{"id":9718,"date":"2025-10-05T22:05:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T22:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/"},"modified":"2025-10-06T06:18:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:18:05","slug":"how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/","title":{"rendered":"How to File a Complaint with the Press Council of India (PCI)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Press_Council_of_India_PCI\"><\/span>About the Press Council of India (PCI)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong> <a href=\"\/legal\/article-7091-media-and-press-council-of-india-act.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Press Council of India<\/a> (PCI)<\/strong> is a <strong>statutory, quasi-judicial body<\/strong> established under the <strong>Press Council Act, 1978 (Act No. 37 of 1978)<\/strong>. It serves as the <strong>watchdog of press freedom in India<\/strong> and ensures that the standards of <strong>journalistic ethics and public accountability<\/strong> are maintained across print media.<\/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\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#About_the_Press_Council_of_India_PCI\" >About the Press Council of India (PCI)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Core_Objectives\" >Core Objectives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Jurisdiction_of_the_PCI\" >Jurisdiction of the PCI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Digital_Media_Regulation_Not_under_PCI\" >Digital Media Regulation (Not under PCI)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Where_to_Send_Your_Complaint\" >Where to Send Your Complaint<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Email_Submission\" >Email Submission<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#What_to_Include_in_Your_Complaint\" >What to Include in Your Complaint<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Mandatory_Enclosures\" >Mandatory Enclosures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#What_to_Include_in_Your_News_Item_Submission\" >What to Include in Your News Item Submission<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Time_Limits_for_Filing_Complaints\" >Time Limits for Filing Complaints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#After_Filing_the_Complaint\" >After Filing the Complaint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-press-council-of-india-pci\/#Useful_Links\" >Useful Links<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Objectives\"><\/span>Core Objectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Upholding Freedom of the Press:<\/strong> Ensuring that the press functions independently and responsibly within the framework of law.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maintaining Standards:<\/strong> Promoting high standards of public taste and preventing the publication of false, biased, or misleading news.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjudicating Complaints:<\/strong> Addressing grievances against newspapers, news agencies, and journalists for professional or ethical misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jurisdiction_of_the_PCI\"><\/span>Jurisdiction of the PCI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The PCI\u2019s jurisdiction is <strong>limited to print media<\/strong> \u2014 that is, <strong>newspapers and news agencies<\/strong> as defined under the Press Council Act, 1978.<\/p>\n<p>The PCI <strong>does not have authority over television channels, radio, or standalone digital news platforms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digital_Media_Regulation_Not_under_PCI\"><\/span>Digital Media Regulation (Not under PCI)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While the PCI oversees traditional print journalism, <strong>digital news platforms<\/strong> and <strong>online media outlets<\/strong> fall under a different regulatory mechanism.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Governing Framework:<\/strong> <em> <a href=\"\/legal\/article-17225-information-technology-intermediary-guidelines-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021-on-freedom-of-speech-and-expression-in-india-s-digital-media.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines &amp; Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Regulatory System:<\/strong> A <strong>three-tier grievance redressal mechanism<\/strong> operates for digital media:\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Self-regulation by the publisher<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Self-regulating bodies of publishers<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Oversight by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hence, complaints regarding online or electronic content should be directed to the <strong>digital grievance redressal mechanism<\/strong>, not the PCI.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Send_Your_Complaint\"><\/span>Where to Send Your Complaint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All complaints should be formally <strong>addressed to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Secretary, Press Council of India,<\/strong><br \/>\nSoochna Bhavan, 8-C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi \u2013 110003<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Email_Submission\"><\/span>Email Submission<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is advisable to send complaints to the following official email addresses (preferably the first one unless directed otherwise):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>cioppcomplaint@gmail.com<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>complaints-pci@gov.in<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>us.complaints-pci@nic.in<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Include_in_Your_Complaint\"><\/span>What to Include in Your Complaint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To ensure your complaint is processed without delay, it must be <strong>complete and properly documented<\/strong>. Incomplete or unsigned complaints are usually not entertained.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Enclosures\"><\/span>Mandatory Enclosures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Copy of the News Item:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li>Attach an original clipping or a <strong>self-attested copy<\/strong> (if it was self-published).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Correspondence with the Editor:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Include the <strong>letter you sent to the editor<\/strong> raising your grievance and <strong>any reply received<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<em>(It is mandatory to first write to the editor before approaching the PCI.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Signed Complaint:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The complaint should bear your <strong>original signature<\/strong> with all <strong>relevant enclosures<\/strong> attached.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statement Regarding Legal Proceedings:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A clear declaration whether the matter is <strong>sub judice<\/strong> (under judicial consideration).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statement on Parallel Proceedings:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Mention if the issue is <strong>pending before any other authority or tribunal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Include_in_Your_News_Item_Submission\"><\/span>What to Include in Your News Item Submission<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your complaint relates specifically to the content of a published news item, the following should be provided:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Copy of the news item (original or self-attested)<\/li>\n<li>Statement confirming that the item appeared in a <strong>newspaper or periodical<\/strong> (not in electronic\/digital media)<\/li>\n<li>Signed declaration detailing:\n<ul>\n<li>Facts you wish to bring to the Council\u2019s attention<\/li>\n<li>Supporting evidence or documents that substantiate your claim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time_Limits_for_Filing_Complaints\"><\/span>Time Limits for Filing Complaints<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Press Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations, 1979<\/strong> prescribe strict timelines for submitting complaints. Filing within these limits is essential for the complaint to be admissible.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Type of Publication \/ Complaint<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Deadline to File Complaint (From Date of Publication \/ Non-Publication \/ Misconduct)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Condonation of Delay<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dailies \/ Weeklies \/ News Agencies<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Within 2 months<\/td>\n<td>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).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>All Other Publications<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Within 4 months<\/td>\n<td>Same as above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Professional Misconduct<\/strong> (against an editor or working journalist, <strong>not related to publication\/non-publication<\/strong> \u2014 e.g., accepting bribes, misuse of position, tampering with evidence, breach of confidentiality, gross indecency or abuse)<\/td>\n<td>Within 4 months from the date of the alleged misconduct<\/td>\n<td>Same as above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"After_Filing_the_Complaint\"><\/span>After Filing the Complaint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once received, the PCI Secretariat examines whether:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The complaint falls within its jurisdiction,<\/li>\n<li>The prescribed procedure has been followed, and<\/li>\n<li>The matter is not pending elsewhere or sub judice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>After reviewing both sides, the <strong>Inquiry Committee<\/strong> of the PCI may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dismiss<\/strong> the complaint if unfounded, or<\/li>\n<li><strong>Admonish \/ Censure<\/strong> the publication or journalist if found guilty of violating journalistic ethics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Council\u2019s <strong>adjudication (decision)<\/strong> is published in its official <strong>Press Council Reports<\/strong> and made available publicly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The PCI acts as a <strong>guardian of press freedom and ethics<\/strong>, but <strong>only for print media<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Complaints must be <strong>specific, documented, and timely<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Always <strong>write first to the editor<\/strong> before approaching the PCI.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electronic and digital media<\/strong> are governed separately under <strong>IT Rules, 2021<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Useful_Links\"><\/span>Useful Links<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Official Website of the Press Council of India<\/li>\n<li>Press Council Act, 1978 (Full Text)<\/li>\n<li>Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2019 Edition)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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<\/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":[24],"class_list":{"0":"post-9718","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-media-laws","7":"tag-just-in"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9718","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=9718"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9718\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}