1-10-
1963).
It has been applied, by notification under s. 3( a) of the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874 (14 of 1874), to the following
Scheduled Districts, namely: —
the Territory of Peint, see Gazette of India, 1887, Pt. I, p.144 (Pein t is now no longer a Scheduled District ,
and all the enactmen ts in force in the Nasik District of the Bombay Presidency, among the m Act 25 of 1867,
are now in force in this territory), see the Peint Laws Act, 1894 (Bo m. Act 2 of 1894).
the Island of Peri m, see Gazette o f India, 188 7, Pt. I, p. 5;
that portion of the Jalpaiguri District which was formerly the Jalpaiguri Sub -division and now form ’s the
western port ion of the District of Jalpaiguri and extends as far east as the Teesta River, the hills west o f the
Teesta River in the District of Darjiling, the Darjiling Ta rai, the Damson Sub -division of the Darjiling District,
the Districts of Ha zarib agh [Lohar daga now called the Ranchi District, see Calcutta Gazette, 1899, P t. I, p. 44]
and Manbhum, and Pargana Dhalbhum and the Kolhan in the District of Singhbhum, see Gazette of India,
1881, Pt. I, pp. 74 and 504; the Western Duars of the Jalpaiguri District, see ibid., 1910, Pt. I, p, 1160;
the Distri cts of Kumaon and Garhwal, see Gazette of India, 1876, Pt. I, p. 605;
the scheduled portion of the Mirzapur District, see Gazette of India, 1879, Pt. . I, P. 383;
Pargana Jaunsar Bawar in the Dehra Dun District, see Gazette of India, 1897, Pt. I , p. 382;
the Districts of Kamrup, Nowgong, Darrang, Sibsagar, Laki mpur, Goalpara (excluding the Eastern
Duars and Cachar excluding the North Cachar Hills ), see Gazette of India, 1878, Pt. I, p. 533;
the Garo Hills, the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the Naga Hills, the North Cachar Hills in the Cachar
District and the Eastern Duars in the Goalpara District, see Gazette of India, 18 97, Pt. I, p. 299.
It has been declared by notification under s. 3( b) of the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874 (14 of 1874) not to be in force in
the Scheduled District of Lahaul in the Punjab, see Gazette of India, 1886, Pt. I, p. 301.
It has been extended, by notification under s. 5 of the Scheduled D istricts Act, 1874 (14 of 1874) , to the Tara
District of the Province of Agra, see Gazette of India, 1876, Pt. I, p. 506, to the District of Coorg, see ibid . 1918,
Pt. II, p. 1730.
It has also been extended to Berar by the Berar Laws Act, 1941 (4 of 1941).
It has been amended in its application to Andhra by Andhra Act 8 of 1960; Madras by Madras Act s 24 of
1948 and 14 of 1960; Punjab by Punjab Acts 14 of 1942, 25 of 1950 and 15 of 1957; Mysore by Mysore Act 10
of 1972; and Himachal Pradesh by Himachal Pradesh Act 17 of 1974.
2. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1 -7-1956).
3. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch edule, for “the whole of India except Part B States ”.
4. Subs. by Act 35 of 1950, s. 3 and the Second Schedule , for “periodicals containing news ”.
5. The word “three ” omitted by Act 10 of 1890, s . 1.
6. Subs by Act 55 of 1955, s. 3, for “every book printed or lithographed in India and for the registration of such books” (w.e.f. 1-
7-1956).
7. Section 1 re-numbered as sub -section ( 1) thereof by Act 16 of 1965, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1 -11-1965).
4

