PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA

Annual Report
(April 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017)

New Delhi
Printed at : Chandu Press, D-97, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092
 Press Council of India
Soochna Bhawan, 8, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110 003
Chairman: Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad
NAME ORGANISATION NOMINATED BY NEWSPAPERS
Editors of Indian Languages Newspapers (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)
Shri Ramesh Gupta All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference and Weekly Tej,
Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan Urdu
New Delhi
Shri Bipin Newar All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference and Chaapte Chaapte
Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan Hindi Daily,
West Bengal
Shri Uttam Chandra Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and Muzaffarnagar Bulletin,
Sharma All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference Hindi Daily
Muzaffarnagar, U.P.
Dr. Suman Gupta Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and Janmorcha,
All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference Hindi Daily, Faizabad,
Uttar Pradesh
Shri Prakash Dubey Editor’s Guild of India Dainik Bhaskar,
Hindi Daily
Nagpur
Editors of English Newspapers (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)
Shri Krishna Prasad Editor’s Guild of India Outlook (English)
New Delhi

Working Journalists other than Editors (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)

Shri Kosuri Amarnath Indian Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists(I), Freelancer, Journalist,
Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s Hyderabad
Association
Shri Prabhat Kumar Indian Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists (I), Pratidin
Dash Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s Odia Daily,
Association Odisha
Shri Rajeev Ranjan Press Association, Working News Cameramen’s Aaj Samaj, Hindi Daily,
Nag Association, Indian Journalists Union and National Union New Delhi
of Journalists (I)
Shri Prajnananda National Union of Journalists(I), Indian Journalists Union, Ananda Bazar Patrika,
Chaudhuri Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s Kolkata
Association

Shri S.N. Sinha Indian Journalists Union, Working News Cameramen’s Photo Journalist,
Association, National Union of Journalists(I) and Press (Freelancer)
Association New Delhi
Shri Sondeep Shankar Working News Cameramen’s Association, Indian Photo Journalist,
Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists(I) and (Freelancer)
Press Association New Delhi
Shri C.K. Nayak Press Association, Indian Journalists Union, Working The Shillong Times,
News Cameramen’s Association and National Union of Shillong
Journalists(I)
 NAME ORGANISATION NOMINATED BY NEWSPAPERS

Owners and Managers of Big, Medium and Small Newspapers

(Clause (b) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)
Shri Hormusji N. Indian Newspaper Society The Bombay Samachar,
Cama Gujarati Daily,
Mumbai
Shri Ravindra Kumar Indian Newspaper Society The Statesman, English
Daily, Kolkata
Shri Kundan Raman Indian Newspaper Society, Association of Small and Kutch Mitra, Gujarati
lal Vyas Medium Newspapers of India and All India Small and Daily, Kutchh (Bhuj),
Medium Newspapers Federation Gujarat
Shri Gurinder Singh All India Small and Medium Newspapers Federation, Indian Observer,
Indian Newspaper Society and Association of Small and English Fortnightly,
Medium Newspapers of India New Delhi
Shri Vijay Kumar Indian Newspaper Society, All India Small and Medium Hind Samachar, Hindi
Chopra Newspapers Federation and Association of Small and Daily, Jalandhar
Medium Newspapers of India
Shri Keshav Dutt Association of Small and Medium Newspapers of India, Rajput Maryada,
Chandola Indian Newspaper Society and All India Small and Hindi Weekly,
Medium Newspapers Federation Kanpur

Managers of News Agencies (Clause (c) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)

Shri G. Sudhakar The Press Trust of India limited Editor

Nair The Press Trust of
India limited,
New Delhi
Nominees of University Grants Commission, Bar Council of India and Sahitya Academy
(Clause (d) of Sub-Section(3) of Section 5)

Shri Pankaj Vohra University Grants Commission

Shri Apurba Kumar Bar Council of India
Sharma
Dr. K. Sreenivasarao Sahitya Academy
Members of Parliament Nominated by Speaker, Lok Sabha and Chairman, Rajya Sabha
(Clause (e) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)

Smt. Meenakshi lekhi (lok Sabha)

*Shri Pratap Simha (lok Sabha)
Vacant (lok Sabha)
Shri Prabhat Jha (Rajya Sabha)
Vacant (Rajya Sabha)
Secretary: Vibha Bhargava
Officiating Secretary: Punam Sibbal
(Officiating from 4.4.2016 to 28.2.2017)

*Membership ceased w.e.f. 9.9.2016

 Contents
Foreword

Chapter I General Review 1

Chapter II Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats 48

to Press Freedom

Chapter III Adjudications in Complaints Filed Against the Press 60

Chapter IV Report on Murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, 76

Journalist, Jan Sandesh Times, Sultanpur, U.P.

Chapter V Report on Murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau 78

Chief, Hindustan, Hindi Daily, Siwan, Bihar.

Chapter VI Report on Murder of Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, 88

Journalist, Hindi Television, Chatra, Jharkhand

Chapter VII Report on Obscene/Vulgar Advertisements 93

Chapter VIII Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on 95

Journalists:- Maharashtra legislative Council

Chapter IX Finances of the Council 2016-17 105

Annexures

A Gazette Notification dated 28.4.2016 - Amending 130

Rule 10 of Press Council Rules, 1979

B Statement of Cases April 1, 2016- March 31, 2017 132

C Graph of Adjudications 2016-17 133

D Subject Index of Orders Passed by the Press & 134

Registration Appellate Board (2016-2017)

E Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints 137

Regarding Threats to Press Freedom (2016-2017)
F Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints 150
Filed Against the Press (2016-2017)

G Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudications 193

in Complaints Regarding Threats to Press Freedom

H Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudications 194

in Complaints Filed Against the Press
 Foreword
“Freedom of Press is a privilege that no country can forego”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Press has the power to mould the minds of its readers. It helps public to make an
informed decision, however, if the information, it shares in public is distorted or concocted,
instead it becomes a disinformation, which is hazardous. Thus, Press Council of India,
since 1966, has been constantly striving to protect and preserve freedom of the press and to
raise the standards of the Indian press.

In the financial year, 2016- 2017, the Press Council of India has performed multi-
faceted activities to uphold the dictum of freedom of the press with responsibility. The
Council has been dynamic in discharging its major function of adjudication of complaints
filed with the Council; for or even against the press. The complaints are received from
different parts of India, from different sections of the society against the authorities of the
Government for violation of press freedom and against the press for breaching journalistic
ethics. Apart from being the quasi-judicial authority in the matters related to the press, the
Council has played a significant role in being an advisory body to the legislature and other
authorities as required from time to time and guiding the press on matters that have bearing
on the freedom of the press and its preservation.
In recent years, violent attacks on journalist have become a prevalent phenomenon
worldwide. Journalist being the crusaders of truth are generally expected to present an
incident/issue from an objective viewpoint, reflecting all dimensions of an issue. However,
in most scenarios, while doing their job honestly and dedicatedly, journalists often
encounter life-threatening situations, especially those who are reporting from conflict-
affected areas. In India, journalists from vernacular newspapers are more exposed to such
threats. Journalists from small towns and cities work in odd hours under extreme work
pressure, poor infrastructure, inefficient management added with a lack of assurance of
safety and security at the job and dearth of experience in tackling sensitive matters. This
often makes them susceptible to mortal danger. The Press Council of India, to tackle such
menace, in its advisory capacity, has provided the Government and other authorities its
views on a variety of issues, including a draft bill for prevention of violence and attack on
Journalists. To facilitate newspapers maintain financial stability, the Council has submitted
its recommendations on the new advertisement policy released by the Government of
India. The Press Council of India in order to carve the restriction in access to information
by media, has taken suo-muto cognizance of several matters such as in the case of media
restriction in covering the ongoing agitation in the Hyderabad Central University and
National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. Suo-mutocognizance of matters concerning
death threats and killing of journalists have remained the top priority task of the Council.
In several matters of this sort, the Council has formed an independent fact-finding team
to investigate the matters and has given its recommendations to the State Government to
eliminate the occurances of such unfortunate incidents in connection to the press.

The report lays down an analyses of the several meetings of the Inquiry Committee
of the Council and also of the Full Council. These meetings were held successfully in the
several States of India, creating a wide range of awareness amongst the press fraternity as
well as the masses, regarding the significance of the rational use of freedom of speech and
expression through media. Further, it presents a compilation of reports prepared by the
Council on the several incidences of the killing of journalists, threats to freedom of the
press, and misuse of the press.

last year was one of the notable years in the history of Press Council of India as it
completed its fifty years of functioning. In golden jubilee celebration the Press Councils of
Bangladesh, Sri lanka, Nepal and Maldives participated in the programme of the National
Press Day on 16th November 2016, graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri
Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister also emphasized on the need for media to self-regulate
its coverage and expressed his concern for the media freedom. The subject chosen for
deliberation on the Press Day 2016, was related to the safety and security of the media
personnel reporting from conflict areas.

After a long process of dialogues at national and international level regarding

formation of a common platform for the press/media councils of South Asian nations to
exchange views, experience and knowledge, to promote peace, stability and prosperity in
the region through use of media and public diplomacy, the Press Council of India finally
held the first meeting of the proposed body – the South Asian Alliance of Press Councils
in Delhi. The same was attended by the representative of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri lanka,
Maldives and Afghanistan. Further, to preserve the freedom of the press and to promote
the standards and ethics in the press, worldwide, a delegation of Press Council of India
visited Bangladesh and Nepal. Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the
respective nations to promote freedom of press across the borders.
It is essential to have financial autonomy for the Press Council to make the
dictums of Council more effective, hence a restructuring of the levy fee was proposed to
the Government of India by the Council. The Government of India, through its Gazette
Notification dated April 28, 2016, has laid down a revised fees structure to be levied upon
the registered newspapers and news agencies and this has definitely led to the financial
strengthening of the Press Council.
This Report being almost last report of the XIIth Council, I must take the opportunity
tothank all the members of the Council for having extended their full support and expertise
to enable the Council in credibly discharging its function.

Hereby, I present to the readers the Annual Report 2016-2017with the hope that the
Report would be informative and fulfill the objectives of the establishment of the Press
Council of India.

New Delhi Chandramauli Kumar Prasad

March 31, 2017 Chairman
Press Council of India
 Chapter – I
General Review

Introduction
The Press Council of India was set up in the year 1966 on the recommen-
dations of the First Press Commission. In the discharge of its two-fold function
of preserving the freedom of press and maintaining and improving standards of
press, the Council performs a multifaceted role. While on the one hand it acts as
a statutory quasi-judicial authority with all the powers of a Civil Court, on the
other, in its advisory capacity, it guides the press as well as the authorities on any
matter that may have a bearing on the freedom of press and in its preservation,
including rendering advise on important legislations to central and state govern-
ments.

The Press Council of India acts in a higher domain of ethical values and
standards. Since its inception it has been building up a code of conduct for
newspapers, news agencies and journalists in accordance with high professional
standards. Its purpose is not just to keep a watch on the press but also enthuse a
new perspective into journalists. The Council uses its moral authority to administer
ethics rather than law that have a direct impact on and import for the public and
this society at large.

