What is the Press Council of India (PCI)?

26-08-2023

10:22 AM

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1 min read
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Overview:

The Press Council of India (PCI) recently issued an advisory to the print media on ‘paid news’.

About the Press Council of India (PCI):

  • The PCI was first set up in 1966 by the parliament on the recommendations of the First Press Commission under the chairmanship of Justice J.R Mudholkar.
  • The present council functions under the Press Council Act 1978.
  • It is a statutory, quasi-judicial body that acts as a watchdog of the press in India.
  • Composition:
    • It consists of a Chairman and 28 other members.
    • The Chairman is nominated by a committee consisting of Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, and one representative of the council member.
    • The Chairman, by convention, has been a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
    • The term of the Chairman and the members of the Council is 3 years.
  • Primary Function: To check the media practice and to keep an eye on the freedom of the press.
  • Other Functions:
    • Helping newspapers to maintain their independence;
    • Building up a code of conduct for journalists and newspapers according to high professional standards;
    • Reviewing any development which is likely to restrict the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and importance;
    • Reviewing such cases where assistance has been received by any newspaper or news agency in India from foreign sources, as referred to it by the Central Government;
    • Providing facilities for the proper education and training of persons in the profession of journalism;
    • Studying developments that may lead towards monopoly or concentration of ownership of newspapers and suggest remedies;
  • Powers:
    • It adjudicates the complaints either against the Press for violation of journalistic ethics or by the Press for interference with its freedom.
    • The council shall have the same powers throughout India as are vested in a Civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
    • Every inquiry held by the council shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding under sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code.
    • The decision of the council is final and can not be challenged in any court of law.

 

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Q1) What is the Press Council Act 1978?

It is an act to establish a Press Council for the purpose of preserving the freedom of the Press and of maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.

Source: Press Council issues advisory on ‘paid news’