“Book” includes every volume, part or division of a volume, and pamphlet, in any language and
every sheet of music, map, chart or plan separately printed 1***.
2* * * * *
3[“editor” means the person who control s the selection of the matter that is published in a
newspaper;]
4* * * * *
“Magistrate” means any person e xercising the full powers of a 5Magistrate, and includes a
6Magistrate of police 7***.
8[“newspaper” means any printed periodical work containing public news or comments on public
news;]
9* * * * *
10[“paper” means any document, including a newspaper, other than a book;
“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Central Government under section 20A;
“Press Registrar ” means the Registrar of newspapers for India appointed by the Central
Government under section 19A and includes any other person appointed by the Central Gov ernment
to perform all or any of the functions of the Press Registrar;
“printing” includes cyclostyling and printing by lithography;
“Register” means the Register of newspapers maintained under section 198.]
11[(2) Any reference in this Act to any law which is not in force in th e State of Jammu and
Kashmir shall, in relation to that State, be construed as a reference to the corresponding law in force
in that State.]
2. [Repeal of Act 11 of 1835.] Rep. by the Repealing Act , 1870 (14 of 1870), s. 1 and the Second
Schedule.
PART II
OF PRINTING-PRESSES AND NEWSPAPERS
3. Particulars to be printed on books and papers .—Every book or paper printed within 12[India]
shall have printed legibly on it the name of the printer and the place of printing, and (if the book or paper
be published) 13[the name] of the publisher, and the place of publication.
4. Keeper of printing-presses, to make declaration.— 14[(1)] No person shall within “[India], keep
in his possession any p ress for the printing of books or papers, who shall not have made and subscribed
the following declaration before 15[the District, Presidency or Sub -divisional Magistrate] within whose
local jurisdiction such press may be:

1. The words “or lithographed” omitted by Act 55 of 1955 , s. 4 (w.e.f. 1 -7-1956).
2. Definition of “British India” rep. by the A.O. 1937, see now the definition in s. 3(5) of the General Clauses Act, 1897
(10 of 1897).
3. Ins. b y Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule .
4. Definition of “India” omitted by Act 16 of 1965, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1 -11-1965).
5. Now Magistrate of the first class, see the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
6. Now Presidency Magistrate, see ibid.
7. The words “and a Justice of the Peace” rep. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 2.
8. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
9. Paragraphs relating to the definitions of “Number” and “Gender” rep. by Act 10 of 1914, s. 3 and Sch. II; definition of “Loca l
Government” rep. by the A.O. 1937 and the definition of “States” ins . by the A.O. 1950 was rep. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and
Sch.
10. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1 -7-1956).
11. Ins. by Act 16 of 1965, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1 -11-1965).
12. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch edule, for “the States”.
13. Ins. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and the Second Schedule .
14. Section 4 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 55 of 1955, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
15. Subs. by Act 56 of 1951, s. 36, for “the Magistrate” (w.e.f. 1-2-1952).
5

“I, A. B., declare that I have a press for printing at,—”
And this last blank shall be filled up with a true and precise description of the place where such press
may be situate.
1[(2) As often as the place where a press is kept is changed, a new declaration shall be
necessary:
Provided that where the change is for a period not exceeding sixty days and th e place
where the press is kept after the change is within the local jurisdiction of the Magistrate
referred to in sub -section ( 1), no new declaration shall be necessary if —
(a) a statement relating to the change is furnished to the said Magistrate within twenty-four hours
thereof; and
(b) the keeper of the press continues to be the same.]
5. Rules as to publication of newspapers. —No 2[newspaper] shall be published in 3[India] except
except in conformity with the rules hereinafter laid down:
4 [(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 3, every copy of every such
newspaper shall contain the names of the owner and editor thereof printed clearly on such
copy and also the date of its publication.]
5[(2)] The printer and the publisher of every such 6[newspaper] shall appear 7[in person or by agent
authorised in this behalf in accordance with rules made under section 20, before a District, Presidency or
Sub-divisional Magistrate within whose local jurisdiction such newspaper shall be printed or published
8***] and shall make and subscribe, in duplicate, the following declaration:
“I, A. B., declare that I am the printer (or publisher, or printer and publisher) of the 6[newspaper]
9[and to be printed or published, or to be printed and published], as the case may be at—.”
And the last blank in this form of declaration shall be filled up with a true and precise account of the
premises where the printing or publication is conducted.
10[(2A) Every declaration under rule ( 2) shall specify the title of the newsp aper, the language
in which it is to be published and the periodicity of its publication and shall contain such other
particulars as may be prescribed.]
11[(2B) Where the printer or publisher of a newspaper making a declaration under rule ( 2)
is not the owner thereof, the declaration shall specify the name of the owner and shall also be
accompanied by an authority in writing from the owner authorising such person to make and
subscribe such declaration.
(2C) A declaration in respect of a newspap er made under rule ( 2) and authenticated under
section 6 shall be necessary before the newspaper can be published.
(2D) Where the title of any newspaper or its language or the periodicity of its
publication is changed, the declaration shall cease to have e ffect and a new declaration shall
be necessary before the publication of the newspaper can be continued.