The Council is a body corporate having perpetual succession. It consists of

a Chairman and twenty-eight other members. The Chairman is, by convention,
a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India who is nominated by a Committee
comprising of Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), Speaker of the
House of the People (lok Sabha) and a person elected from amongst themselves
by the members of the Council. Of the 28 members, thirteen represent the working
journalists, of whom, six are to be editors of newspapers and remaining seven
are to be working journalists other than editors. Six members are from among
persons who own or carry on the business of the management of the newspapers,
two each representing the big, medium and small newspapers. One is from among
persons who manage news agencies. Although it consists of people principally
connected with the Press, it has eight members from varied field representing
the readers’ interest. Three of these members belong to the category of persons
having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of education, science,

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law and literature and culture, of which, one each is nominated by the University
Grants Commission, the Bar Council of India and the Sahitya Academy. Five are
members of Parliament, two nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and
three nominated by the Speaker of the lok Sabha. They represent public opinion.
The term of the office of the Chairman and the members is three years.

Since while enacting the Press Council Act in the year 1978, the Parlia-
ment was of the opinion that the Press Council should function as a body inde-
pendent of the Government control, authority or interference, it provided that
the Council may, for the purpose of performing its functions under the Act, levy
fees at the prescribed rates from the registered newspapers and the news agen-
cies. Further the Central Government has been enjoined to pay to the Council
by way of grants such sums of money as the Central Government may consider
necessary for the performance of its functions under the Act. The Press Council
combines in itself the independence of a self-regulatory internal mechanism and
the mandatory submission of all the newspapers to its jurisdiction.

As a statutory quasi-judicial authority, the Council is being approached by

way of more and more complaints every year. This is not to say that instances of
violation of ethics or that of threats to the press freedom are on the increase. In
fact, the Council feels that the press as well as powers to be are by and large act
responsibly. The reason for steady increase in the number of complaints being
lodged and equally speedy disposal within less than six months indicates that the
Council’s forum is being preferred over Courts where the proceedings, by their
very nature, are expensive and time consuming. The Council strives to provide
quick justice at the doorstep and to this end, it regularly meets in different parts
of the country to hear cases from that region.

The complaints received by the Council broadly fall into two categories;
complaints by the Press and complaints against the Press. Any person feel-
ing aggrieved about anything done which is likely to impair or interfere with
the independence of the Press may approach the Council. Similarly, anybody
aggrieved by any publication or non-publication in any newspaper or journal
may lodge a complaint with the Council for breach of the recognized canons of
journalistic ethics and taste. The Council is empowered to make observations
in respect of the conduct of any authority including Government, if it consid-
ers it necessary, in the course of performance of its functions under the Act.

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On the other hand, if it finds that a newspaper or a news agency has offended
against the standards of journalistic ethics or public taste or that an editor or
a working journalist has committed any professional misconduct, it can warn,
admonish or censure the newspaper, the news agency, the editor or the journal-
ist or disapprove the conduct of the editor or the journalist. In a case of public
importance, touching its statutory responsibilities, the Council may suo-motu
take cognizance and constitute a Special Committee to make an on- the- sport
inquiry. Thus, the Council exercises wide ranging moral authority. Its deci-
sions are final and cannot be questioned in any court of law. The decisions and
directions of the Council have generally been honoured and accepted by the
media and the authorities alike.

One of the unique features of the Press Council of India is that the
Parliament of the country deemed it important to vest it with statutory authority
while parallel institutions or similar bodies in most countries of the world
are mostly voluntary organizations with limited jurisdiction over constituent
stakeholder. Press Council of India is uniquely conferred with jurisdiction
to take cognizance of and adjudication on reported interference with the
press freedom. Notwithstanding the fact that a substantial part of its funds
is augmented by grants-in-aid from the Government, it has full functional
autonomy and independence from government control in the discharge of its
statutory responsibilities. The dual mode of funding ensures that the Council
remains free from pressure of the Government authorities as well as the press
despite their financial support.

Working of the Council

(April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017)

Reconstitution of the Press Council of India

While the Press Council of India enjoys a perpetual succession, the Press
Council Act, 1978 provides for its reconstitution to the Council every three years.
The 12th three-year term of the Council expires on October 09, 2017.

The process of reconstitution of the Council for its 13th term had been set in
motion by the Council in its meeting held on September 9th, 2016, inviting claims
from press associations/news-agencies of the categories referred to in clauses
(a),(b),(c) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5 of the Press Council Act. The claims

3
received in response and under scrutiny for recognition of eligible organization
that will be invited to file panel of names of members for the next term.

Meetings of the Council and its Committees

The full Council held eight full sittings including two extra ordinary meetings
during the reviewed year to discuss matters having vital bearing on press freedom
and its standards. Important of them have been reported hereinafter.

The statutory obligations of the Council as set out in Section 13 of the Press
Council Act, 1978 are carried out through the medium of its Committees. These
Committees through their untiring efforts and coordination ensured the smooth
functioning of the institution.

Generally all Committees are headed by the Chairman of the Council.

However convenors are appointed for special ad-hoc Committees. The Committees
of the Council especially the Inquiry Committees bear large quantum of work load.
The composition of the two Inquiry Committees of the Council in the year under
review is detailed below:

Inquiry Committee - I Inquiry Committee - II

1. Shri Ramesh Gupta 1. Shri Bipin Newar

2. Shri Uttam Chandra Sharma 2. Dr. Suman Gupta
3. Shri Prakash Dubey 3. Shri Krishna Prasad
4. Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash 4. Shri Kosuri Amarnath
5. Shri Rajeev Ranjan Nag 5. Shri C.K. Nayak
6. Shri S. N. Sinha 6. Shri Sondeep Shankar
7. Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri 7. Shri Hormusji N. Cama
8. Shri Ravindra Kumar 8. Shri Gurinder Singh
9. Shri Vijay Kumar Chopra
9. Shri Kundan Raman lal Vyas
10. Shri G. Sudhakar Nair
10. Shri Keshav Dutt Chandola
11. Shri Apurba Kumar Sharma
11. Shri Pankaj Vohra
12. Smt. Meenakshi lekhi, M.P.
12. Dr. K. Sreenivasa rao (lok Sabha)
13. 13. Vacant
Shri Prabhat Jha, M.P. (Rajya Sabha)
14. *Shri Pratap Simha, M.P. (Lok Sabha) 14. Vacant

*Membership ceased w.e.f 9.9.2016

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 The Inquiry Committees, presided over by the Chairman of the Council
shouldered the major quantum of the workload of the Council by initiating inquiries
in respect of the complaints received by the Council. The proceedings of the
Committees were open to the general public. The parties to the cases were allowed
to substantiate their stand through relevant evidence, oral or documentary. They
are also allowed to be represented by lawyers or their authorised representatives.
The Inquiry Committees at the close of their respective inquiries, considered
the records and oral submissions advanced by the parties and submitted their
recommendations, with regard to the cases inquired into, to the Council for final
decision. In the 8 meetings held during the financial year, the Committees made
recommendations in 539 matters to the Council for final adjudication of the said
matters.

The Fact Finding Teams which functioned during the period under review
were:

1. To enquire into murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief, Hindustan,

Hindi Daily, Siwan, Bihar.

2. To enquire into for murder of Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, Journalist,
Taaza TV, Hindi Television, Chatra, Jharkhand.

Brief Note on New Print Media Advertisement Policy-2016

During the year under review the New Print Media Advertisement Policy-
2016 of DAVP issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was objected by
many media organizations/newspapers.

Concerned over the issue the Council in its Extraordinary Meeting held
on 22.8.2016 at New Delhi discussed the subject threadbare and bestowed
their thoughtful consideration to the criteria therein and made the following
recommendations:

Clause no. Criteria Recommendation

18(1) Circulation The Council is of the opinion that a newspaper cannot
certified by be forced to be member of ABC, a private body, for
ABC/RNI getting its circulation certified by it. The Council,
therefore, recommends that ABC certification not be
made mandatory, which it becomes because of delays
in RNI certification.

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 The experience of the Council is that RNI takes a lot
of time in issuance of circulation certificate and for
that the newspapers have to unnecessarily suffer. The
Council has no objection if the criteria of circulation to
be certified by RNI is continued, provided that such a
certificate is issued by the RNI within 90 days from the
date the newspapers make application for certification
of its circulation. Incase, it is not certified by the RNI
within the said period, the circulation claimed by the
newspaper shall be deemed to admitted.
18(2) Subscription The Council recommends for expanding the wire
to wire service services to include all news/photo/cartographic
of UNI or PTI agencies, accredited by the Central Government or any
or Hindustan State Government.
Samachar
18(3) Printing at The Council is of the opinion that no incentive be given
own press for owning printing press.
25(d) and (e) Suspension & May be amended to read, “Indulged in unethical
Recoveries practices or anti-national activities, as found by the
Press Council of India, or convicted by a court of law
for such activities”.

The views of the Council were forwarded to the Ministry on 23.8.2016 call-
ing upon them not to take coercive step in this matter until its recommendations
are considered carefully. Separating the Council on a reference from the ministry
of I&B advised retaining of Clause 18(iv) in its present form. It also constituted
a Committee comprising of S/Shri Gurinder Singh, Convenor, Prabhat Dash and
Bipin Newar, Members to pursue the proposal with the Government of India. The
matter is under process.

Advisory Function

In its advisory capacity the Council provided the Government and other
authorities with its views on variety of issues, some of the important ones are as
follows:

(i) Representation received from various news papers organisations

regarding New Advertisement Policy released by Government of India
(DAVP)

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(ii) Matter raised by Shri K. Amarnath, Member, PCI in the Council’s meeting
held on 10.6.2016 regarding judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India
in Writ Petition (Criminal) No.184 of 2014 –reg.

(iii) Private Member Bill on surrogate advertisements (Prohibition) Bill 2016 by

Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, MP ( Rajya Sabha)-reg.

(iv) Communication from Joint Secretary & Protector General of Emigrants,

Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India regarding Overseas
Employment.

(v) Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on Journalists:- Maharashtra
legislative Council.

Brief Note on Maharashtra Government Draft Bill for Prevention

of Violence and Attack on journalists-2016

On receipt of communication from Director General, I&PR, Government

of Maharashtra seeking views of the Council on the issue the Council in its
Extra-ordinary meeting held on 31.3.2017 considered the provisions of the
Maharashtra Government Prevention of Violence and Attack, 2016 bill threadbare
and after in-depth deliberation in the matter suggested amendments which are
under consideration. These may kindly be seen in the chapter IX of the Report.
In addition it advised the government to amend the definition clause to make
provision for applicability in cases of murder as distinct from violence and also to
make provision for an ex-gratia compensation and employer’s compensation to the
concerned journalist in case of murder.

Suo-motu Actions

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to restriction on media in the Hyderabad

Central University.

On reference from one of the Member of the Press Council regarding

restriction on media in the Hyderabad Central University to report on the ongoing
agitation in the University campus after the suicide of Dalit Scholar Rohit Vemula,
the PCI sought Report on the facts of the case from the Vice-Chancellor, Hyderabad
Central University, Hyderabad.

The matter was considered by the Inquiry Committee. The Joint

Registrar, HCU appearing on behalf of the respondent, referred to University’s

7
communication that the University had not imposed any restriction on the
media in reporting any event happening in the campus of Hyderabad University.
The Inquiry Committee took on record the said assurance and dropped the
proceedings.

The matter was disposed of by the Press Council of India on 9.9.2016.

Thereafter however, one specific case of restriction/action against a journalist of
Frontline Magazine. Shri Kunal Shanker was brought to the notice. Inquiry in this
matter is underway.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to restrictions on media in National Institute

of Technology, Srinagar.

Taking note of restriction on media by the National Institute of Technology

(NIT), Srinagar (J&K), Council took suo-motu cognizance of the matter and a
reply statement was called for from the Director, NIT, Srinagar on 6.4.2016.

