About the Press Council of India (PCI):
The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory, quasi-judicial body established under the Press Council Act, 1978 (Act No. 37 of 1978). It serves as the watchdog of press freedom in India and ensures that the standards of journalistic ethics and public accountability are maintained across print media.
Core Objectives:
- Upholding Freedom of the Press: Ensuring that the press functions independently and responsibly within the framework of law.
- Maintaining Standards: Promoting high standards of public taste and preventing the publication of false, biased, or misleading news.
- Adjudicating Complaints: Addressing grievances against newspapers, news agencies, and journalists for professional or ethical misconduct.
Jurisdiction:
The PCI’s jurisdiction is limited to print media – that is, newspapers and news agencies as defined under the Press Council Act, 1978.
The PCI does not have authority over television channels, radio, or standalone digital news platforms.
Digital Media Regulation (Not under PCI):
While the PCI oversees traditional print journalism, digital news platforms and online media outlets fall under a different regulatory mechanism.
- Governing Framework: Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
- Regulatory System: A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism operates for digital media:
- Self-regulation by the publisher
- Self-regulating bodies of publishers
- Oversight by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Hence, complaints regarding online or electronic content should be directed to the digital grievance redressal mechanism, not the PCI.
Where to Send Your Complaint:
All complaints should be formally addressed to:
The Secretary, Press Council of India,
Soochna Bhavan, 8-C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
Email Submission:
It is advisable to send complaints to the following official email addresses (preferably the first one unless directed otherwise):
What to Include in Your Complaint:
To ensure your complaint is processed without delay, it must be complete and properly documented. Incomplete or unsigned complaints are usually not entertained.
Mandatory Enclosures:
- Copy of the News Item:
- Attach an original clipping or a self-attested copy (if it was self-published).
- Correspondence with the Editor:
- Include the letter you sent to the editor raising your grievance and any reply received.
(It is mandatory to first write to the editor before approaching the PCI.)
- Include the letter you sent to the editor raising your grievance and any reply received.
- Signed Complaint:
- The complaint should bear your original signature with all relevant enclosures attached.
- Statement Regarding Legal Proceedings:
- A clear declaration whether the matter is sub judice (under judicial consideration).
- Statement on Parallel Proceedings:
- Mention if the issue is pending before any other authority or tribunal.
What to Include in Your News Item Submission:
If your complaint relates specifically to the content of a published news item, the following should be provided:
- Copy of the news item (original or self-attested)
- Statement confirming that the item appeared in a newspaper or periodical (not in electronic/digital media)
- Signed declaration detailing:
- Facts you wish to bring to the Council’s attention
- Supporting evidence or documents that substantiate your claim
Time Limits for Filing Complaints:
The Press Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations, 1979 prescribe strict timelines for submitting complaints. Filing within these limits is essential for the complaint to be admissible.
|
Type of Publication / Complaint |
Deadline to File Complaint (From Date of Publication / Non-Publication / Misconduct) |
Condonation of Delay |
|
Dailies / Weeklies / News Agencies |
Within 2 months |
The Council (or its Chairman) may condone a delay if satisfied that the complainant acted promptly but the delay occurred due to the time taken in fulfilling mandatory pre-complaint requirements (e.g., corresponding first with the editor). |
|
All Other Publications |
Within 4 months |
Same as above |
|
Professional Misconduct (against an editor or working journalist, not related to publication/non-publication – e.g., accepting bribes, misuse of position, tampering with evidence, breach of confidentiality, gross indecency or abuse) |
Within 4 months from the date of the alleged misconduct |
Same as above |
After Filing the Complaint:
Once received, the PCI Secretariat examines whether:
- The complaint falls within its jurisdiction,
- The prescribed procedure has been followed, and
- The matter is not pending elsewhere or sub judice.
If found in order, a copy of the complaint is sent to the respondent (the editor, journalist, or publication), who is given an opportunity to reply.
After reviewing both sides, the Inquiry Committee of the PCI may:
- Dismiss the complaint if unfounded, or
- Admonish / Censure the publication or journalist if found guilty of violating journalistic ethics.
The Council’s adjudication (decision) is published in its official Press Council Reports and made available publicly.
Key Takeaways:
- The PCI acts as a guardian of press freedom and ethics, but only for print media.
- Complaints must be specific, documented, and timely.
- Always write first to the editor before approaching the PCI.
- Electronic and digital media are governed separately under IT Rules, 2021.
Useful Links:
- Official Website of the Press Council of India
- Press Council Act, 1978 (Full Text)
- Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition)