1. Added by Act 55 of 1955, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
2. Subs. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule, for “printed periodical work containing public news or comments on public
news,”.
3. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Schedule, fo r “the States”.
4 Subs. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 2, for rule (1) (w.e.f. 1-10-1960) which was ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
5. Rule (1) re-numbered as rule (2) by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
6. Subs. by s. 2 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “periodical work”.
7. Subs. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “periodical work”.
8. The words “, or such printer or publisher resides,” omitted by Act 26 of 1960, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
9. Subs. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 6, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
10. Ins. by s. 6, ibid.
11. Ins. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).

(2E)As often as the ownership of a newspaper is changed, a new declaration shall be
necessary.]
1[(3] As often as the place of printing or publication is changed, a new declaration shall be
necessary:
2[Provided that where the change is for a period not exceeding thirty days and the place
of printing or publication after the change is within the local jurisd iction of the Magistrate
referred to in rule ( 2), no new declaration shall be necessary if —
(a) a statement relating to the change is furnished to the said Magistrate within twenty -four hours
thereof; and
(b) the printer or publisher or the printer and p ublisher of the newspaper continues to be the
same.]
3[(4) As often as the printer or the publisher who shall have made such declaration as is
aforesaid shall leave India for a period exceeding ninety days or where such printer or
publisher is by infirmity or otherwise rendered incapable of carrying out his duties for a
period exceeding ninety days in circumstances not involving the vacation of his appointment,
a new declaration shall be necessary.]
2[(5) Every declaration made in respect of a newspaper sh all be void, where the newspaper does not
commence publication—
(a) within six weeks 4[of the authentication of the declaration under section 6], in the case of a
newspaper to be published once a week or oftener; and
(b) within three months 4[of the authentication of the declaration under section 6], in the case of
any other newspaper,
and in every such case, a new declaration shall be necessary before the newspaper can be
published.
(6) Where, in any period of three months, any daily, tri -weekly, biw eekly, weekly or
fortnightly newspaper publishes issues the number of which is less than half of what should
have been published in accordance with the declaration made in respect thereof, the
declaration shall cease to have effect and a new declaration sh all be necessary before the
publication of the news paper can be continued.
(7) Where any other newspaper has ceased publication for a period, exceeding twelve,
months , every declaration made in respect thereof shall cease to have effect, and a new
declara tion shall be necessary before the newspaper can be republished.
(8) Every existing declaration in respect of a newspaper shall be cancelled by the
Magistrate before whom a new declaration is made and subscribed in respect of the same]:
5[Provided that no person 6[who does not ordinarily reside in India, or] who has not
attained majority in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Majority Act, 1875 (19 of
1875), or of the law to which he is subject in respect of the attainment of majority, shall be
per mitted to make the declaration prescribed by this section, nor shall any such person edit a
newspaper.]

