{"id":9668,"date":"2025-10-04T22:48:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T22:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/"},"modified":"2025-10-05T06:51:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T06:51:44","slug":"press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Council of India&#8217;s Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition): An Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_%E2%80%93_Upholding_The_Conscience_Of_Indian_Journalism\"><\/span>Introduction &#8211; Upholding The Conscience Of Indian Journalism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"\/legal\/article-7091-media-and-press-council-of-india-act.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Press Council of India <\/a>(PCI), the statutory watchdog for the press in India, plays a critical role in safeguarding both the freedom of the press and the maintenance of high professional standards. The Press Council of India\u2019s <em>Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition)<\/em> serves as a comprehensive ethical and practical guidebook, articulating clear expectations for journalists and media organizations nationwide. This document is far more than a set of rules; it is the ethical compass for Indian journalism, drawing the fine line between press freedom and journalistic responsibility.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Introduction_%E2%80%93_Upholding_The_Conscience_Of_Indian_Journalism\" >Introduction &#8211; Upholding The Conscience Of Indian Journalism<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Part_A_Principles_And_Ethics\" >Part A: Principles And Ethics<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Accuracy_And_Fairness\" >Accuracy And Fairness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Advertisements\" >Advertisements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Astrological_Predictions\" >Astrological Predictions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Caste_Religion_Community_References\" >Caste, Religion, Community References<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Defamatory_Writings\" >Defamatory Writings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Criticising_Judicial_Acts\" >Criticising Judicial Acts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Part_B_Guidelines_On_Specific_Issues\" >Part B: Guidelines On Specific Issues<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Communal_Disturbances_1969\" >Communal Disturbances (1969)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Coverage_Of_MilitantsTerrorists_1991%E2%80%931992\" >Coverage Of Militants\/Terrorists (1991\u20131992)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#HIVAIDS_And_The_Media\" >HIV\/AIDS And The Media<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Financial_Journalism\" >Financial Journalism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Election_Reporting\" >Election Reporting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Allotment_Of_Houses_To_Journalists\" >Allotment Of Houses To Journalists<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Undue_Favours_To_Journalists\" >Undue Favours To Journalists<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Right_To_Privacy_%E2%80%93_Public_Figures\" >Right To Privacy \u2013 Public Figures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Overseas_Advertisements_Emigration_Act_1983\" >Overseas Advertisements (Emigration Act, 1983)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Working_Journalist_Act_%E2%80%93_Contract_Appointments\" >Working Journalist Act \u2013 Contract Appointments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Guidelines_For_Protection_Of_Child_Rights\" >Guidelines For Protection Of Child Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Model_AccreditationAdvertisement_Rules_2014\" >Model Accreditation\/Advertisement Rules (2014)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Model_Advertisement_Policy_Guide_2014\" >Model Advertisement Policy Guide (2014)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Media_In_Jammu_Kashmir\" >Media In Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Reporting_On_Mental_Health_Patients\" >Reporting On Mental Health Patients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Reporting_On_Suicide\" >Reporting On Suicide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#AYUSH_Advertisements\" >AYUSH Advertisements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Part_C_Laws_Related_To_Press\" >Part C: Laws Related To Press<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Part_D_Press_Councils_Powers_Practices_Procedures\" >Part D: Press Council&#8217;s Powers, Practices, Procedures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Part_E_Good_Practices_In_Journalism\" >Part E: Good Practices In Journalism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/press-council-of-indias-norms-of-journalistic-conduct-2019-edition-an-overniew\/#Conclusion_A_Continuous_Mandate_For_Ethical_Practice\" >Conclusion: A Continuous Mandate For Ethical Practice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The Norms are meticulously structured to cover the core principles of ethical reporting (Part A), provide specific guidelines for sensitive issues (Part B), summarize the legal framework governing the press (Part C), detail the PCI\u2019s operational procedures (Part D), and advocate for best practices (Part E). An overview of these norms reveals a strong emphasis on accuracy, fairness, social responsibility, and the crucial need for the media to avoid content that may incite communal disharmony, prejudice judicial processes, or compromise national security. Ultimately, this framework seeks to ensure that the press remains a credible, ethical, and positive force in India&#8217;s democratic landscape.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_A_Principles_And_Ethics\"><\/span>Part A: Principles And Ethics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accuracy_And_Fairness\"><\/span>Accuracy And Fairness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid publishing inaccurate, misleading, or distorted material.