{"id":9829,"date":"2025-10-08T04:54:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T04:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=9829"},"modified":"2025-10-08T04:57:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T04:57:07","slug":"digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Media Violation of Code of Conduct \u2013 How to File a Complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objective\"><\/span>Objective:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>NBDSA<\/strong> is an independent self-regulatory body established to uphold the highest ethical standards in <strong>news broadcasting and digital journalism<\/strong>. It ensures <strong>accuracy, fairness, decency, and accountability<\/strong> in media content while preserving the <strong>freedom of the press<\/strong> guaranteed under <strong>Article 19(1)(a)<\/strong> of the Constitution of India.<\/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\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Objective\" >Objective:<\/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\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Step-by-Step_Complaint_Process\" >Step-by-Step Complaint Process:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Step_1_%E2%80%93_File_a_Complaint_with_the_Broadcaster_Digital_Platform\" >Step 1 \u2013 File a Complaint with the Broadcaster \/ Digital Platform<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Procedure\" >Procedure:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Your_Complaint_Should_Include\" >Your Complaint Should Include:<\/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\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Timeline\" >Timeline:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Step_2_%E2%80%93_Escalate_to_the_NBDSA\" >Step 2 \u2013 Escalate to the NBDSA<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Filing_Window\" >Filing Window:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Language\" >Language:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Submission_Options\" >Submission Options:<\/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\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Documents_to_Include\" >Documents to Include:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Step_3_%E2%80%93_NBDSA_Adjudication\" >Step 3 \u2013 NBDSA Adjudication<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Process\" >Process:<\/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\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Possible_Outcomes_Sanctions\" >Possible Outcomes \/ Sanctions:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Suo_Motu_Powers\" >Suo Motu Powers:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Legal_Backing_and_Regulatory_Framework\" >Legal Backing and Regulatory Framework:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Sanctions_on_Media_Personnel\" >Sanctions on Media Personnel:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Media_Regulation_in_India_%E2%80%93_Key_Distinctions\" >Media Regulation in India \u2013 Key Distinctions:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Protection_of_Identity_in_Sensitive_Cases\" >Protection of Identity in Sensitive Cases<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Cases_Where_Identity_Protection_is_Mandatory\" >Cases Where Identity Protection is Mandatory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/digital-media-violation-of-code-of-conduct-how-to-file-a-complaint\/#Applicable_Body\" >Applicable Body<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Any person <strong>aggrieved by the content<\/strong> broadcast or published by a <strong>member or associate member<\/strong> of the <strong>NBDA<\/strong> (news channel or digital news platform) may file a complaint before the NBDSA.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_Complaint_Process\"><\/span>Step-by-Step Complaint Process:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_%E2%80%93_File_a_Complaint_with_the_Broadcaster_Digital_Platform\"><\/span>Step 1 \u2013 File a Complaint with the Broadcaster \/ Digital Platform<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before approaching the NBDSA, the complainant must first raise the grievance directly with the concerned broadcaster or digital publisher.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedure\"><\/span>Procedure:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Submit the written complaint within <strong>15 days<\/strong> of the telecast or publication.<\/li>\n<li>Address it to the <strong>Compliance Officer<\/strong> of the concerned broadcaster\/digital platform.<\/li>\n<li>Contact details of Compliance Officers are available on the <strong>NBDA website<\/strong> under \u201cWhom to Complain\u201d and on the broadcaster\u2019s website under \u201cComplaint Redressal.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Complaint_Should_Include\"><\/span>Your Complaint Should Include:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Name of the programme\/article<\/li>\n<li>Date and time of telecast\/publication<\/li>\n<li>Detailed description of the violation (e.g., bias, defamation, obscenity, invasion of privacy, communal incitement, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timeline\"><\/span>Timeline:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The broadcaster or publisher must respond within <strong>15 days<\/strong> of receiving the complaint, as mandated by the NBDA Code.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_%E2%80%93_Escalate_to_the_NBDSA\"><\/span>Step 2 \u2013 Escalate to the NBDSA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the broadcaster fails to respond within 15 days, or if the response is unsatisfactory, the complainant may <strong>escalate the matter to the NBDSA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Filing_Window\"><\/span>Filing Window:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>File within <strong>15 days<\/strong> of receiving the broadcaster\u2019s reply or within <strong>15 days<\/strong> after the expiry of the response period.