1. Rule (2) re-numbered as rule (3) by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
2. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 6 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
3. Subs. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 2 for rule (4) (w.e.f. 1-10-1960) which had been re-numbered for the original rule (3) by Act 14 of
1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
4. Subs. by s. 2, ibid. for “of the declaration” (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
5. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
6. Ins. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
7

1 [5A. Keepers of printing -presses and printers and publishers of newspapers in
Jammu and Kashmir to make and subscribe fresh declarations within specifi ed
period. —(1) No person who has made and subscribed a declaration in respect of any press
under section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir State Press and Publications Act, S. 1989 (Jammu
and Kashmir Act No. I of S. 1989) shall keep the press in his possession fo r the printing of
books or papers 2[after the 31st day of December, 1968 unless before the expiry of that date],
he makes and subscribes a fresh declaration in respect of that press under section 4 of this
Act.
(2) Every person who has subscribed to any declaration in respect of a newspaper under
section 5 of the Jammu and Kashmir State Press and Publications Act, S. 1989, Jammu and
Kashmir Act, No. I S. 1 shall cease to be the editor, printer or publisher of the newspaper
men tioned in such declaration 2[after the 31st day of December, 1968, unless before the
expiry of that date] he makes and subscribes a fresh declaration in respect of that newspaper
under rule (2) of the rules laid down in section 5 of this Act.]
6. Authentication of declaration. —Each of the two originals of every declaration so made
and subscribed as is aforesaid, shall be authenticated by the signature and official seal of the
Magis trate before whom the said d eclaration shall have been made :
3[Provided that where any declaration is made and subscribed under section 5 in respect of
a newspaper, the declaration shall not, save in the case of newspapers owned by the same
person, be so authenticated unless the Magistrate 4[is, on inquiry from the Press Registrar,
satisfied] that the newspaper proposed to be published does not bear a title which is the same as, or
similar to that of any other newspaper published either in the same language or in the same State.]
Deposit. —One of the said origina ls shall be deposited among the records of the office of
the Magistrate, and the other shall be deposited among the records of th e High Court of
Judicature, or 5[other principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction for the place where] the
said declaration shall have been made.
Inspection and supply o f copies. —The Officer -in-charge of each original shall allow any
person to inspect that original on payment of a fee of one rupee, and shall give to any person
applying a copy of the said declaration, attested by the seal of the Court which has the custody
of the original, on payment of a fee of two rupees.
6[A copy of the declaration attested by the official seal of the Magistrate, or a copy of
the order refusing to authenticate the declaration, shall be forwarded as soon as possible to
the person making a nd subscribing the declaration and also to the Press Registrar.]
7. Office copy of declaration to be prima facie evidence.—In any legal proceeding whatever, as
well civil as criminal, the production of a copy of such declaration as is aforesaid, attested by the seal of
some Court empowered by this Act to have the custody of such declarations, 7[or, in the case of the editor,
editor, a copy of the newspaper containing his name printed on it as that of the editor] shall be held
(unless the contrary be proved) to be sufficient evidence, as against the person whose name shall be
subscribed to such declaration, 7[or printed o n such newspaper, as the case may be] that the said person
was printer or publisher, or printer and publisher (according as the words of the said d eclaration may be)

1. Ins. by Act 16 of 1965, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-10-1965).
2. Subs. by Act 30 of 1968, s. 2, for certain words, brackets and figures (retrospectively).
3. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
4. Subs. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
5. Subs. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 3, for certain words.
6. Subs. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 3, for the fourth paragraph (w.e.f. 1 -10-1960) which was ins, by Act 55 of 1955, s. 7
(w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
7. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
8

