The draft Press and Registration of Books Bill mandates that publications found indulging in paid news could face suspension of publication for an indefinite period of time or cancellation of their registration. The bill has widened the definition of a publication to include websites.
I&B minister Manish Tewari said, "We have already begun consultations on the draft bill and will try and bring it in the winter session of Parliament."
According to the amended bill, paid news has been defined as "publishing news or analysis in the publication for a price in cash or kind as consideration" and publication means "newspapers, magazines, journals or newsletters printed periodically and published in India including its reproduction in electronic form or any syndication."
If the publication is found indulging or having indulged in the practice of paid news on the basis of adjudication by the Press Council of India or any other quasi-judicial authority. The recommendation will be sent to the central government who can seek suspension of publication or cancellation of registration.
The publication can appeal within 60 days with the Press and Registration Appellate Board members which can be appealed in the court of law.
The new bill also requires the publication to furnish details of advertising revenue when asked for besides annual statement of accounts.
The amendments are based on recommendations of parliamentary committee examining the issue of paid news. The parliamentary panel reviewing the PRB act had recommended that annual statement record of income from advertisements should be filed by publications.
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