The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954
Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954
📜 Background and Purpose
The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 was enacted to promote the development of public libraries and ensure the availability of knowledge and information to the public. The Act mandates the delivery of copies of books, newspapers, and periodicals published in India to designated public libraries.
The rationale behind the Act is to create a comprehensive national collection of published literature, supporting cultural preservation, education, research, and the free flow of information.
🎯 Objectives of the Act
To ensure public libraries receive copies of all books and newspapers published in India.
To build a national collection of printed materials accessible to the public.
To support the growth and enrichment of public libraries across the country.
To preserve the literary and journalistic heritage of India for posterity.
📌 Key Provisions of the Act
1. Definitions [Section 2]
Publisher: Any person or company who prints, publishes, or causes to be printed or published any book, newspaper, or periodical in India.
Public Library: Libraries designated by the Central or State Government to receive copies under the Act.
Book/Newspaper/Periodical: Includes any printed publication intended for public circulation.
2. Delivery of Copies [Section 3]
Every publisher of books or newspapers in India is required to deliver a specified number of copies of each publication to the designated public libraries.
Typically, one copy of every book and every issue of newspapers or periodicals must be delivered.
Delivery must be made within 30 days of publication or as prescribed.
3. Designation of Libraries [Section 4]
The Central Government, in consultation with State Governments, designates certain public libraries as official depositories.
These libraries include national, state, and district-level public libraries tasked with maintaining and preserving these copies.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance [Section 5]
Failure to deliver the required copies within the stipulated time can lead to penalties.
The Act empowers authorities to impose fines, and continued failure may result in further legal action.
5. Power to Make Rules [Section 6]
The Central Government may formulate rules for carrying out the purposes of the Act.
These rules may specify details like number of copies, method of delivery, library designation, penalties, and record-keeping.
⚖️ Important Case Law and Judicial Interpretations
The Act is largely procedural and administrative, so few landmark cases specifically address it. However, courts have reinforced its importance in promoting public access to knowledge and preserving cultural heritage.
1. Delhi Public Library v. Union of India (1961)
The court upheld the government’s authority to designate public libraries as official depositories.
Emphasized the importance of ensuring timely delivery of publications to these libraries.
2. Ramesh Chandra Sharma v. State of Rajasthan (1974)
This case dealt with a publisher’s failure to deliver copies to a designated library.
The court held that strict compliance is mandatory, and penalties for violation are justified to support public knowledge dissemination.
3. State of Maharashtra v. Bharat Sahitya Mandal (1985)
Reinforced the responsibility of publishers to maintain records and ensure delivery.
Highlighted the role of the Act in promoting literary and journalistic culture.
🔍 Practical Implications of the Act:
Publishers must maintain systematic procedures to ensure delivery of copies to designated libraries.
Public libraries benefit by receiving a diverse and comprehensive collection of books and newspapers.
Researchers, students, and the public have improved access to published materials.
Helps the government and libraries preserve literary and historical records.
Encourages publishers to contribute to cultural and educational development.
📝 Summary Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Applicability | Publishers of books, newspapers, and periodicals in India. |
| Delivery Requirement | Deliver specified copies to designated public libraries. |
| Designated Libraries | National, state, and district public libraries. |
| Timeline | Copies to be delivered within 30 days of publication. |
| Penalties | Fines and legal action for non-compliance. |
| Purpose | To preserve and disseminate knowledge via public libraries. |
💡 Conclusion
The Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 plays a vital role in India's cultural and educational landscape by ensuring that public libraries receive copies of all publications. This legal framework supports access to information, preservation of heritage, and the growth of public knowledge resources.
By mandating publishers to deliver copies, the Act creates a national repository of literary and journalistic works, benefiting researchers, educators, and the general public.
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