<\/li>\n<li>Delay may be condoned by NBDSA if justified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Language\"><\/span>Language:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Complaints may be submitted in <strong>English or Hindi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Submission_Options\"><\/span>Submission Options:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online:<\/strong> Through the NBDA Complaint Form<\/li>\n<li><strong>Email (to NBDSA):<\/strong> To the Chairperson or Authority,\n<ul>\n<li>authority@nbanewdelhi.com<\/li>\n<li>authority@nbdanewdelhi.com<br \/>\n<em>(Optional CC: nbda@nbdanewdelhi.com for record-keeping only)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>By Post:<\/strong><br \/>\nNews Broadcasting &amp; Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)<br \/>\nB-39, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase I,<br \/>\nNew Delhi \u2013 110020<br \/>\n<strong>Complaints should be addressed to the Chairperson, NBDSA<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documents_to_Include\"><\/span>Documents to Include:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Copy of the original complaint submitted to the broadcaster<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the broadcaster\u2019s reply (if any)<\/li>\n<li>Supporting evidence (screenshots, video clips, or transcripts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_%E2%80%93_NBDSA_Adjudication\"><\/span>Step 3 \u2013 NBDSA Adjudication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After receiving the complaint, the <strong>NBDSA<\/strong> reviews it under the <strong>Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards<\/strong> and related guidelines.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Process\"><\/span>Process:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The Authority examines the allegations and may conduct hearings <strong>online or in person<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The broadcaster or publisher is given an opportunity to respond.<\/li>\n<li>After evaluation, the NBDSA issues a written decision, which is <strong>published on its official website.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Possible_Outcomes_Sanctions\"><\/span>Possible Outcomes \/ Sanctions:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If a violation is established, the NBDSA may impose one or more of the following actions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Warning or Admonition<\/strong> to the broadcaster or journalist<\/li>\n<li><strong>On-air Apology \/ Clarification<\/strong> by the channel or website<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fine up to \u20b925 lakh<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Direction for Content Removal or Correction<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Recommendation for Suspension or Cancellation of Licence<\/strong> (in repeated or grave cases)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suo_Motu_Powers\"><\/span>Suo Motu Powers:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The NBDSA may also initiate action <strong>on its own (suo motu)<\/strong> in cases involving:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Content inciting <strong>communal hatred<\/strong> or promoting <strong>violence<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Obscene, indecent, or defamatory material<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Repeated violations by the same broadcaster or digital publisher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Backing_and_Regulatory_Framework\"><\/span>Legal Backing and Regulatory Framework:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>NBDSA<\/strong> is recognized under the <strong>Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021<\/strong> as a <strong>Tier-II self-regulatory body<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Its functioning aligns with the constitutional balance between:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Article 19(1)(a):<\/strong> Freedom of Speech and Expression<\/li>\n<li><strong>Article 19(2):<\/strong> Reasonable Restrictions (public order, decency, defamation, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Courts have often directed complainants to <strong>approach NBDSA first<\/strong> before initiating litigation, emphasizing <strong>self-regulation over censorship.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sanctions_on_Media_Personnel\"><\/span>Sanctions on Media Personnel:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Journalists, anchors, and debate moderators found in violation may face:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Monetary fines<\/li>\n<li>Public warnings or censure<\/li>\n<li>Retraction or apology orders<\/li>\n<li>In serious cases, <strong>criminal prosecution<\/strong> under relevant laws<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Media_Regulation_in_India_%E2%80%93_Key_Distinctions\"><\/span>Media Regulation in India \u2013 Key Distinctions:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Regulatory Body<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong data-start=\"112\" data-end=\"122\">Domain<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"165\">Complaint Email \/ Submission Address<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"192\">Powers \/ Limitations<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"617\">\n<td data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"339\" data-col-size=\"md\"><strong data-start=\"306\" data-end=\"338\">Press Council of India (PCI)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"383\" data-col-size=\"md\">Print Media (newspapers, magazines, etc.)