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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

21/07/23 06:34 AM IST

Cabinet nod for press, mediation bills

In News
  • The Union cabinet recently approved two key bills to be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament, for which a heavy legislative agenda of 30 bills has been drawn up.
Press and mediation bill,2023
  • The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 is a legislative measure aimed at providing a framework for the registration and regulation of periodicals.
  • Its primary objective is to streamline the functioning of the press industry and ensure responsible journalism.
  • This bill seeks to establish guidelines and procedures for press registration, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within the media sector.
  • The Mediation Bill includes a framework for settling civil or commercial disputes through mediation before parties approach a court or tribunal.
  • Under this new legislation, participation in pre-litigation mediation is likely to be mandatory.
  • The idea is to find an efficient way of dispute resolution and free up the judiciary of avoidable litigation.
  • Under the Mediation Bill, a party is permitted to withdraw from the mediation process after two sessions.
  • The bill also sets a timeframe for completing the mediation process, with a maximum duration of 180 days, extendable for an additional 180 days if required.
  • This allows parties sufficient time to negotiate and reach a resolution through mediation.
  • The establishment of the Mediation Council of India is a crucial aspect of the bill.
  • This council will play a significant role in facilitating effective mediation by registering mediators and recognizing mediation service providers and institutes.
  • It aims to maintain a high standard of mediation practice and ensure the availability of qualified mediators for dispute resolution.
  • Agreements resulting from mediation will be treated as legally binding and enforceable, akin to court judgments.
  • This provision adds credibility to the mediation process, instilling confidence in parties that their settlements will have the force of law.
  • The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 will replace the 155-year-old ‘Press and Registration of Books Act’ with simplified legislation that de-criminalises various provisions and brings digital media under its ambit.
  • The new law is expected to make the registration process for newspapers and periodicals simpler and remove penal provisions for not including the name of the printer or operation of printing presses by newspapers.
Source- Live Mint

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