of every portion of every 1[newspaper] whereof the title shall correspond with the title of the 1[newspaper]
mentioned in the declaration, 2[or the editor of every portion of that issue of the newspaper of which a
copy is produced].
8. New declaration by persons who have signed a declaration and subsequently ceased to be
printers or publishers. — 3[If any person has subscribed to any declaration in respect of a newspaper
under section 5 and the declaration has been authenticated by a Magis trate under section 6 and
subsequently that person ceases to be the printer or publisher of the newspaper mentioned in such
declaration, he shall appear before any District, Presidency or Sub -divisional Magistrate, and make and
subscribe in duplicate the following declaration:—
“I, A. B., declare that I have ceased to be the printer or publisher or printer and publisher of the
newspaper entitled —”.]
Authentication and fling. —Each original of the latter declaration shall be authenticated by the
signature and seal of the Magistrate before whom the said latter declaration shall have been made, and
one original of the said latter declaration shall be filed alongwith each original of the former declaration.
Inspection and supply of copies. —The Officer-in-charge of each original of the latter declaration
shall allow any person applying to inspect that original on payment of a fee of one rupee, and shall give to
any person applying a copy of the said latter declaration, attested by the seal of the Court having cus tody
of the original, on payment of a fee of two rupees.
Putting copy in evidence. —In all trials in which a copy, attested as is aforesaid, of the former
declaration shall have been put in evidence, i t shall be lawful to put in evid ence a copy, attested as is
aforesaid, of the latter declaration, and the former declaration shall not be taken to be evidence that the
declaration was, at any period subsequent to the date of the latter declaration, printer or publisher of the
1[newspaper] therein mentioned.
4[A copy of the latter declaration attested by the official seal of the Magistrate shall be forwarded to
the Press Registrar.]
2[8A. Person whose name has been incorrectly published as editor may make a declaration
before a Magistrate. —If any person , whose n ame has appeared as editor on a copy of a newspaper,
claims that he was not the editor of the issue on which his name has so appeared, he may, within two
weeks of his becoming aware that his name has been so published, appear before a District, Presidency or
Sub-divisional Magistrate and make a declaration that his name was incorrectly published in that issue as
that of the editor thereof, and if the Magistrate after making such inquiry or causing such inquiry to be
made as he may consider necessary is satisfied that such declaration is true, he shall certify accordingly,
and on that certificate being given the provisions of section 7 shall not apply to that person in respect of
that issue of the newspaper.
The Magistrate may extend the period allowed by this section in any case where he is satisfied that
such person was prevented by sufficient cause from appearing and making the declaration within that
period.]
5 [8B. Cancellation of declaration. —If, on an application made to him by the Press
Registrar o r any other person or otherwise, the Magistrate empowered to authenticate a
declaration under this Act, is of opinion that any declaration made in respect of a newspaper
should be cancelled, he may, after giving the person concerned an opportunity of showi ng
cause against the action proposed to be taken, hold an inquiry into the matter and if, after
considering the cause, if any, shown by such person and after giving him an opportunity of
being heard, he is satisfied that —

1. Subs. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “periodical work”.
2. Ins. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid.
3. Subs. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 8, for the first paragraph (w,e.f. 1-7-1956).
4. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
5. Ins. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
9

(i) the newspaper, in respect of which the declaration has been made is being published in
contravention of the provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder; or
(ii) the newspaper mentio ned in the declaration bears a title which is the same as, or
similar to, that of any other newspape r published either in the same language or in the
same State; or
(iii) the printer or publisher has ceased to be the printer or publisher of the newspaper mentioned
in such declaration; or
(iv) the declaration was made on false representation or on the con cealment of any
material fact or in respect of a periodical work which is not a newspaper;
the Magistrate may, by order, cancel the decl aration and shall forward as so on as possible a
copy of the order to the person making or sub scribing the declaration and also to the Press
Registrar.
8C. Appeal .— (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of a Magistrate refusing to
authenticate a declaration under section 6 or cancelling a declaration under section 8B may,
within sixty days from the date on which such order is communicated to him, prefer an
appeal to the Appellate Board to be called the Press and Registration Appellate Board
1[consisting of a Chairman and another member to be nominated by the Press Council of
India, established under section 4 of the Press Co uncil Act, 1978 (37 of 1978), from among
its members]:
Provided that the Appellate Board may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said
perio d, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from preferring
the appeal in time.
(2) On receipt of an appeal under this sectio n, the Appellate Board may, after calling for
the records from the Magistrate and after making such further inquiries as it thinks fit,
confirm, modify or set aside the order appealed against.
(3) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (2), the Appellate Board may, by order, regulate
its practice and procedure.
(4) The decision of the Appellate Board shall be final.]
2[PART III
DELIVERY OF BOOKS
9. Copies of books printed after commencement of Act to be delivered gratis to
Government. —Printed 3*** copies of the whole of every book which shall be printed 4*** in
4[India] after this Act shall come into force, together with all maps, prints or other engravings
belonging thereto, finished and coloured in the same manner as the best copies of the same,
shall, notwith standing any agreement (if the book be published) between the printer and
publisher thereof, be delivered by the printer at such place and to such officer as the State
Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, from time to time direct, and free of
expense to the Govern ment, as follows, that is to say : —
(a) in any case, within one calendar month aft er the day on which any such book shall first be
delivered out of the press, one such copy, and
(b) if within one calendar year from such day the State Government shall require the printer to
deliver other such copies not exceeding two in number, then within one calendar month a fter the day

