[pib] Press Council of India

Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

[pib] Press Council of India

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Press Council of India

Why in the News?

National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to honour the critical role of a free and responsible press in society.
- It marks the start of the Press Council of India in 1966, established as a moral watchdog to uphold press standards and protect it from undue influence or threats.

About the Press Council of India (PCI):

	Details
History and Establishment	• Constituted on July 4, 1966, as an autonomous, statutory, and quasi-judicial body. • Established to act as a moral watchdog over the press to ensure it operates with ethics and independence. • First Press Commission of India (1954) recommended forming a council to uphold professional standards in journalism. • Initially governed by the Press Council Act of 1965, later replaced by the Press Council Act of 1978.
Composition of PCI	• Comprises 28 members and a Chairperson. • Chairperson appointed by a committee that includes the Chief Justice of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and a representative of the President. • Member Representation: – 13 working journalists representing different news organizations. – 6 members from editors and newspaper owners. – 5 members from Parliament (3 from Lok Sabha, 2 from Rajya Sabha). – 1 nominee each from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), and Sahitya Akademi. • Term: Each member serves a 3-year term and can be re-elected.
Powers and Functions of PCI	Powers: • Quasi-Judicial Authority: PCI has statutory powers to hold inquiries into complaints against the press or journalists for professional misconduct. • Inquiry Powers: PCI can summon witnesses and call for documents if necessary. • Disciplinary Action: PCI has the authority to censure or admonish newspapers, editors, or journalists for violating professional ethics. • Recommendations: Although PCI cannot enforce laws or impose penalties, it can recommend actions to the relevant authorities in case of serious violations. Functions: • Upholding Press Freedom: Ensures that the press in India is free from undue influence and performs its duties with responsibility. • Protecting Journalists: Investigates complaints of harassment or threats against journalists and defends their rights. • Policy Advisory Role: Advises the government on policy issues that affect press freedom and media laws. • Studies and Reports: Conducts studies on media issues, such as election reporting, defense coverage, and journalist safety, to provide guidelines on responsible reporting.

PYQ:

[2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

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