PRESIDENT INDIAN LANGUAGES NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION Vs. REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS FOR INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The order dated 9th July 2007 issued by the Registrar of Newspapers for India ("RNI") has been challenged by the Indian Languages Newspapers Association as being ultra vires the provisions of Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 ("PRB Act"). The impugned order, inter alia mandates audit of the circulation data of newspapers by private external auditors.

(2.) The relevant portion of the impugned order dated 9th July 2007 issued by the RNI reads as under: "1. Objective of Audit

(3.) The order further sets out guidelines regarding payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses of the auditors. The fees and expenses are to be reimbursed by the newspapers concerned. The list of chartered accountant firms empanelled with the RNI for the purpose of carrying out the circulation check of newspapers/periodicals having circulation of 75,000 copies and above has been enclosed with the impugned order.