1. Subs. by Act 37 of 1978, s. 27, for certain words.
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 4, for Part III.
3 The words “or lithographed” omitted by Act 55 of 1955, s. 9 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
4. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and the Schedule, for “the States”.

on which any such requisition shall be made by the State Government on the printer, another such
copy, or two other such copies, as the State Government may direct,
the copies so delivered being bound, sewed or stitched together and upon the b est paper on which any
copies of the book shall be printed 1***.
The publisher or other person employing the printer shall, at a reasonable time before the
expiration of the said month, supply him with all maps, prints and engravings finished and coloured
as aforesaid, which may be necessary to enable him to comply with the requirements aforesaid.
Nothing in the former part of this section shall apply to —
(i) any second or subsequent edition of a book in which edition no additions or
altera tions either in the letter -press or in the maps, prints or other engravings belonging to
the book have been made, and a copy of the first or some preceding edition of which book
has been delivered under this Act, or
(ii) any 2[newspaper] published in conformity with th e rules laid down in section 5 of this Act.
10. Receipt for copies delivered under section 9. —The officer to whom a copy of a book is
delivered under the last foregoing section shall give to the printer a receipt in writing therefor.
11. Disposal of copies delivered under section 9.—The copy delivered pursuant to clause (a) of the
first paragraph of section 9 of this Act shall be disposed of as the State Government shall from time to
time determine.
Any copy or copies delivered pursuant to clause ( b) of the said paragraph shall be
3[transmitted to the Central Government].]
4[11A. Copies of newspapers printed in India to be delivered gratis to Government.—The printer
of every newspaper in 5[India] shall deliver at such place and to such officer as the State G overnment
may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct, and free of expense to the Govern ment, two copies of
each issue of such newspaper as soon as it is published.]
6[11B. Copies of newspapers to be delivered to Press Registrar.—Subject to -any rules that may be
be made under this Act, the publisher of every newspaper in India shall deliver free of expense to the
Press Registrar one copy of each issue of such newspaper as soon as it is published.]
P A R T I V
PENALTIES
12. Penalty for printing contrary to rule in section 3. —Whoever shall print or publish any book or
paper otherwise than in conformity with the rule contained in section 3 of this Act, shall, on conviction
before a Magistrate, be punished by fine not exceeding 7 [two thousand] rupee s, or by simple
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 8[six months], or by both.
13. Penalty for keeping press without making declaration required by section 4. —Whoever
shall keep in his possession any such press as aforesaid, 9[in contravention of any of the provisions
provisions contained in section 4 of this Act], shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be punished

1. The words “or lithographed” omitted by Act 55 of 1955, s. 9. (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
2. Subs. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule, for “periodical work”.
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1948, for certain words.
4. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
5. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and the Schedule, for “the States”.
6. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 10 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
7. Subs. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule, for “five thousand”.
8. Subs. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “two years”.
9. Subs. by Act 55 of 1955 , s. 11, for “without making such a declaration as is required by section 4 of this Act”
(w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
11