In response, the Registrar, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar

vide his reply dated 19.4.2015 submitted that a serious law and order problem
erupted in the institute and its repercussions and ramifications were felt throughout
the country as most of the students belong to the states other than J&K. Immediately,
after the incident a team of officers was sent by the Ministry of HRD to monitor the
situation in the campus and to hear and redress the grievances of agitating students.
The State Govt. which is responsible to maintain the law and order in the state also
immediately rushed police teams for maintenance of law and order in the campus
and the main gate of the institute was managed by the J&K police. It was further
informed that the entire incident was however covered by the media and number of
channels started panel discussion on it and reporters were reporting the development
to their respective newsrooms. With regard to allegation of restriction on media,
he stated that the institute did not issue any order barring the entry of media and
no written requests was received by the institute for entry into the institute. He
also submitted that the main gate of the institute was managed by the J&K Police
during this trouble. NIT authorities had no control over the ingress and egress of
any person to the institute. According to him, the institute has utmost regards and
respect for freedom of press as enshrined under the provision of Constitution of
India and other laws governing the subject. They respect and appreciate the role,
responsibility and positive contribution of the press in the society and will never
take any action or infringe or violate the freedom of the press. He requested the

8
Council to withdraw the suo-motu cognizance and also drop the further proceeding
in the matter.

The Registrar, NIT, Srinagar was present before the Inquiry Committee and
informed that now the media is allowed to enter into the premises for the purpose of
collection of news. Taking into account the statement of the Registrar, the Inquiry
Committee decided to drop the further proceedings.

The matter was disposed of by the Press Council on 17.11.2016

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to threats to the journalists by Shri

Vijayakanth, President, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK).

It came to the notice of the Council that a prominent politician in Tamil

Nadu, Mr. Vijayakanth, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) reportedly
threatened journalists at Salem on 20.4.2016.

The Inquiry Committee is presently seized of the matter.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to the murder of Siwan based Bureau Chief
of Hindustan, Shri Rajdeo Ranjan.

The Council came across gruesome murder of a senior journalist and Bureau
Chief of Hindi daily, Hindustan, Shri Rajdeo Ranjan. He was shot dead at point
blank range by unidentified assailants on 13.5.2016.

While taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, a report on facts of the case
was called for from the Govt. of Bihar. Hon’ble Chairman, PCI also constituted a
Fact Finding Team consisting Members of the Council S/Shri Kosuri Amarnath,
Prakash Dubey and Prajnananda Chaudhuri to enquire into the matter.

The Council in its meeting held on 9.9.2016 at New Delhi accepted the
recommendation made in the Report by the Fact Finding Team. The report has
since been forwarded to the State Government for appropriate action. Detailed
report is covered in Chapter - V

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to the murder Chhatra based Journalist,

Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav.

The Council came across gruesome murder of a TV journalist, Shri Akhilesh

Pratap Singh Yadav @ Indradeo Yadav at Chatra, Jharkhand on 12.5.2016.

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 While taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, a report on facts of the
case was called for from the Govt. of Jharkhand. A Fact Finding Team consisting
Members of the Council S/Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash (Convenor) and Sondeep
Sankar and Rajeev Ranjan Nag (Members) was constituted to enquire into the
matter.

The Council in its meeting held on 9.9.2016 at New Delhi accepted the
recommendation made in the Report by the Fact Finding Team. The report has
since been forwarded to the State Government for appropriate action.

Detailed report is covered in Chapter- VI

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to killing threat to Shri Rajesh Singh,

Journalist, Dainik Jagran in Biharsharif (Bihar)

The Press Council of India came across a news report which appeared in
Dainik Jagran newspaper in its issue dated 20.5.2016 under the caption “fcgkj
esa vc tkxj.k ds i=dkj dks /kedh”. It was reported in the news report that the
supporters of JDU’s MLC-Shri Heera Prasad entered the office of Jagran located
in Bihar Sharif and misbehaved with Shri Rajesh Singh and forced him to seek
apology from Shri Heera Prasad for publishing news related to his nephew. It was
further reported that the supporters of Shri Heera Prasad threatened Shri Rajesh
that they would kill him like Siwan based journalist-Shri Rajdeo Ranjan if he
does not seek apology from Shri Heera Prasad. According to the news report, a
delegation of the journalists while apprising the Hon’ble Governor at Patna about
the incident sought security for journalist. It was also reported that an FIR was
lodged in laheri Police Station in this regard.

The Counsel for the State Government stated before the Inquiry Committee
that on the basis of the Report given by the concerned journalist a case No.
136/2016 was registered u/s 387/504/34/120B IPC in laheri Police Station against
one known and four unknown persons. The Investigation Officer states that the
investigation is going on and Report in terms of section 173 of Cr. P.C. shall be
filed within a month.

The Inquiry Committee/Council took note of the aforesaid assurance and

allowed the matter to rest in its meeting held on 17.11.2016.

10
Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on Shri Abhinav Rajan, Photo
Journalist of Dainik Jagran in Ghaziabad (U.P.).

The Press Council of India came across a news report in the Indian Express
newspaper issue dated 21.5.2016 under the caption “Photojournalist held
hostage, beaten up in Ghaziabad”. It was reported in the impugned news item
that a photojournalist of Dainik Jagran was allegedly beaten up and held hostage
by unknown persons near Hindon Bridge in Ghaziabad. It was further reported
that the police registered an FIR and arrested the supervisor of a construction site
in the case. According to the news report, Shri Chatuvedi in his complaint to the
Police said that he was taking photos of an under construction elevated road near
Hindon Bridge, where some people took him away on gun-point and snatched
his camera and mobile. He added that they threatened to bury him alive near
Hindon and when he protested, they began beating him and held him hostage for
two hours.

It was contended before the Inquiry Committee by Shri Indra Pal Singh, C.O,
City I, Ghaziabad, U.P. that on the basis of the report given by the photo-journalist
on 18.5.2016, Crime no.632 of 2016 was registered at S.G. Police Station under
Section 147, 148, 307, 342, 504, 427 and 506 of the IPC against eight unknown
accused. After investigation, the police submitted the charge-sheet on 16.6.2016
under Section 342, 504, 506 and 427 of the IPC against three accused persons and
the matter is pending trial before a competent court of law. The Inquiry Committee
took note of the aforesaid statement of Shri Singh and keeping in mind that the
police, after investigation, submitted the charge-sheet against three persons found
involved in the incident, recommended dropping of the proceeding. The Press
Council decided to drop the proceedings on 17.11.2016.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on Shri Dharamveer, TV Journalist

and Vice-President of Press Club, Siddarthnagar (U.P.).

The Press Council of India came across a news report in Jansatta newspa-
per issue dated 22.5.2016 under the caption “va/k fo'okl dk inkZQk'k djus x;s
i=dkj dh fiVkbZ”. It was reported in the news report that when a TV Journalist
and Vice-President of Press Club, Siddarthnagar-Shri Dharamveer along with his
two colleagues reached the Tola Gujar Purva village for exposing a Baba, who was
cheating the innocent people in the name of miracle, he and his supporters attacked
Shri Dharamveer with lathis and snatched his camera and bike. It was further re-

11
ported that Shri Dharamveer received serious injuries but no action was taken by
the concerned SHO. It was also reported that the journalists of District Press Club
met the District Collector, who passed direction to the SHO for filing the FIR and
to take necessary action.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Sidharthnagar appearing before the

Inquiry Committee stated that on the basis of the report given by the journalist,
Shri Dharam Veer, Crime no.355 of 2016, a case was registered at Sidharthnagar
Police Station, under Section 304, 323 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),
and the police, after investigation, had submitted charge sheet under Section 427,
323 and 506 of the IPC and the matter is pending before the court for trial. The
Inquiry Committee took note of the aforesaid statement of the Additional S.P., and
in view of the fact that the matter is pending for trial before the competent court of
law, recommended to the Council for dropping the proceeding. The Press Council
decided to drop the proceeding being subjudice on 17.11.2016.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on the office and printing press
and media persons of Mathrubhumi, Kottakkal Malappuram, Kerala on
31.5.2016.

The attention of the Council was drawn on 6.6.2016 towards the attack on
the office and printing press and media persons of Mathrubhumi, national daily
in Malayalam at Kottakkal in Malappuram, Kerala on 31.5.2016. He stated that
a group of people attacked a photographer of Mathrubhumi who was covering a
protest demonstration and a road block. The protesters also ransacked the office
and the printing press and damaged some vehicle parked in the office.

While taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, a report on facts of

the case was called for from the Mathrubhumi and Government of Kerala on
9.6.2016. In response thereto, the Mathrubhumi vide its letter dated 9.7.2016
informed the Council that on 31.5.2016 a mob of approx. 200 persons using
criminal force broke the main gate and trespassed into their office and destroyed
the window panes, pelted huge stones at the glass doors and partitions,
toppled and damaged the office furniture and also threatened to kill their staff
including ladies. According to him, their photographer, Shri Sajan Nambiar,
Mathrubhumi News TV Channel Reporter Shri Naufal and Mathrubhumi TV
Cameraman, Shri Prajosh Kumar were carrying out their journalistic work
of covering an accident which occurred just outside their Kottakal office. He

12
alleged that these journalists were assaulted and abused by the mob, some of
whom can be identified by them. He had informed that thereafter, all three
journalists returned to office and thereafter without any rhyme or reason, the
angry mob stormed into the office by forcibly opening the gate, attacking the
security guards carrying dangerous weapons and pelted stones. He had further
alleged that they also destroyed office computer and snatched valuable papers
and documents. A car of their News editor was also stolen by the mob. He
had intimated that they immediately filed police complaint and the police is
investigating the matter. According to him, eight of the miscreants had been
arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Two other persons had obtained
anticipatory bail.

Shri P.T. Balan, Dy. Superintendent of Police and Shri Sayed Mahamad-
CPO, Narcotics Cell, Malappuram, Kerala appeared on behalf of the respondent
before the Inquiry Committee and stated that for the incident Crime No.242 of
2016 under various Sections of Indian Penal Code was registered at Kottaki Po-
lice Station. He further states that during the course of investigation, 15 persons
have been arrested. The Inquiry Committee was satisfied with the action taken
by the police and recommended to the Council for dropping the proceedings. The
Press Council decided to drop the proceedings on 17.11.2016.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on Shri Santosh Kumar, Bureau

Chief, Dainik Bhaskar by the police in Bokaro (Jharkhand)

The Press Council of India came across news reports appeared in various
newspapers regarding attack on Shri Santosh Kumar, Bureau Chief, Dainik Bhaskar
by the police inside his office premises as also in the police station.

A report on facts of the case was called for from the Govt. of Jharkhand on
22.6.2016. The matter is to be taken up by the Inquiry Committee of the Council
shortly for hearing.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on journalists by the CRPF in

Jammu & Kashmir.

Vide email dated 10.8.2016 the attention of the Council was drawn towards
attack on journalist by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu &
Kashmir.

13
 A report on facts of the case was called for from the Special Director
General, CRPF, New Delhi and Director General, CRPF, Jammu on 12.8.2016.
The matter is to be heard by the Inquiry Committee shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri Kishore Dave, Journalist in

Junagadh (Gujarat)

On receipt of an email of a Member that a local daily journalist of Jai Hind

newspaper-Shri Kishore Dave was murdered in his Junagadh office on Monday
night, a report on facts of the case was called for from the Government of Gujarat
on 26.8.2016. The matter is to be heard by the Inquiry Committee shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to assault on photo journalists by the guards

of Tata Group of Companies in Mumbai.