<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"540\" data-col-size=\"lg\"><strong>complaints-pci@gov.in<\/strong><strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\">;<\/span><\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>secy-pci@gov.in<\/strong><strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><br \/>\nOnline: https:\/\/presscouncil.gov.in\/complaints<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"617\" data-col-size=\"lg\">Can <strong data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"565\">warn or censure<\/strong>, but <strong data-start=\"571\" data-end=\"594\">cannot impose fines<\/strong> or order suspension.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"939\">\n<td data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"645\" data-col-size=\"md\"><strong data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"629\">NBDSA<\/strong> <em data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"644\">(under NBDA)<\/em><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"679\" data-col-size=\"md\">Television &amp; Digital News Media<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"679\" data-end=\"851\" data-col-size=\"lg\"><strong>authority@nbanewdelhi.com<\/strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> or <strong data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"747\">authority@nbdanewdelhi.com<\/strong><br \/>\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.nbdanewdelhi.com\/initiatives<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"851\" data-end=\"939\" data-col-size=\"lg\">Can <strong data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"880\">fine up to \u20b925 lakh<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"907\">order content removal<\/strong>, or <strong data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"936\">recommend suspension<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"1338\">\n<td data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"1043\" data-col-size=\"md\"><strong data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"999\">Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B Ministry)<\/strong><strong> <em data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1042\">(for Digital Publishers \/ OTT Platforms)<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1081\" data-col-size=\"md\">Online News Portals &amp; OTT Platforms<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1224\" data-col-size=\"lg\"><strong>digitalmediacell@nic.in<\/strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><br \/>\nGrievance under IT Rules, 2021 via: https:\/\/grievanceportal.gov.in<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1338\" data-col-size=\"lg\">Must ensure compliance with <strong data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1272\">IT Rules, 2021<\/strong> &#8211; grievance handling, content classification, and verification.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protection_of_Identity_in_Sensitive_Cases\"><\/span>Protection of Identity in Sensitive Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All media\u2014<strong>print, broadcast, and digital<\/strong>\u2014must protect the identity of victims and accused persons in sensitive cases. Disclosure is <strong>strictly prohibited<\/strong> in matters involving:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cases_Where_Identity_Protection_is_Mandatory\"><\/span>Cases Where Identity Protection is Mandatory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Juvenile victims or juveniles in conflict with law<\/li>\n<li>Victims of crimes against women or children<\/li>\n<li>Persons living with HIV\/AIDS<\/li>\n<li>Victims of acid attacks<\/li>\n<li>Persons with mental illness<\/li>\n<li>Victims of honour-based violence<\/li>\n<li>Sexual assault survivors<\/li>\n<li>Victims of human trafficking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Violation of these confidentiality norms amounts to a <strong>serious ethical and legal breach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The establishment of the <strong>NBDSA<\/strong> represents a vital step toward ensuring <strong>responsible and accountable digital journalism<\/strong> in India. It provides a transparent platform for citizens to <strong>seek redressal against unethical media practices<\/strong> while safeguarding <strong>editorial independence and freedom of expression<\/strong>. By adhering to this structured complaint mechanism, both the public and the media can work together to preserve <strong>integrity, credibility, and public trust<\/strong> in journalism.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applicable_Body\"><\/span>Applicable Body<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>News Broadcasting &amp; Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>(under the News Broadcasters &amp; Digital Association \u2013 NBDA)<\/em><br \/>\n<strong>Official Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.nbdanewdelhi.com\/initiatives<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Objective: The NBDSA is an independent self-regulatory body established to uphold the highest ethical standards in news broadcasting and digital journalism. It ensures accuracy, fairness, decency, and accountability in media content while preserving the freedom of the press guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. Any person aggrieved by the content broadcast or<\/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-9829","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\/9829","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=9829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9829\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}