by fine not exceeding 1[two thousand] rupees, of by simple imprisonment for a term not exceeding
2[six months], or by both.
14. Punishment for making false statement.—Any person who shall, in making 3[any declaration or
or other statement] under the authority of this Act, make a statement which is false, and which he either
knows or believes to be false, or does not believe to be true, shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be
punished by fine not exceeding 1[two thousand] rupees, and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2[six
months].
15. Penalty for printing or publishing newspaper without conforming to rules .—4[(1)]
Whoever shall 5 [edit], p rint or publish an y 6 [newspaper] without conforming to the rules
hereinbefore laid down, or whoever shall 5[edit], print or publish, or shall cause to be 5[edited],
printed or published, any 7[newspaper], knowing that the said rules have not been observed
with respect to 8[that newspaper], shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be pu nished with
fine not exceeding 1[two thousand] rupees, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2[six
months] or both.
9[(2) Where an offence is committed in relation to a newspaper under sub -section ( 1), the
the Magistrate may, in addition to the punishment imposed under the said sub -section, also
cancel the declaration in respect of the newspaper.]
10[15A. Penalty for failure to make a declaration under section 8. —If any person who has
ceased to be a printer or publisher of. any newspaper fails or neglects to make a declaration in
compliance with section 8, he shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be punishable by fine not
exceeding two hundred rupees.]
11[16. Penalty for not delivering books or not supplying printer with maps. —If any
printer of any such book as is referred to in section 9 of this Act shall neglect to deliver copies
of the same pursuant to that section, he shall for ev ery such default forfeit to the Government
such sum not exceeding fifty rupees as a Magistrate having jurisdiction in the place where the
book was printed may, on the application of the officer to whom the copies should have been
delivered or of any person authorised by that officer in this behalf, determine to be in the
circumstances a reasonable penalty for the default, and, in addition to such sum, such further
sum as the Magistrate may deter mine to be the value of the copies which the printer ought to
have delivered.
If any publisher or other person employing any such printer shall neglect to supply him, in
the manner prescribed in the second paragraph of section 9 of this Act, with the maps, prints or
engravings which may be necessary to enable him to comply with the provisions of that
section, such publisher or other person shall for every such default forfeit to the Government
such sum not exceeding fifty rupees as such a Magistrate as aforesaid may, on such an
application as aforesaid, determine to b e in the circumstances a reasonable penalty for the
default, and, in addition to such sum, such further sum as the Magistrate m ay determine to be
the value of the maps, prints or engravings which such publisher or other person ought to have
supplied.]

1. Subs. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule, for “five thousand”.
2. Subs. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “two years”.
3. Subs. by Act 55 of 1955 s. 12, for “any declaration” (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
4. Section 15 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by Act 26 of 1960, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
5. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
6. Subs. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “such periodical work as is hereinbefore described,”.
7. Subs, by s, 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “such periodical work ,”
8. Subs. by s. 3 and the First Schedule, ibid., for “that work ,”.
9. Ins. by Act 26 of 1960, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-10-1960).
10. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 13 (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
11. Subs. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 5, for sections 16 and 17.

1[16A. Penalty for failure to supply copies of newspapers gratis to Government. —If any
any printer of any newspaper published in 2[India] neglects to deliver copies of the same in
compliance with section 11A, he shall, on the complaint of the officer to whom copi es should
have been deli vered or of any person authorised by that officer in this behalf, be punishable, on
conviction by a Magistrate having jurisdiction in the place where the newspaper was printed,
with fine which may extend to fifty rupees for every d efaul t.]
3[16B. Penalty for failure to supply copies of newspapers to Press Registrar. —If any
publisher of any newspaper published in India neglects to deliver copies of the same in
compliance with section 11 B , he shall, on the complaint of the Press Regi strar, be punishable,
on conviction by a Magistrate having jurisdiction in the place where the newspaper was
printed, by fine which may extend to fifty rupees for every default.]
17. Recovery of forfeitures and disposal thereof and of fines. —Any sum for feited to the
Government under 4[section 16] may be recovered, under the warrant of the Magistrate determining the
sum, or of his successor in office, in the manner authorised by the 5Code of Criminal Procedure (10 of
1882) for the time being in force, and within the period prescribed by the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860),
for the levy of a fine.
6* * * * * ]
PART V
REGISTRATION OF BOOKS
18. Registration of memoranda of books. —There shall be kept at such office, and by such officer
as the State Government shall appoint in this behalf, a book to be called a Catalogue of Books printed in
2[India], wherein shall be registered a memorandum of every book which shall have been delivered
7[pursuant to clause (a) of the first paragraph of section 9] of this Act. Such memorandum shall (so far as
may be practicable) contain the following particulars (that is to say) :—
(1) the title of the book and the contents of the title -page, with a translation into English of such
title and contents, when the same are not in the English language;
(2) the language in which the book is written;
(3) the name of the author, translator or editor of the book or any part thereof;
(4) the subject;
(5) the place of printing and the place of publication;
(6) the name or firm of the printer and the name or firm of the publisher;
(7) the date of issue from the press or of the publication;
(8) the number of sheets, leaves or pages;
(9) the size;
(10) the first, second or other number of the edition;
(11) the number of copies of which the edition consists;
(12) whether the book is printed 8[cyclostyled or lithographed];
(13) the price at which the book is sold to the public; and