A Member of the Press Council vide email dated 7.11.2016 drew the attention
of the Council towards assault on three photo-journalists by Security Guards of
Tata Group in Mumbai leading to grievance injuries. Suo-motu-congnizance was
taken of the matter and inquiry is underway.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri Dharmendra Singh,

Correspondent, Dainik Bhaskar in Sasaram in Rohtas District of Bihar.

The Press Council of India came across a news item regarding gruesome
murder of Shri Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent of Dainik Bhaskar in Sasaram,
Rohtas District (Bihar), who was shot dead by three motorcycle borne unidentified
assailants on 12.11.2016.

While taking suo-motu cognizance, a report on facts of the case was called
for from the Government of Bihar on 15.11.2016.

The matter came up for hearing before the Inquiry Committee. Representative
of Sasaram Police submitted that the said journalist was not murdered for his
journalistic activities but for other reasons. He further stated that the police after
investigation had submitted charge-sheet against six accused persons on 30th
January, 2017 and investigation in respect of other accused is pending. He states
that investigation shall be completed against other accused persons soon and
appropriate report shall be filed. Noting the above facts the matter was dropped by
the Council on the recommendation of the Inquiry Committee.

14
Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri Ramchandra Yadav, Journalist,
Aryavrat, Darbhanga District of Bihar.

Suo-motu inquiry into the murder of Shri Ramchandra Yadav, Journalsit,

Dainik Aryavrat, Darbhanga District of Bihar, shot dead by unidentified assailants
on 12.11.2016 is underway and will be concluded shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri Brijkishore Brajesh, Journalist in

Samastipur (Bihar).

Suo-motu inquiry into the murder of Shri Brijkishore Brajesh, journalist of a

Hindi daily, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants on 3.1.2017 in Salakhni
village in Bibhutipur Police Station area in Samastipur (Bihar) is underway and
will be concluded shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri S Karthigai Selvan, Journalist of

Tamil Weekly Magazine in Sattur, Tamil Nadu.

Suo-motu inquiry into the reported incident of Shri S. Karthigai Selvan,

a journalist working with a Tamil Weekly magazine being hacked to death on
9.1.2017 at Sattur, Tamil Nadu, is underway and will be concluded shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on a journalist-Shri N. Nagarjuna Reddy in

Prakasam District (Andhra Pradesh).

The PCI initiated Suo-motu inquiry into brutal attack on a freelance journalist
Shri N. Nagarjuna Reddy in Prakasam District (Andhra Pradesh) on 5.2.2017 by
the brother of a local MlA Shri Amanchi Krishna Mohan and his henchmen is
underway.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. killing threat to Shri Manoj Kumar Giri,

Journalist, Amar Ujala by U.P. Minister, Shri Radhey Shyam Singh.

Taking suomotu cognizance of reported threats by that Shri Radhey Shyam

Singh, a Minister in Uttar Pradesh to Shri Manoj Kumar Giri, Journalist of Amar
Ujala, in Kushinagar report on facts of the case was called for from the Govt. of
U.P. and Shri Radhey Shyam Singh, U.P. State Minister on 14.2.2017.

The matter is pending consideration.

15
Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. police assault on photo journalists in Srinagar.

On being informed that the Srinagar police have thrashed and threatened
to kill the photo-journalists in Srinagar during news coverage, the PCI initiated
sou-motu enquire. According to reports, senior photo-journalists S/Sh. Tauseef
Mustagfa, Mubashir Khan of Greater Kashmir, Shri Farooq Javed Khan of EPA,
Shri Shauib Masoodi of Indian Express and Umar Sheikh of Times Now were
injured in the attack a report on facts of the case was called for from the Govt. of
Jammu & Kashmir on 17.3.2017. The matter is under process.

Report of the Council

l Report on murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, Journalist, Jan Sandesh

Times, Sultanpur, U.P. The Report has been adopted by the Council on
10.06.2016 and covered in Chapter -IV of this report.

l Report on murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief, Hindustan, Hindi

Daily, Siwan, Bihar. The Report has been adopted by the Council on 9.9.2016
and covered in Chapter - V of this report.

l Report on murder of Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, Journalist, Hindi

Television, Chatra, Jharkhand. The Report has been adopted by the Council
on 9.9.2016 and covered in Chapter - VI of this report.

l Report on obscene/vulgar advertisements. The Report has been adopted by

the Council on 9.9.2016 and covered in Chapter - VII of this report.

Complaints before the Council

During the year under review, total of 848 complaints were instituted in
the Council. Of these, 260 complaints were by the Press against authorities
of the Government for violation of press freedom and 588 complaints were
directed against the press for breach of journalistic ethics. With 1251 matters
pending from the last year, there were a total of 2099 matters for disposal by
the Council. Of these, 1567 matters were disposed of during the year, either by
way of adjudication or through summary disposal by the Chairman on account
of settlement by the mediation of the Chairman or due to lack of sufficient
grounds for holding inquiries or non-pursuance; withdrawal or on account
of matters having become sub-judice. Out of these 1567 matters two matters

16
were directly placed before the Council for adjudication. In all 532 matters were
being processed at the close of the year. A detailed statement of the institution and
disposal of complaints is at (Annexure B).

Press and Registration Appellate Board

Section 8C of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 entrusts to the
Press Council of India, the Appellate Jurisdiction over the Magisterial Orders of
non-authentication of a Declaration under Section 6 or its subsequent cancellation
under Section 8B of the said Act. The board consists of a Chairman and another
member to be nominated by the Press Council of India from among its members.

The three benches Board comprising of the Hon’ble Chairman with S/Shri
Ramesh Gupta/Keshav Dutt Chandola/Ravindra Kumar as alternative members
held four sittings between April 1st, 2016 to 31st March, 2017 and dealt with
fourteen appeals and disposed of nine appeals.
Details of Appeals are at (Annexure - D)

National Press Day 2016

The National Press Day 2016 was centered on “Reporting from Conflict
Area, a Challenge to Media.” This year was the Golden Jubilee celebration of the
Press Council of India.

The delegations of Bangladesh Press Council, Sri lankan Press Council,

Nepal Press Council and Maldives Council visited India on the occasion led by
Justice Muhammed Mamataz Uddin Ahmed, Mr. Koggala Wellala Bandula, Mr.
Borna Bahadur Karki, respectively to take part in the National Press Day delibera-
tion and discuss the important issue.

The main commemoration at Delhi was addressed by the Hon’ble

Prime Minister of India in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Information
& Broadcasting, Shri Venkaiah Naidu and the State Minister Hon’ble Col.
Rajyavardhan Rathore. Chairman, Press Council of India Hon’ble Justice C K
Prasad gave the presidential address. While the Hon’ble Prime Minister released the
Souvenir on the occasion, the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism were
given away by the Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Venkaiah
Naidu, honours veteran journalist, Shri Raghu Rai, Veteran Photo Journalist, Shri
Sheetla Singh, Veteran Journalist, Shri Harish Chandra Shukla (Kaak), Veteran

17
Cartoonist, Shri Potturi Venkateswara Rao, Veteran Journalist, Smt. Mrinal Pande,
Veteran Journalist were honoured apart from Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award for
outstanding contribution to Shri S. Nihal Singh. Award in other category were
honours to Shri Renjith John, Deepika Daily, Kerala, Special Mention Certificate
to Shri Arvind Kumar Singh, Freelancer and X. Xavier Selvakumar, Chief
Reporter, Dinamalar with Rural Journalism and Developmental Reporting Award.
In Photo Journalism Award honours to Shri T. P. Dhanesh, Photographer, Malayala
Manorama and Shri Pritam Bandyopadhyay, Photo Journalist, The Asian Age and
Special Mention Certificate to Shri Vijay Verma, Photo Journalist, Press Trust of
India in Single News Picture. Honours to Smt. Renuka Puri, Photo Journalist, The
Indian Express for Photo Journalism Award in Photo Feature. Honours to Shri
Baiju Poulose, Artist, Malayalam Manorama and Special Mention Certificate to
Shri Rohit Jose, Artist, Malayalam Manorama in Best Newspaper Art Covering
Cartoons, Caricatures and illustrations Award.

Interaction with World Press Bodies

The Council also continued its process of consultation and dialogue with
press/media Council and similar bodies in different part of the world for active
encouragement to preservation of the press freedom and promotion of its standards
and ethics worldwide.

An eleven member delegation of Press Council of India led by Hon’ble

Chairman, Press Council of India Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad visited
Bangladesh between September 26-29, 2016 on the invitation of Chairman, Ban-
gladesh Press Council.

During the interaction with the various media groups, Members of Press
Councils, several editors & senior journalist, it was felt that media coverage in
conflict areas has become a great challenge for journalists and the media crew
of both countries should unitedly face the menances confronting them in profes-
sional duties. A Joint Statement issued to the Media by Bangladesh Press Council
and Press Council of India on conclusion of the official visit on mutually agreed
points.

The delegation of Press Council of India also visited Nepal on the invitation
of Nepal Press Council, Chairman from January 11, 2017 to January 15, 2017
along with the delegations of World Association of Press Councils and Bangladesh

18
Press Council. Indian delegation led by Chairman, Press Council of India, Mr Jus-
tice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad, met with the officers of the SAARC Secretariat
based at Kathmandu. The delegation of the Press Council of India also hold discus-
sion with Press Council Nepal Board for further co-operation. The delegation has
also met the local journalists.

Memorandum of Understanding was entered into between Press Council

of India and Bangladesh Press Council for mutual exchange of information and
cooperation.

Promotion of Hindi Language

The Council paid particular attention to the propagation of Hindi in its

official use. The office of the Press Council of India has been notified under section
10(4) of the Official Language Rules, 1976 (as amended, 1987) for achieving a
target of 80% working knowledge of Hindi.

Regular meetings of the Council’s Official Language Implementation

Committee were conducted during every quarter. Quarterly workshops relating to
official language were organized for the benefit of its employees. Simultaneously,
arrangements had been made to send officials of the Council to various training
programmes conducted under Hindi Teaching Scheme (such as Hindi typing,
Pragya, Praveen, Prabodh, basic training for using Hindi on computers) by
preparing roasters to achieve targets mentioned in Annual Programme 2016-17 for
transacting the official work of the union in Hindi.

To emphasize the use of Hindi, Hindi Fortnight (Pakhwada) was observed

September 19, 2016. On this occasion, some documentary films were shown in
the Secretariat of the Council to mark the occasion immensely appreciating the
documentary namely “Kavi Pradeep” the most. Subsequently, Hon’ble Chairman
Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad and Secretary, Mrs. Punam Sibbal
delivered their messages and expressed their views to promote use of Hindi in the
Council. During the function, employees of the Press Council of India got cash
prizes & certificates under ‘Hindi Protsahan Yojana’ for their valuable contribution
in promoting use of Hindi language in the office practices and procedures via Hindi
noting, drafting and typing. In addition, Certificates were also given to concerned
employees who performed well in Hindi typing training during the year 2015-
2016.

19
 During this period, targets have been achieved to impart training to
employees of the Council such as Hindi typing, Pragya, Praveen, Prabodh under
teaching scheme.

Besides publication of Varshik report (Hindi) on the pattern of Annual report

(English), adjudications and other pronouncements were recorded in bilingual
form and brought in public domain.

