5 Easy Steps to Transfer an RNI Title - Full Process

Transfer of registered titles with the Registrar of Newspapers for India has a systematic procedure with rules to sustain honesty and lawfulness. Every change of ownership, succession, or sale of a registered newspaper requires an application to the RNI along with all the necessary documents, including the original RNI registration certificate, an agreement concerning the transfer of ownership, notarized affidavits, and an identity proof of both the transferring and the new owner. Also, the application should be submitted to the RNI office, and then there will be a rigorous check on the application. Once authorised, the transaction of ownership transfer receives out-right legal stamp in order to validate the cruciality and continuity of the title’s publication rights.

Table Of Content

What is RNI Certificate?

All regulation of any newspaper, magazine, or editorial is preserved by the law, which provides for identification of the publication. While allowing publications in India, the main regulatory bodies require (Registrar of Newspapers for India) RNI Certificate. The actual work of registering all the new newspapers, magazines or printed publications in India lies in the hands of the RNI, which is now also known as PRGI (Press Registration and General Information). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in our country is responsible for regulating and framing rules for the Registrar of Newspapers for India under the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867. The establishment of a newspaper, magazine or journal-selling business needs RNI approval.

How to Transfer RNI Title

There is a process of transferring an RNI title, which means to change the ownership right of Newspaper title or any publication title to the Registrar of Newspaper for India. Here is the complete process:

Obtain NOC and Agreement:

The current owner has to provide his/her No Objection Certificate (NOC) to agree on the transfer. Then, there is a written and notarized title transfer agreement between the involved parties.

Approval from District Magistrate (DM):

Application is accompanied by the NOC, agreement and identity/address proof to the District Magistrate who supervises the District Police. These are discussed and approved before going to RNI.

Submit Application to RNI:

After the DM has approved the documents, they are forwarded to the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). These are the transfer agreement, the NOC and other relevant documents required for perusal.

Verification and Approval:

The bodies shall provide the RNI with requisite certificates and documents and confirm their compliance with relevant regulation. If all the details are correct, then they approve the transfer request.

Receive New Certificate:

On verification, the RNI gives a fresh title registration certificate in the name of the new owner. This also releases ownership of the newspaper or publication title legally.

Documents Required to Transfer RNI Title

Transferring ownership of a title registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) requires specific documentation such as:

Affidavit for Transfer of Ownership
Transfer Deed
Original Registration Certificate
New Declaration (Form I)
Latest Issue of Publication
Proof of Identification (for all directors, partners, proprietors)
Entity Constitution Documents (if applicable)
No Objection Affidavit (if applicable)
Multiple Editions Affidavit (if applicable)
Additional Documentation (as required)

Who Can Apply for RNI Certificate?

The Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) oversees the registration of newspapers, periodicals, and magazines under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. Any individual or entity intending to publish printed content in India must secure RNI Certificate.

Newspapers: RNI newspaper registration includes both daily and non-daily publications that are in printed and circulated form, whether in a regional or a national language.
Magazines: Publications that come out on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis and contain articles on different topics such as lifestyle and business, entertainment, etc.
Editorials: The major sources included articles mostly in the form of opinion pieces, commentaries, and analysis across fields that these professionals operate within, including political, social, or even cultural domains.
Online Publications: Companies providing online newspapers, news sites or online magazines intending to run legally as legal newspapers, sites, or magazines.
Periodicals: Periodicals are published periodically; they include quarterly journals, bimonthly magazines, newsletters or reports on industries, sectors or academic disciplines.

Any newspaper, whether on paper or electronic medium, that wants to publish periodically and circulate information to the public can apply for RNI Certificate.

Conclusion

To transfer an RNI title, there is a laid-down legal process that needs to be followed to the letter. The current owner has to provide the NOC and title transfer agreement, which must be notarized. RNI’s permission is not needed, but the District Magistrate (DM) has to clear the information to be uploaded to the RNI before their submission. Should the RNI verify an existing application as well as obtain all necessary documents, the RNI Certificate is issued in the name of the new owner. Other essential documents include affavits, identification documents, and transfer of ownership forms. This process acts to eliminate any form of distortion or illegality in the case of ownership of the publication.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Time period for title verification in RNI?

The title verification process that is carried out by the RNI normally takes between 30 and 45 days; this depends on factors such as the paper work done as well as the regulations that may be set.

Cost of RNI registration?

The cost of registration with the RNI is relative to the classification of the published work and other factors as well. Generally, the fees vary between ₹1,500 and ₹10,000 and sometimes have differences due to government rules.

Validity of RNI?

The RNI registration remains effective until the life of a particular publication, provided the publication complies with the regulations and submits returns, which may include annual returns.

How to transfer RNI title online?

For online transfer of an RNI title, go through the RNI portal, attach necessary documents such as the transfer agreement along with the NOC and other enumerated documents, and follow the online procedure for its approval.