MISCELLANEOUSCentral

Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023

No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Central Government or State Government or Union territory Administration or the Press Registrar General or any officer or employee authorised by the Press Registrar General, for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or the rules made thereunder.

Summary

This provision protects officials from being sued for doing their jobs.
It applies to the Central Government, State Governments, and Union territory Administrations.
It also covers the Press Registrar General and any officers or employees they authorize.
Protection only applies if the action was done in "good faith" (honestly and with good intentions).
No legal proceedings can be started for anything done or intended to be done while following this Act or its rules.

Practical examples

1In June 2024, an officer accidentally misspells a newspaper's name in the registry while trying to be helpful. Since it was an honest mistake and not done to cause harm, the owner cannot sue the officer personally.

2The Central Government issues a policy direction in good faith that ends up causing a minor delay for some publishers. Under Section 18, the publishers cannot bring a legal suit against the government for that specific action.

FAQ

1. Can I sue the Press Registrar General if they make a mistake?

No suit can be filed if the action was done in "good faith" in pursuance of the Act.

2. Who exactly is protected by this section?

The protection covers the Central and State governments, the Press Registrar General, and authorized officers or employees.

3. What does "good faith" mean here?

It means the person was acting honestly and intended to follow the law, even if an error occurred.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, what is the key condition for protection from legal proceedings?

Q2.Which of these entities is NOT protected under Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023?

Q3.Under Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, does the protection cover actions "intended to be done"?

Q4.According to Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, can an employee authorized by the Press Registrar General be sued for honest mistakes?

Q5.Section 18 of The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, protects actions taken under the Act. Does it also protect actions taken under the "rules made thereunder"?

17PreviousSection 17 Press Registrar General and other officers to be public servants.19NextSection 19 Power of Central Government to make rule.

←Section 17 Section 19→