1. Ins. by Act 14 of 1922, s. 3 and the First Schedule.
2. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and the Schedule, for “the States”.
3. Ins. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 14 (w.e. f. 1-7-1956).
4. Subs. by Act 11 of 1923, s. 2 and the First Schedule, for “the last foregoing section”.
5. See now the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
6. The second paragraph of section 17 rep. by the A .O. 1937.
7. Subs. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 6, for “pursuant to section 9”.
8 Subs. by Act 55 of 1955, s. 15, for “or lithographed” (w.e.f. 1-7-1956).
13

(14) the name and residence of the proprietor of the copyright or of any portion of such
copyright.
Such memorandum shall be ma de and registered in the case of each book as soon as practi cable
after the delivery of the 1[copy thereof pursuant to clause (a) of the first paragraph of section 9] 2***.
2***.
19. Publication of memoranda registered. —The memoranda registered during each quarter
in the said Catalogue shall be published in the Official Gazette, as soon as may be after the end of
such quarter, and a copy of the memoranda so published shall be sent 3* * * to the Central
Government 4***.
5[PART VA
REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS
19A. Appointment of Press Registrar and other officers.—The Central Government may appoint a
Registrar of newspapers for India and such other officers under the general superintendence and control
of the Press Registrar as may be necessary for the purpose of performing the functions assigned to them
by or under this Act, and may, by general or special order, provide for the distri bution or allo cation of
functions to be performed by them under this Act.
19B. Register of newspapers .—(1) The Press Registrar shall maintain in the prescribed manner a
Register of newspapers.
(2) The Register shall, as far as may be practicable, contain the following p articulars
about every newspaper published in India, namely: —
(a) the title of the newspaper;
(b) the language in which the newspaper is published;
(c) periodicity of the publication of the newspaper;
(d) the name of the editor, printer and publisher of the newspa per;
(e) the place of printing and publication;
(f) the average number of pages per week;
(g) the number of days of publication in the year;
(h) the average number of copies printed, the average number of copies sold to the
public and the average number of copies distributed free to the public, the average being
calculated with reference to such period as may be prescribed;
(i) retail selling price per copy;
(j) the names and addresses of the owne rs of the newspaper and such other particulars relating
to ownership as may be prescribed;
(k) any other particulars which may be prescribed.
(3) On receiving information from time to time about the aforesaid particulars, the Press
Registrar shall cause r elevant entries to be made in the Register and may make such necessary
alterations or corrections therein as may be required for keeping the Register up -to-date.
19C. Certificates of registration. —On receiving from the Magistrate under section 6 a
copy of the declara tion in respect of a newspaper 6[and on the publication of such newspaper,

1. Subs. by Act 10 of 1890, s. 6, for “copies thereof in manner aforesaid”.
2. Last sentence of section 18 rep. by Act 3 of 1914, s. 15 and the Second Schedule.
3 The words “to the said Secretary of State, and” rep. by the A.O. 1948.
4. The word “respectively” omitted, ibid.
5. Ins. by Act 55 of 19

Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.

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