<\/li>\n<li>Report all sides of an issue; avoid unjustified rumours.<\/li>\n<li>Back allegations with irrefutable facts and evidence.<\/li>\n<li>Clarify when reporting based on FIRs; include affected party\u2019s version.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid sensational headlines from unverified studies.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure historical accuracy and correct attribution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advertisements\"><\/span>Advertisements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Clearly distinguish ads from editorial content.<\/li>\n<li>Reject ads promoting intoxicants or offensive content.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid ads that hurt religious sentiments or violate laws.<\/li>\n<li>Editors must vet ads for legality, decency, and ethics.<\/li>\n<li>Disclose advertiser identity and payment details.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid publishing suggestive or misleading ads (e.g., tele-friendship, health services).<\/li>\n<li>Include caution notices in matrimonial ads.<\/li>\n<li>Do not publish ads for unborn child adoption or kidney donations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Astrological_Predictions\"><\/span>Astrological Predictions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Avoid promoting superstition; encourage scientific temper.<br \/>\n\u201cThe PCI advises general-interest publications to exercise restraint in publishing horoscopes; while not prohibited, such content should avoid promoting superstition.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Caste_Religion_Community_References\"><\/span>Caste, Religion, Community References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid caste\/community identification unless contextually relevant.<\/li>\n<li>Use \u201cScheduled Caste\u201d instead of \u201cHarijan\u201d.<\/li>\n<li>Do not distort religious figures or exploit religious symbols.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain communal harmony; avoid inflammatory content.<\/li>\n<li>Refrain from using terms like \u201cDalit\u201d in a provocative manner. While \u201cDalit\u201d is discouraged in provocative contexts, the PCI does not universally ban its use. However, it should be used with sensitivity and contextual relevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamatory_Writings\"><\/span>Defamatory Writings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Publish only after verification and in public interest.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid personal attacks, especially on deceased individuals.<\/li>\n<li>Do not rely on past behaviour to malign someone.<\/li>\n<li>Satire and parody do not justify defamation.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure fair comment and avoid sensationalism.<\/li>\n<li>Respect the distinction between public interest and gossip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criticising_Judicial_Acts\"><\/span>Criticising Judicial Acts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid prejudicing judicial proceedings or publishing running commentary.<\/li>\n<li>Do not comment on confessions or evidence post-arrest.<\/li>\n<li>Criticism of judgments must be fair and in public interest.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid imputing bias or motives to judges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_B_Guidelines_On_Specific_Issues\"><\/span>Part B: Guidelines On Specific Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Communal_Disturbances_1969\"><\/span>Communal Disturbances (1969)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid inflaming communal tensions.<\/li>\n<li>Refrain from speculative or provocative reporting.<\/li>\n<li>Verify facts before publication; avoid naming communities unless essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coverage_Of_MilitantsTerrorists_1991%E2%80%931992\"><\/span>Coverage Of Militants\/Terrorists (1991\u20131992)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Do not glorify or legitimize extremist ideologies.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid publishing handouts or statements without scrutiny.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain national security and public order as paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HIVAIDS_And_The_Media\"><\/span>HIV\/AIDS And The Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid stigmatizing language or imagery.<\/li>\n<li>Promote awareness and scientific understanding.<\/li>\n<li>Respect privacy and dignity of affected individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financial_Journalism\"><\/span>Financial Journalism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid speculative or misleading investment advice.<\/li>\n<li>Disclose conflicts of interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Election_Reporting\"><\/span>Election Reporting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain neutrality and fairness.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid paid news or disguised political advertising.<\/li>\n<li>Respect the Model Code of Conduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Allotment_Of_Houses_To_Journalists\"><\/span>Allotment Of Houses To Journalists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid undue influence or favouritism.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain transparency in reporting on such benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Undue_Favours_To_Journalists\"><\/span>Undue Favours To Journalists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Journalists must not accept gifts or benefits that compromise integrity.<\/li>\n<li>Disclosure of any such offers is encouraged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Right_To_Privacy_%E2%80%93_Public_Figures\"><\/span>Right To Privacy \u2013 Public Figures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Balance public interest with individual privacy.