Website of the Council is bilingual. Besides updating website time to time,

various Fact Finding Committee Reports, PRAB orders, material relating to PCI
was being prepared in Hindi and upload on Council’s website.

Levy of Fee

The budget of the Council is made up mainly of: 1) levy of fee collected
from newspapers and periodicals registered with the RNI and news agencies; and
2) grant-in-aid from the Central Government in the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting.

The Finance Committee had examined the details of expenditure of the

Council. The Committee also considered the rates of fee to be levied from the
registered newspapers and news agencies prescribed in Rule 10 of the Press
Council Rules, 1979 and recommended in 2015-2016, the revision of rates of fee
levied on newspapers and news agency to the Government of India.

The Government of India, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued

Gazette of India, Notification dated April 28, 2016 published in Gazette of India
(Extraordinary) revising the levy of fee (Annexure - A)

During the reviewed year the Council has written off an amount of
Rs.1,82,88,853/- outstanding demand of defaulter newspapers.

Transparency Mechanism

The Secretary of the Press Council of India is the Chief Vigilance Officer
of the office. The vigilance set up of the Council, consisting of Under Secretary
(Admn.) and Section Officer (Admn.) functioned under the direct supervision
of the Secretary (CVO) and Chairman of the Council. It conducted regular and
surprise checks to prevent/ combat any corruption practices in the Secretariat.

20
 The grievance redressal mechanism is in place at the internal and external
level which comprises of Director of Grievances being the Secretary, PCI. Such
general aggrieved public, who desires to meet the Director of Grievance in
connection with their grievances, may do so on all Wednesdays between 4.00
p.m. and 5.00 p.m. in the office. The staff related grievances are attended to by
the Staff Grievance Officer of the Council being the Deputy Secretary.

The Citizen’s Charter of the Council containing all the necessary

details of the organization is available in the official website of the Council
undergoing revision. Timely reviews/ internal and external evaluation shall
be undertaken by the Council for feedback in the level of satisfaction among
citizen’s/ client’s.

Reservation policy of Government of India for SC/ ST/ OBC/PH etc. is

being implemented in the Secretariat of the Council.

Right to Information

Promoting the RTI, the Press Council of India has taken all due care
to comply the Act. Functioning through its PIO and Appellate Authority the
Council received 36 applications under RTI, Act, 2005 and disposed them off
as per schedule.

State of the Press - India

With the advent of electronic media over-shadowing the print media with
accelerating web news portals and news applications, the newspapers maintain
their own place amongst readers, for not the least, the depth of their analysis,
viewpoints and attention to details. There is no denying the fact that the print
media will continue to rule the space occupied by them even if the mode of
their transmission undergoes a change.

Newspapers functions in a very competitive market, in which only the

fittest shall survive, therefore, constant efforts are essential to upgrade and
adopt technological advancement providing competitive pricing without
compromising either on the social responsibilities or corporate profits

Given below are collections of reports that cover important development

in the world of the Indian Press during the year under review –

21
Media Round Up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on 16th November, 2016 the

need for media to self-regulate its coverage by making appropriate changes in
keeping with the times, while adding that any external interference or regulation
on press is not called for.

The Prime Minister who was attending a function of the Press Council of
India on National Press Day, also expressed his “pain” at the recent murders of
journalists, and said it was the “most dangerous” way of suppressing the truth. His
remarks came against the backdrop of the murder of two journalists in Bihar.

Speaking earlier, Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu

said that self-regulation would uphold journalistic ethics and democratic ideals
of the nation. But he also held out a warning: “It is the best for the media….
government is not for imposing or curtailing the views of the people. But the media
needs to remember that if it fails to exercise self-restraint and regulate its conduct,
then there has to be a mechanism”.

(The Times of India, New Delhi dated 17th November, 2016)

P Vaidyanathan Iyer, National Affairs Editor, The Indian Express, has been
selected for the Prem Bhatia Memorial award for best political reporting in 2016.
Iyer was part of the team which investigated The Panama Papers.

Reji Joseph, Staff Reporter, Rashtra Deepika, has won the Prem Bhatia
Award for excellence in environmental and development reporting. The awards
will be presented on August 11 at the India International Centre in Delhi during
the Prem Bhatia Memorial annual lecture. Established in 1995 in the memory of
eminent journalist Prem Bhatia, the trust gives two awards each year — for political
reporting and for reporting on environmental, developmental or social affairs.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 21st July, 2016)

French ambassador Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday conferred the Officier

de l’Ordre National de la Légiond’ Honneur (Officer of the National Order of
the legion of Honour) on chairperson and editorial director of HT Media ltd
Shobhana Bhartia, who was also named this year on the Forbes 100 Most
Powerful Women list.

22
 Commending Mrs Bhartia during the investiture ceremony, Ziegler said,
“This award expresses France’s recognition of your outstanding contribution
and dedication to the world of journalism. As the Chairperson and Editorial
Director of HT Media ltd., you have implemented your vision for it as a
modern media house integrating innovation and technology, geared towards
its public. You have also demonstrated an exemplary engagement with social
causes, as borne out by your efforts to abolish child marriage. You have also
demonstrated an exemplary engagement with social causes, as borne out by
the fact that you introduced The Child Marriage (Abolition) and Miscellaneous
Provisions Bill, 2006, in Parliament. It is a great honour to confer on you the
highest French distinction for your exceptional achievements.”

Accepting the distinction, Mrs Bhartia said, “It’s an honour to receive the
legion d’Honneur, which has been awarded to many distinguished people over
the years. India and France share strong foundational values. The principles of
justice, liberty, equality and fraternity form the basis of the French Republic
and the Indian Constitution. I hope to contribute more to relations between the
two countries in the coming years.”

The legion d’Honneur, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, la

légiond’ Honneur (“the legion of Honour”) is the highest civilian award given
by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the
nationality of the recipients.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 15th December, 2016)

New York: Indian Journalist Malini Subramaniyam has been Honoured

with International Press Freedom Award. Malini has got this honour for re
posting from Bastar, a naxalite affected area. Besides Malini, three other
journalists have also been awarded.

Malini received the honour from Committee for protection of Journalists

(CPJ). As Malini brought forward all the atrocities in Bastar district of
Chhattisgarh via news website scroll, she has highlighted harassment by Police
and security forces, Sexual violence, arrest of teenagers, murders in the name
of protection and threat to journalists. Malini was enquired as she exposed
politics as well as misuse of Human Rights

(Dainik Bhaskar, New Delhi dated 24th November, 2016)

23
 Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said journalism is not an ordinary
profession but a “massive ritual for the truth”.

“Journalism is not an ordinary work but it is a massive ritual for the

truth. The profession does not provide any scope for cheating,” Singh said at
the second convocation of the Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Avam Jansanchar
Vishwavidyalaya.

(The Pioneer, New Delhi dated 17th April, 2016)

Reporters without Borders has issued the ‘World Press Freedom Index’ of
the year 2016. Finland has got consecutive top position in this index for the sixth
time. Netherlands and Norway secured second position. India has raised upto three
ranks. In the year 2015, India was on 136th rank. In the report, it is stated that
journalists and bloggers are being attacked and they have to be the victim of wrath
of various religious groups, who become angry. It is also said in the report that
journalists are facing problems in covering news in the area like Kashmir because
Government considers it to be a sensitive area. According to the report, Pakistan
secured 147th rank, Srilanka 141st, Bangladesh 144th, Nepal 105th and Bhutan is on
94th rank. China has got 176th rank. America is on 44th rank while Russia is placed
on 148th rank.

(Rashtriya Sahara, New Delhi dated 21st April, 2016)

Former TOI journalist Yogendra Bali (86) has passed away. Born in Gujarat
(now in Punjab, Pakistan) on December 6, 1930, Bali joined TOI in the 1960s.
He covered the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan before going on to become the
paper’s chief reporter in the 1980s. He retired as TOI’s roving special correspondent
in 1990.

An author of many books, Bali was the editor of Asian Defence News till his
death. He was a recipient of many awards including that of the Urdu Academy’s
lifetime achievement award (2004).

(The Times of India, New Delhi dated 10th April, 2016)

Renowned cartoonist V T Thomas, also known as Toms, died in Kottayam on

27th April, 2016. He was 86. Toms, creator of popular cartoon series Boban and
Molly, had been indisposed for some time. Toms joined Malayala Manorama

24
weekly as a cartoonist in 1961. A year later, he first published the cartoon Boban
and Molly, twins from Central Kerala. Manorama weekly published the cartoon
strip for four decades until Toms retired in 1987.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 28th April, 2016)

Senior Journalist S V Jayasheela Rao (87) breathed his last at Maiya

Multispecialty Hospital in the city on Thursday, reports DHNS from Bengaluru.

Rao had worked with Prajavani for 26 years. He had started his career in
1947 with the daily ‘Desha Bandhu’.

(Deccan Herald, Bengaluru dated 29th April, 2016)

Veteran journalist KK Katyal passed away at a local hospital on Wednesday

morning after a brief illness at the age of 89. During his career spanning several
decades, he worked with The Statesman, Hindustan Times and The Hindu. He
served as the chief of The Hindu’s Delhi bureau when the newspaper launched
its edition in the national capital.

Katyal was also the founder president of the India chapter of the South Asia
Free Media Association, a body of media persons recognized by the SAARC.
He was awarded the GK Reddy Memorial prize in 1994 by the then PM PV
Narsimha Rao for his columns and analyses.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 9th June, 2016)

Eminent journalist Inder Malhotra, who helmed a string of top publications

and was an accomplished political commentator, passed away on 11th June, 2016
at the age of 86.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari condoled

the demise of Malhotra, one of the finest journalists of contemporary times.

Malhotra was Editor of The Times of India, New Delhi from 1978-86.

Before that he worked for The Statesman for 15 years, first as the Political
Correspondent and Chief of the Bureau and then as Deputy Editor.

He has given lectures widely, both in India and abroad, including at all
major universities in the United States and the UK

25
 In his later years, Malhotra turned a columnist for various publications
and offered deep insights into India’s political history through his writings, most
notably through his column ‘Rear View’.

Malhotra, a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award (lifetime

Achievement), also authored few books including former Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi’s biography, ‘Indira Gandhi: A Personal & Political Biograpy (1989)’.

(The Pioneer, New Delhi dated 12th June, 2016)

Senior journalist Devkrishna Vyas passed away on Monday. Devkrishna

Vyas was ill for the last couple of days and was being treated in a hospital in
Delhi. He was 89 years old.

As a journalist he worked for almost 29 years in a leading Hindi newspaper,

‘Dainik Hindustan’. He got retired from the post of Assistant Editor in year 1989.
At that time, he was only 30 years old. He is blessed with a wife, son, daughter
and grandchildren in his family. He has been honored by many organizations for
his impartial journalism.

(Hindustan, New Delhi dated 20th September, 2016)

Journalist and intellectual Dileep Padgaonkar (72) passed away here on

Friday morning. He had been ailing for some time.

Mr. Padgaonkar was born in Pune in 1944. He graduated from Ferguwson

College, Pune, and got a Doctorate in Humanities from Sorbonne University,
France, before commencing an illustrious career in journalism.

Fluent in French, he joined The Times of India as its Paris correspondent,

serving the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its Editor in 1988,
a post he held for six years. In April 2002, he was honoured with the legion
d’Honneur France’s highest civilian distinction for his services to journalism.

