Introduction
The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory, autonomous body established under the Press Council of India Act, 1978, with the primary aim of preserving the freedom of the press while maintaining and improving its ethical and professional standards. As a quasi-judicial authority, the PCI acts as a watchdog to ensure that the press operates independently and responsibly within the democratic framework of India.
Functions of the Press Council of India
Objects and Functions (Section 13 of the Press Council of India Act, 1978)
1. Preservation of Press Freedom
The PCI safeguards the press’s independence, ensuring that newspapers and news agencies function without undue interference. A free press is vital to democracy, and the PCI ensures that the media continues to be a check on power while facilitating public discourse.
2. Improvement of Standards
The PCI promotes ethical journalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and objectivity in reporting. By improving professional standards, it fosters public trust in the media.
3. Development of a Code of Conduct
It formulates a code of conduct for journalists, newspapers, and news agencies, ensuring high professional and ethical standards. This code balances the public’s right to information with the media’s responsibilities.
4. Ensuring Public Taste and Citizenship Responsibilities
The PCI encourages journalists and media outlets to uphold high standards of public taste and fulfill their duties as responsible citizens.
5. Monitoring Restrictions on News Flow
The PCI reviews developments that might hinder the dissemination of public interest news. It ensures policies and external influences do not restrict the free flow of information.
6. Oversight of Foreign Assistance
To maintain the independence of Indian media, the PCI monitors cases where newspapers or agencies receive foreign assistance. Transparency is ensured through reviews initiated either by the Council or the Central Government.
7. Study of Foreign Newspapers
The PCI studies foreign newspapers circulated in India to evaluate their influence on Indian journalism and public opinion.
8. Promoting Functional Relationships
It fosters collaboration and understanding among different stakeholders in the production and publication of newspapers, encouraging a cohesive media environment.
9. Addressing Ownership Issues
The PCI monitors media ownership patterns, including concentration of ownership, to ensure that journalistic independence is not compromised.
10. Advisory Role to the Central Government
It provides expert opinions on issues referred by the Central Government, contributing to policymaking in media-related areas.
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Power to Censure (Section 14)
The PCI has the authority to censure newspapers, editors, or journalists for breaching ethical norms or engaging in professional misconduct.
Inquiry Process
The Council conducts inquiries, providing the parties involved an opportunity to present their case before taking action.
Censure or Admonishment
If violations are confirmed, the PCI can issue warnings, admonishments, or formal censures.
Publicizing Inquiry Outcomes
For transparency, the PCI can mandate the publication of inquiry findings, including the names of those involved, in public interest.
Finality of Decisions
The PCI’s decisions on censure are binding and cannot be challenged in court, underscoring its authority.
General Powers (Section 15)
Civil Court Powers
The PCI has powers equivalent to a civil court, such as summoning witnesses, inspecting documents, and requisitioning public records.
Protection of Sources
Journalists cannot be compelled to reveal their sources, safeguarding investigative journalism.
Judicial Nature of Proceedings
The PCI’s inquiries are considered judicial proceedings under the Indian Penal Code, emphasizing their seriousness.
Observations on Government Conduct
The PCI can comment on the conduct of governmental authorities, reinforcing its role as a guardian of press freedom.
Financial Provisions
Levy of Fees (Section 16)
Registered newspapers and news agencies contribute fees, determined by their circulation, to fund the PCI.
Government Grants (Section 17)
The Central Government provides additional funding, ensuring the PCI’s operational independence.
Annual Budget and Audit (Sections 19–22)
The PCI prepares an annual budget, which is audited for transparency, ensuring accountability in its financial operations.
Reporting and Accountability
Annual Reports (Section 20)
The PCI submits an annual report detailing its activities to the Central Government, which presents it to Parliament.
Interim Reports (Section 21)
On pressing issues, the PCI can provide interim reports to inform the government and public.
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Conclusion
The Press Council of India plays a crucial role in safeguarding press freedom and ensuring ethical journalism. Its wide-ranging functions and quasi-judicial authority make it a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework. By upholding professional standards and holding the press accountable, the PCI strengthens public trust and preserves the media’s critical role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
FAQs
1. What is the primary function of the Press Council of India?
The primary function of the PCI is to preserve press freedom and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.
2. What powers does the PCI have under the Press Council of India Act, 1978?
The PCI has powers similar to a civil court for conducting inquiries and can censure or admonish newspapers and journalists for unethical practices.
3. How does the PCI ensure financial accountability?
The PCI operates through fees collected from media entities and grants from the government, with its budget audited annually for transparency.
Reference: presscouncil.nic.in