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid intrusive or sensational coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overseas_Advertisements_Emigration_Act_1983\"><\/span>Overseas Advertisements (Emigration Act, 1983)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure compliance with legal norms.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid misleading job offers or exploitative content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working_Journalist_Act_%E2%80%93_Contract_Appointments\"><\/span>Working Journalist Act \u2013 Contract Appointments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Highlight discrepancies in employment practices.<\/li>\n<li>Advocate for fair labor standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guidelines_For_Protection_Of_Child_Rights\"><\/span>Guidelines For Protection Of Child Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid revealing identity of minor victims\/children in conflict with law\/witnesses.<\/li>\n<li>Use sensitive language and imagery.<\/li>\n<li>Prioritize child welfare over sensationalism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_AccreditationAdvertisement_Rules_2014\"><\/span>Model Accreditation\/Advertisement Rules (2014)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Promote transparency in media accreditation.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure ethical standards in government advertising.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Model_Advertisement_Policy_Guide_2014\"><\/span>Model Advertisement Policy Guide (2014)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid political bias or misuse of public funds.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure equitable access to advertising space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Media_In_Jammu_Kashmir\"><\/span>Media In Jammu &amp; Kashmir<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Encourage responsible reporting in conflict zones.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid inflammatory or biased narratives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reporting_On_Mental_Health_Patients\"><\/span>Reporting On Mental Health Patients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Use respectful language.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid stereotypes or stigmatization.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t reveal identity of mental health patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reporting_On_Suicide\"><\/span>Reporting On Suicide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid sensationalism or graphic details.<\/li>\n<li>Follow WHO guidelines for responsible coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AYUSH_Advertisements\"><\/span>AYUSH Advertisements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure scientific validity and legal compliance.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid exaggerated or unverified claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_C_Laws_Related_To_Press\"><\/span>Part C: Laws Related To Press<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Summarizes key statutes governing press freedom and responsibilities. Includes the Press and Registration of Books Act, Official Secrets Act, and others.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_D_Press_Councils_Powers_Practices_Procedures\"><\/span>Part D: Press Council&#8217;s Powers, Practices, Procedures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Details the Council\u2019s authority to adjudicate complaints and outlines procedures for inquiry, hearings, and enforcement.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Part_E_Good_Practices_In_Journalism\"><\/span>Part E: Good Practices In Journalism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Emphasizes ethical storytelling, fact-checking, and accountability. Encourages inclusive, pluralistic, and socially responsible journalism.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_A_Continuous_Mandate_For_Ethical_Practice\"><\/span>Conclusion: A Continuous Mandate For Ethical Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Press Council of India\u2019s <em>Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition)<\/em> stands as an indispensable charter for self-regulation, representing the collective conscience of the Indian press. Its detailed provisions, ranging from the fundamental tenets of Accuracy and Fairness to nuanced guidelines on Communal Disturbances, Reporting on Suicide, and Financial Journalism, demonstrate an awareness of the complex challenges faced by contemporary media.<\/p>\n<p>By clearly distinguishing editorial content from advertisements, protecting the identity of child rights victims, and requiring disclosure of conflicts of interest, the Norms aim to fortify public trust and media integrity. Furthermore, by outlining the PCI&#8217;s powers and procedures, the document provides an accessible mechanism for accountability. While not legally binding in the manner of statutes, adherence to these norms is a continuous, moral, and professional imperative.<\/p>\n<p>The effective implementation of the 2019 Norms is essential for ensuring that the Indian press upholds its democratic duty, fosters a scientific temper, promotes social harmony, and serves the public interest with unwavering responsibility and ethical rigour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction &#8211; Upholding The Conscience Of Indian Journalism The Press Council of India (PCI), the statutory watchdog for the press in India, plays a critical role in safeguarding both the freedom of the press and the maintenance of high professional standards. The Press Council of India\u2019s Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition) serves as a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[86],"tags":[28],"class_list":{"0":"post-9668","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-media-laws","7":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9668"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9668\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}