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 26th November, 2016)

Cho S. Ramaswamy, Political commentator, the atre personality and editor

of Thuglak, a Tamil magazine known for its withering satire and fearless criticism
of political figures, died here at Apollo Hospitals early on 7th December, 2016.
He was 82 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

26
 Born on October 5, 1934 he was a lawyer by training and later branched
into theatre, films and finally to journalism. Winner of the B.D. Goenka award
for excellence in journalism he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP
government and served as an MP from 1999 to 2005.

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 8th December, 2016)

Election Regulation

“The Election Commission on 2nd April, 2016 directed that no newspaper

advertisement be published on April 3 and 4 in poll-bound Assam and West Bengal
without prior clearance.”

“Such advertisements in the last stage of election vitiates the election.

The affected candidates and parties will not have any opportunity of providing
clarification or rebuttal in such cases,” it said. The poll watchdog said to ensure that
no such instance is repeated and no untoward incident takes place because of any
“inflammatory, misleading or hate advertisements”, no political party, candidate,
organization or person will bring out advertisements in the print media on April 3
and 4.

The newspapers, the Commission directed, should also be informed against

bringing out advertisements which have not been cleared by the committee.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 3rd April, 2016)

If the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has its way, paid
news will soon be an electoral offence for candidates. In an affidavit filed in the
Supreme Court, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government said that
“a proposal to amend the Representation of People Act, 1951 in its entirety is
under consideration with the government of India, in which a provision has been
proposed for making paid news an electoral offence”.

The government was also considering a proposal to punish media outlets

found guilty of publishing paid news by suspending their publication for 45 to 90
days.

On the basis of the recommendations of the Standing Committee on

Information Technology, a provision to check paid news has been proposed in the
draft Press and Registration of Books and Publication Bill, 2015, it said.

27
 The law Commission of India, in its report on electoral reforms submitted
to the government last year, had said, “Currently the problems of paid content
are tackled in a piecemeal manner. Neither is there a blanket prohibition on paid
news, nor is there a provision exclusively dealing with political advertisement
or paid news.”

The Election Commission and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

(TRAI) too wanted the government to take measures to check it. The affidavit
has been filed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an
independent probe into alleged nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and
corporate in the wake of Essar leaks.

Often criticized for being a “toothless tiger”, the Press Council of India
(PCI) too might get the much needed teeth if the proposals are implemented.
The government has told the apex court that it is also mulling changes in the
PCI Act, 1978, to give power to the autonomous, statutory body to punish
erring newspapers and journalists. Under the present law, PCI, which has the
jurisdiction over newspapers and news agencies, can only warn, admonish or
censure the newspaper, the news agency, the editor or the journalist found
guilty after an inquiry or disapprove of their conduct.

But now it has been proposed to empower the council, headed by a

former judge of the Supreme Court, to direct the state authorities to suspend/
stop advertisement to erring publications for a period not exceeding a fortnight/
three months for non-compliance of its orders under Section 14 of the PCI
Act.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 2nd May, 2016)

Curtailment of Press Freedom

Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on Monday put on hold

the one-day ban imposed on NDTV India. The decision was taken following
a meeting between I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and NDTV promoter
Prannoy Roy.

Earlier in the day, NDTV challenged in the Supreme Court the one-day
ban slapped on it for allegedly revealing crucial and “strategically sensitive”
information in the mid of the Pathankot terror attack.

28
 This is the first ever such order against a TV channel over its coverage of a
terror attack, the norms regarding which were notified in 2015.

The Editors’ Guild condemned the ban and demanded that the decision be
with drawn immediately, saying it was reminiscent of the Emergency period.

On Monday, the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Federation
of Press Clubs and other media organizations, joined hands decrying the order and
called upon the Government for its immediate quashing.

Protesting media persons called it a case of “uncalled for censorship and in

utter disregard of already established redressal mechanisms of Press Council of India
and National Broadcasting Standards Authority.

(The Pioneer, New Delhi, dated 8th November, 2016)

With opposition and media slamming action against NDTV India, Union
minister M VenkaiahNaidu said on Sunday said the NDA government is committed
to freedom of Press but media should use it keeping in mind the interests of the
nation and the people.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 7th November, 2016)

A Day after the J&K government banned the publication of Srinagar-based

English daily Kashmir Reader, calling it a threat to “public tranquility”, more than
100 journalists in the Valley took the streets 3rdOctober, 2016, seeking immediate
revocation of the ban.

The Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) said the ban was “against the spirit of
democracy and freedom of press”. It sought intervention of the Press Council of
India and warned of “direct action” if the government failed to revoke the ban
immediately.

Holding placards that read ‘Is published in the above newspaper are of such
nature that can easily cause incitement of acts of violence and disturbance of public
tranquility in J&K and Srinagar district in particular”, the order read.

An official release issued by Chowdhary said the ban was ordered a week
after the newspaper was served a notice, asking it to explain its position on a
series of stories published by it.

29
 But Kashmir Reader’s editor Hilal Mir said, “We didn’t receive any
notice. The order they have issued is dated September 30 but it was delivered
to us by a policeman on Sunday (October2). He sought a signature from us. If
they have issued any other notice, where are our signatures?”

“I think the journalism fraternity here has realized the consequences of

the ban. They know they can be next, “said Mir Mohammad Moazzum, a senior
journalist working with Kashmir Reader, also.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 4th October, 2016)

The Editors Guild of India has condemned the “unwarranted muzzling”

of the media in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the state government to
“immediately lift the censorship”.

In a statement, Guild President Raj Chengappa, General Secretary Prakash

Dube and Treasurer Seema Mustafa said: “The Editors Guild of India strongly
condemns the efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir government to gag the media
in the state. The Editors Guild notes that the two main English newspapers of
Kashmir, Greater Kashmir and Rising Kashmir, are run by responsible editors
and journalists and report events with sobriety.”

The statement quoted reports regarding police raids on newspaper

offices and harassment of journalists. “We are also aghast to note that the
media censorship will continue, for a minimum of three days if not more. This
is a direct assault to the freedom of the press in India and the guild strongly
condemns this unwarranted muzzling of the media.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 18th July, 2016)

Journalists in Kashmir sought Press Council of India’s intervention for

lifting a “gag” imposed by authorities by snapping Internet facilities, saying it
was a “serious infringement of freedom expression and right to information.

The demand came on a day when thousands of angry demonstrators defied

curfew on 17th Saturday, 2016 to attend the funeral of a schoolboy whose body
was found riddled with pellets, sparking clashes with security forces across the
restive region. The death took the toll to 83 in a spiral of violence sparked by
militant Burhan Wani’s encounter killing on July 8.

30
 “An unprecedented situation has emerged since September 12, as the state
decided to snap all Internet services after suspending mobile telephony. This
undeclared gag has left journalists completely grounded,” said a joint letter from
four working journalist organizations in Kashmir. Photo and video journalist were
the worst hit, as they were unable to send pictures or videos, they said. About
11,500 civilians have also been wounded in 10 weeks of violence.

Broadband Internet services of BSNl in Kashmir would be restored on 17th

Saturday, 20116night after remaining suspended for five days, an official said. The
services were snapped on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha on September 12 in view of the
apprehensions of law and order problems.

Mobile telephony services, excluding the post-paid connections of BSNl

were also snapped across the Valley at 4 pm on the same day However, there was
no word on the restoration of such services Mobile Internet remains suspended in
the violence hit valley since July 10, two days after the unrest broke out.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 18th September, 2016)

Jammu and Kashmir government has told the Centre that there is no ban on
publication of newspapers in the Valley, Union Minister M VenkaiahNaidu said on
19th July, 2016, amid the alleged clampdown on media in Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Police had on 22nd July, 2016 allegedly closed down
the offices of at least two printing presses after seizing plates of newspaper and
printed copies in Rangreth Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Srinagar.

On 18th, Mufti’s advisor Amitabh Mattoo had said the decision to ban
publication of newspapers in the Valley did not have the consent of the Chief
Minister and might have been taken at the local level for which “heads will roll”.

(The Statesman, New Delhi dated 20th July, 2016)

The Jammu & Kashmir Police has registered a case against a journalist of
banned newspaper Kashmir Reader for a September 28 report on crop-burning
in which villagers were quoted as blaming “government forces” for the alleged
arson.

A case under Section 505, pertaining to publication or circulation of

“statements of conducing public mischief” has been registered against Ishfaq

31
Reshi, who was trainee reporter with Kashmir Reader, which was banned by the
J&K government on October2.

Reshi is a student of convergent journalism at Central University of

Kashmir and has been associated with the paper since April 2016. Reshi was
presented before a Munif court in Magam on Friday and directed to apply for
bail from the session court in Budgm. “I was in police detention during the day
(on Friday) and allowed to go home in the evening “Reshi said, “There were
allegations from villagers, I had gone on the ground to verify the facts and
reported the same”.

The report had appeared in the newspaper as a front page banner, along
with three photographs, and quoted residents of Burdran Aadina, Kanihama
and Mazhama villages in Budgam district as saying that “police, paramilitary
troopers and soldiers (had) fired in cendiary project tiles into the harvested rice
crop that had been left to dry in sun”.

The Sub-divisional police Officer, Magam, Syed Fayaz Ahmad told The
Sunday Express that Reshi had circulated a “fake news” regarding the incident.
“It was a normal case of burning for which he had blamed the forces. We
produced him before the Munsif court on Friday. He was not under arrest,”
SDPO Ahmad said.

Two days after the police statement, Kashmir Reader had been banned
by the state government. Srinagar District Magistrate Srinagar Farooq Ahmad
lone had asked the English daily to stop its publication forthwith till further
orders “so that disturbance of public tranquility is prevented”.

The paper continues to remain banned.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 4th December, 2016)

Attacks on Journalists

Two journalists were allegedly brutally assaulted by the police for

reportedly highlighting the wrongdoings of law enforcers, following which
an inspector of Amarpatan Police Station has been booked and line-attached.
Mr. Singh along with a police party raided the residences TV journalists –
Narendra Patel and JitendraSoni –and allegedly abused, brutally beaten and

32
paraded them handcuffed in Amarpatan area on 12th April, 2016, local scribe,
Gyan Shukla claimed. According to him, the two scribes had aired reports on
their respective channels and WhatsApp groups about alleged police extortion
on highway.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 16th April, 2016)

Four Policemen were suspended for an alleged assault on journalists

inside Sitarampur Dera police station premises in Jamshedpur. Several
Journalists, reporting on the detention of a builder reportedly closed to the BJP,
were thrashed and their cameras broken on 10th April, 2016.

State Cabinet minister Saryu Rai reached the police station and demanded
to know the reason behind the builder’s arrest. The Jharkhand Journalist
Association, a constitution of Indian Federation of Working Journalist, has
also taken up the matter with top government functionaries.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 12th April, 2016)

Strongly condemning the killing of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand,

the Press Council of India (PCI) today demanded enactment of a special law to
ensure safety of scribes even as it set up two fact-finding committees to probe
the incidents.

Officials sources said that the PCI chairperson C K Prasad has constituted
a panel comprising its members Kosuri Amarnath, Prakash Dubey Prajnananda
Chaudhuri to look into the murder of a senior journalist and Siwan Bureau Chief
of Hindi daily Hindustan Rajdeo Ranjan, 42.For the other incident in which
a Hindi TV journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh (35) was shot dead in Chatra,
Jharkhand, the PCI has constituted a fact-finding Committee consisting of its
members Prabhat Kumar Dash, Sondeep Shankar and Rajeev Ranjan Nag.

The PCI Chairperson has directed that these reports be called from
concerned SPs, DGPs and Chief Secretaries of the two states.

Earlier, the PCI chief in a statement strongly condemned the killing of

the two journalists and demanded that a special law be enacted to ensure safety
of scribes and cases of attacks on them be tried by fast-track courts.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 15th May, 2016)

33
 A photojournalist with Hindi daily DainikJagran was allegedly beaten up
and held hostage by unknown persons near Hindon Bridge in Ghaziabad 18th May,
2016 afternoon. Police have registered an FIR under sections relating to wrongful
confinement and attempt to murder, among others. Police arrested the supervisor
of a construction site 20th May, 2016 in the case.

In his complaint to the police, photojournalist Abhinav Rajan Chaturvedi said

he was on an assignment, clicking photos of an elevated road under construction
near Hindon Bridge, when he was approached by a man who wanted to know
who he was. “After I told him, he called someone. Soon after, about eight men
approached me, took away my camera and mobile phone even though I told them I
was a photojournalist and I was there for an assignment,” said Chaturvedi.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 21st May, 2016)

The stand-off between lawyers of the Kerala High Court and media persons
took a violent turn on 20th July, 2016 with the advocates — who were taking out a
march outside the court complex —assaulting reporters and the camera crew of a
couple of news channels, and damaging their video equipment. The clashes, which
began on the court premises in the afternoon, spilled over to the streets after the
media room was closed temporarily.

Though the police escorted the media persons outside the court complex, the
advocates refused to relent and resorted to stone-throwing at the media persons,
who staged a protest in front of the court’s main entrance.

As the protesters squatted on the road, the lawyers taunted them by throwing
coins at them even as a couple of others attempted to ride their vehicles through the
crowd. A huge posse of policemen was deployed in front of the High Court. The
situation escalated as some onlookers retaliated.

Police intervene

The stand-off snowballed around 4.30 p.m. when hundreds of lawyers

rushed towards the journalists and attempted to thrash them. The police resorted to
a cane-charge to disperse the advocates. The issue was resolved after M.P. Dinesh,
City Police Commissioner, promised action.

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 21st July, 2016)

34
 Bihar-based journalist Rajdeo Ranjan may have been killed by “political
mafia” because of his critical reporting, according to a fact-finding committee of
the Press Council of India (PCI).

The PCI had accepted the committee’s report last week. Another fact-
finding report which the PCI had accepted was that of the murder of Jharkhand
journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh. The report suggested that he may have been
killed over demand of money by a Naxalite group. The report, which the Council
accepted last week, suggested Singh might have been killed over a demand of
money by a Naxalite group.

In a meeting held on September 9, the PCI, which his headed by Justice

(retd) C K Prasad, also expressed concern over spurt in criminal defamation
cases against journalists and had decided to call for details from all states and
Union territories that registered similar cases. In a statement released here, the
PCI said that two separate fact finding reports related to the murder of the two
journalists-- Raj Deo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan newspaper, Bihar and
Akhilesh Prata Singh, TV journalist, Chhatra, Jharkhand-- have been accepted.

The finding inter-alia suggested that Raj Deo Ranjan was killed by the
political mafia because of his critical reportage and on the other hand, Akhilesh
Pratap Singh though not perhaps had been murdered due to professional activities
but may be due to demand of money by a Naxalite Group,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the CBI formally filed a case related to murder of Rajdeo

Ranjan on Thursday officials said, CBI has registered the case under sections
302,120-B, 3 of IPC and Section 27 of the Arms Act against unknown assailants
for the murder of Rajdeo on the request of the Bihar government.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 16th September, 2016)

After allegations of clampdown on media in the Kashmir Valley, Press

Council of India (PCI) Chairman Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has ordered
registration of a complaint and sought a report from the state government on the
issue within a week.

“The Chairman took into consideration the communications made by

Council members expressing their concern about state of affairs in Jammu and
Kashmir and prima facie being satisfied sought reports within one week from

35
the chief secretary, secretary (home) and director general of police.” the PCI said
in a statement.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 19th July, 2016)

Government Policies

The Press Council of India and Bangladesh will strive for visa free
professional visits to each other’s country by accredited media persons, it was
stated 30th September, 2016 at the conclusion of the official visit of the Press
Council of India to Bangladesh.

A Joint statement signed in Dhaka also said a memorandum of understanding

will be signed between the two Press Councils for cooperation in the field of
journalism.

The two Press Councils will closely interact with each other to promote
freedom of press and improve standard of journalism.

(The Statesman, New Delhi dated 30th September, 2016)

Rajya Sabha on 9th May, 2016 expressed concern over the growing menace
of ‘paid news’ and demanded an effective solution from the government to curb
it.

The issue was raised by BJP member Vijay Goel and was subsequent
supported by almost all parties demanding a response from the government and a
detailed discussion on the issue in this session or the next session.

The leader of the House, Mr. Arun Jaitley, who is also heading the information
and Broadcasting Ministry, said paid news is an aberration and should be checked.
“Paid news is an aberration...We are all victims of paid news...But at the same
time there lies danger of government action being construed a interference in free
speech.” he said.

He agreed to a discussion on the issue in the House. Mr. Jaitley said

advertisement is a right of everyone but “when governments start excessively
advertising, where is the dividing line between advertisement and bribery... we
want to get rid of it”.

Earlier, Mr. Goel questioned the full page advertisements issued in praise
of the odd-even policy by the AAP government published in the form of news.

36
“Today the wall between sales department and reporter has been removed,”
he said, claiming that newspapers have entered private treaties to promote
celebrities and businesses. He said the Press Council of India has not done
anything on his complaints about paid news and demanded that the government
set up a Media Accountability Committee.

(The Statesman, New Delhi dated 10th May, 2016)

Laws in other countries will be studied before taking a final call on stringent
punishment, including imprisonment, for celebrities endorsing misleading
advertisements and those involved in adulteration, a group of ministers decided
31st August, 2016.A new draft law, which prescribes a jail term of up to 5 years
and a fine of Rs 50 lakh for celebrities endorsing misleading advertisements,
was taken up the group headed by Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley.

The Centre in last August had introduced the Consumer Protection Bill
2015, in lok Sabha to repeal the 30-year-old Consumer Protection Act. A
Parliamentary Standing Committee had also submitted its recommendations
in April. After studying the panel’s report, the Consumer Affairs Ministry
accepted some key recommendations such as provisions for fixing liability on
celebrities and stringent punishment for adulteration, among others.

“We had a lengthy discussion. Today, it (draft bill) was not finalized.
We decided to study the laws of other countries for celebrities endorsing
misleading ads and those involved in adulteration. We will study and keep
that information in the next meeting,” Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas
Paswan told reporters after the GoM meeting.
(The Tribune, New Delhi dated 31st August, 2016)

In compliance with Supreme Court directions, the Information and

Broadcasting Ministry has constituted a three-member Committee to address
issues related to content regulation in government advertising.

To be headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon,

the Committee includes Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV and
President of the News Broadcaster Association Rajat Sharma and Ogilvy &
Mather Executive Chairman and Creative Director, South Asia, Piyush Pandey
selected by a panel constituted by the I&B Minister with advice from the law
Ministry.

37
 The Supreme Court had directed the constitution of the body of ironing
out creases in implementation of the apex court judgment on content regulation
of government advertising. The committee will address complaints from the
public in this connection.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 12th April, 2016)

The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) under the

Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has decided to arrogate to itself the
power to suspend a publication for anti-national activities, which was vested
in the Press Council of India or the concerned courts.

In the new policy, which was effected in June this year, Clause 25,
says: A newspaper may be suspended from empanelment by DG, DAVP with
immediate effect if, among other things, it had indulged in unethical practices
as found by the Press Council of India or indulged in anti-national activities.

This proviso along with others, prompted the Press Council of India
chairperson Chandramauli Kumar Prasad to convene an Extraordinary
Meeting on August 22, where suggestions were offered to temper the powers
of the Government. The Council also recommended that the government take
no coercive step in this matter until its recommendations were considered
carefully.

As the DAVP is the nodal agency of the Government of India for

advertising on behalf of various Ministries, Departments and PSUs which are
funded by the government, it wields considerable clout specially with small
and medium newspapers for whom these advertisements are a lifeline.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Prasad, said, “The old rule states that this
was not a discretionary power of the Government of India. It is our mandate to
secure the freedom of the press. Besides, the courts will not accept this.”

“Our suggestions are not binding on the Government, yet we are a

statutory body and our suggestions have a persuasive value,” he clarified.

The Council at its meeting has proposed the following changes: Indulged
in unethical practices or anti-national activities, as found by the Press Council
of India, or convicted by a court of law for such activities.

38
 A Press Information Bureau release on June 10 had hailed the policy as
transparent and equitable in ushering in a new system to incentivise newspapers
and ensure equity in release of government advertisements. Yet, the proposed
changes have alarmed the Council. “We chose to call the meeting after receiving
representations from the media,” Mr. Prasad said.

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 31st August, 2016)

The government intends to release advertisements to newspapers based

on marks obtained by them on the ability of their professional practices and
commitment towards employees’ welfare. The information and broadcasting
ministry has framed a new print media advertisement Policy as per which a new
“marking system” has been introduced to incentivise newspapers which have better
professional standing and who get their certification verified.

According to an official statement issued by the ministry on 10th June,

2016, the New Print Media Advertisement Policy for Directorate of Advertising
and Visual Publicity (DAVP) aims to promote transparency and accountability in
issuing of advertisements.

“For the first time the policy introduces a new marking system for newspapers
to incentivise newspapers which have better professional standing and get their
circulation verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) or Registrar of
Newspapers for India (RNI),” the statement said. This will also ensure transparency
and accountability in the release of advertisements by DAVP, it added.

The marking system is based on six objective criteria with different marks to
each of them - Circulation certified by ABC/RNI (25 marks), EPF subscription for
employees (20 marks), number of pages (20 marks), subscription to wire services
of UNI / PTI/ Hindustan Samachar (15 marks), own printing press (10 marks),
annual subscription payment to PCI (10 marks). Advertisements shall be released
by DAVP to newspapers based on marks obtained, the statement said. The policy
framework includes circulation verification for empanelment of newspapers and
journals with DAVP.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 11th June, 2016)

The Press Council has recommended several changes to the new policy
for government advertisements in the print media issued by the Directorate of
Advertising and Visual Publicity on June 7.

39
 Under the new policy, the directorate, DAVP is the nodal agency for
government advertisements, has introduced a marking system for newspapers and
will release ads to them based on the marks they obtain out of 100. PCI chairman
Justice C K Prasad said that during the five-hour meeting on August 22, each
clause of the new policy was discussed at length. According to the new policy, the
newspapers will be marked on six separate categories. The PCI has recommended
changes to three of them.

The new policy allots 25 marks to newspapers that are certified by Audit
Bureau of Circulation or the Registrar of Newspapers for India. The PCI said
newspapers “cannot be forced” to be a member of the audit bureau as it is a private
body. It also said newspapers suffer because the Registrar of Newspapers takes a
lot of time to issue circulation certificates. It recommended that it should issue the
certificates within 90 days from the date of the application.

Under the new policy, newspapers will be given 15 marks for subscribing
to one of the three wire services — Press Trust of India, United News of India and
Hindustan Samachar, which is known to have RSS links. The PCI has recommended
that the list should not be restricted to these three services and should be expanded
to include all “news/ photo/ cartographic agencies” accredited by either the Centre
or any state government.

According to the new policy, any newspaper that is printed in its own press
would get 20 marks. The PCI objected to this, saying that “no incentive should be
given for owning printing press”. Medium newspapers, with circulation between
25,000 and 75,000 will not get ads beyond the mandatory ads if they score less
than 45 marks.

The Council also suggested a change to one of the points for suspension of
a newspaper’s empanelment. The new policy states that a newspaper might face
suspension if it indulges in anti-national activities or if the PCI finds its practices
unethical. It can also face the action if it is convicted by a court of law for similar
activities. The PCI recommended a change, so that the policy states that a newspaper
can only be suspended if the PCI finds or a court convicts it for unethical practices
or anti-national activities.

The Directorate’s Director General K Ganesan did not respond to calls and
a message.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 30th August, 2016)

40
 World Media in Indian Press
Colombo

Colombo, April 4 (AP). In Maldives, Police allegedly threw chilly powder on

the journalists and social workers demonstrating against curtailment of freedom of
press and detained 19 journalists.

Ruling party of Abdul Gaiyum, President of Maldives presented a Bill in the

Parliament, in which a provision has been made for heavy penalty and imprisonment
on defamation. Media persons gathered near President’s office against Government’s
move on defamation. They also protested against other steps taken by the Government
against Media. Demonstrators alleged that the Court has ordered to suspend
publication of the oldest newspaper of country at the behest of this Government.
Demonstrators also protested against delay in probing case related to a journalist got
missing two years back.

The matter of keeping certain media organizations isolated from reporting in

the Court was also raised. Meanwhile, Police said that they disrupted demonstration
by media persons because they gathered in the security zone near President’s office
and crossed the barricades.

Police said that they arrested 19 journalists and discharged all of them late
night. There are no charges against them. On the other hand, Ibrahim Hussain Shihab,
spokesperson of the government stated that Police threw chilli powder on media
persons carrying demonstration. Meanwhile, Police, for the first time, confirmed that
Ahmed Rilvaan, a journalist of website supported by opposition who went missing
in the year 2014, was kidnapped.

(Jansatta, New Delhi dated 5th April, 2016)

Bangladesh

Bangladesh police on 18th April, 2016 named a second editor as a suspect

in an alleged plot to kill the prime minister’s son, amid fears by rights groups of
a crackdown on the press. Mahmudur Rahman already faces 75 cases of sedition
and other charges after authorities in 2013 shut down his Amar Desh newspaper for
allegedly inciting religious tension.

But Rahman, known for his pro-opposition views, had been expected
to be released from jail in the coming days after being bailed on the most

41
serious offences. Rahman’s lawyer Syed Zainul Abedin called the fresh case
“politically motivated”, saying the government was trying to keep him in jail
as long as possible.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Maruf Hossain Sorder said

Rahman was effectively rearrested on Monday after being named in the alleged
conspiracy to kidnap and kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb
Wazed. “Police have filed an application to the court to show him arrested in
this case,” Sorder told AFP, adding that hearings would be held next week.

An elderly pro-opposition editor was arrested on Saturday on the same

charge, the latest in a series of detentions of journalists. Shafik Rehman, an 81-
year-old respected magazine editor, was detained over what was termed a plot
to kill Hasina’s son in the United States. Rehman, who is also a British citizen,
is not a member of Bangladesh’s main opposition party but was a speech writer
for its leader Khaleda Zia, who has for years been involved in a bitter feud with
Hasina.

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 19th April, 2016)

Singapore

A 23-year-old editor of a website in Singapore has been sentenced to

10 months in prison for publishing “seditious articles” intended to “provoke
unwarranted hatred against foreigners”. Ai Takagi, who is 12-weeks pregnant,
is the Chief Editor of socio-political website ‘The Real Singapore’ (TRS). She
surrendered herself at the State Courts on Friday to begin the jail term, The
Straits Times reported on 23rd April, 2016 . She was convicted of sedition last
month after she pleaded guilty to publishing “seditious articles” on the TRS
website.

The court had found that the articles published by TRS were intended to
“provoke unwarranted hatred against foreigners in Singapore”

(Deccan Chronicle, New Delhi dated 24th April, 2016)

Turkey

A Turkish court on 28th April, 2016 sentenced two prominent Turkish

journalists to two years behind bars for illustrating their columns with a

42
controversial cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed published by French satirical
weekly Charlie Hebdo, their lawyer said.

The sentence handed to the columnists for the opposition Cumhuriyet daily
Hikmet Cetinkaya and Ceyda Karan which is still subject to appeal -- comes
amid growing alarm over press freedom in Turkey.

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 29th April, 2016)

North Korea

A BBC reporter in North Korea was detained, interrogated for eight hours
and eventually expelled over his reporting in the run-up to a rare ruling party
congress, the British broadcaster said on Monday.

Foreign reporters invited to cover specific events in North Korea are

subjected to very tight restrictions on access and movement.

Numerous journalists have been prevented from returning because their

previous coverage was deemed “inaccurate” or “disrespectful” — but detaining
and then expelling a reporter while still in the country is extremely rare.

The BBC journalist, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, was about to board a plane

departing from Pyongyang airport with two other BBC staff on Friday when he
was stopped and taken into detention, the BBC said.

He was then questioned for around eight hours, apparently over one of his
reports which questioned the authenticity of a hospital his team was visiting.

“He was taken to a hotel and interrogated by the security bureau here
in Pyongyang before being made to sign a statement and then released” on
Saturday morning, said John Sudworth, another BBC reporter covering the
congress in the North Korean capital. Mr. Sudworth said the BBC had sought to
keep the detention and expulsion order quiet out of concern for the safety of Mr.
Wingfield-Hayes and two other members of his team, who had refused to leave
on Friday after he was detained.

However, an official with the North’s National Peace Committee broke the
news at a press conference early on Monday, when he criticised Mr. Wingfield-
Hayes for “speaking very ill of the system and the leadership of the country”.

43
 The three-person BBC team landed in Beijing from Pyongyang on
Monday evening.

Mr. Wingfield-Hayes emerged from the terminal 3 arrivals area at Beijing

International Airport at around 7:20 pm, and did not stop for the dense pack of
reporters and cameras waiting for him. — AFP

(The Hindu, New Delhi dated 10th May, 2016)

Saudi Arabia

July 11: Al Jazeera news channel said one of its freelance reporters in
northern Syria was killed Monday in an airstrike by Russian forces supporting
president Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Ibrahim al-Omar, who reported for the AI Jazeera Mubasher live channel,
was killed “in Russian air strikes on the town of Termanin” in northern Idlib,
the Doha-based channel said.

(The Asian Age, New Delhi dated 12th July, 2016)

USA

Think freedom of the press, then stand and salute. It’s the anthem of
America’s first amendment, the principle that fires journalists’ organisations
everywhere. But wait: for the closer you get to home, the more your knees
creak. Frankly, my dear, not so many of you seem to give a damn.

The figures underscoring the point come from that doleful Britain Thinks
survey. More than 2,000 people, plus a couple of focus groups, were asked
to nominate the basic benefits that flow to society from a free press. Some
51% couldn’t think of one. People know what they don’t like about Britain’s
newsrooms. The question is whether they ever stop to think about what
they not merely like, but need. Which is where the travails of Turkey are so
important. Turkey is not some faraway country. It has TV stations, newspapers
and websites local and national. Yet, at a blow, the Recep Tayyip Erdogan
government can close 45 newspapers, three news agencies, 16 TV channels, 15
magazines. It can round up 80 journalists. It can censor the internet, blocking
access to more than 20 news sites.The move against journalists isn’t the most
sweeping. But it is in many ways the most emblematic, because a gradual

44
throttling of free speech has been rife over years as Turkey has slipped further
and further away from democracy.

(Mail Today, New Delhi dated 8th August, 2016)

Pakistan

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)-

Pakistan’s media regulator – has asked channel in the country to “immediately”
stop broadcast of illegal Indian content. It said it has been receiving complaints
that channels were showing Indian content without permission.

(The Indian Express, New Delhi dated 2nd October, 2016)

Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission on Tuesday demanded immediate

removal of all restrictions on journalist Cyril Almeida who has been barred
from leaving the country after reporting on a rift between civilian and military
leaderships during a key meeting.

All restrictions must be immediately withdrawn and any grievance that

the authorities might have against him (Cyril) must be dealt with in accordance
with the law, due process and universally acknowledged freedoms of opinion
and expression, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said.

“Barring Cyril Almeida from traveling abroad and the apparent pressure
on his employers, the highly respected Dawn newspaper, will cause distress to
all those, at home and abroad, who believe in the freedom of expression and the
rights of journalists. This is not the time to turn the international journalist’s
community against Pakistan,” it said.

“It seems that the authorities are overreacting to a story by Cyril, which
touches on journalists’ responsibilities in times of trial,” the commission said
in a statement.

(The Pioneer, New Delhi dated 12th October, 2016)

The Pakistan government on Friday removed a travel ban imposed

on journalist Cyril Almeida over a report he wrote about a rift between the
civil and military leadership. The government’s decision followed a meeting
between interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and information Minister

45
Pervaiz Rashid and representatives of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society and
Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors.

The government put Almeida’s name in the Exit Control list (ECl) after
he filed a report in the Dawn Newspaper on October6 about a tense, highlevel
meeting between civilian and military leaders during which foreign Secretary
Aizaz Chaudhry reportedly said Pakistan was facing growing international
isolation for failing to tackle terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army’s top commanders on Friday expressed

serious concern at the publication of a “false and fabricated story” about an
important security meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House “in a national
English language daily.”

They viewed the report as a “breach of national security”

(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 15th October, 2016)

Pakistan will ban all Indian content on television and radio channels
from Friday, its media regulator said, stepping up media tit-for-tat bans that
followed a spike in tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The complete ban will start on Friday at 3:00 pm, Muhammad Tahir, the
spokesman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA),
said

The measure goes further than the regulator’s crack-down on Indian

media announced this month, when it vowed to enforce an existing law that
allows channels to air Indian content for just 86 minutes each day.

(The Tribune, New Delhi dated 21st October, 2016)

UNESCO

One journalist is killed every four- and- half days, according to a shocking
report released by UNESCO on Wednesday.

During the last decade, 827 journalists have been killed while on the
job, the UNESCO director-general’s report said. The worst hit areas were Arab

46
states including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and libya. latin America is the next worst
affected region, the Safety of journalist and the Danger of Impunity report
said.

Unsurprisingly, most deaths – 59 per cent over the last two years of the
2006-2015 report – happen in conflict zones. During that period, 78 of the 213
journalists killed (36.5 per cent) were in Arab states.

Perhaps most alarming was the increase in journalist deaths in Western

Europe and North America, up form none in 2014 to 11 last year. local
journalists are far more at risk than foreign journalist, accounting for 90 per
cent of the victims.

But there was a huge spike in foreign journalist deaths in 2014 with 17
killed compared to an average of four in previous years. last year saw a massive
increase in online journalists being killed, with 21 compared to two in 2014.
Almost half of those were Syrian bloggers. The report found that more than
10 times as many men are3 killed than women---195 to 18 in 2014.15 – while
television journalists have overtaken print hacks as the most vulnerable.

(The Pioneer, New Delhi dated 3rd November, 2016)

47
 Chapter-II
Adjudications in Complaints Regarding
Threats to Press Freedom
In furtherance of its objects, the Council inter alia performs the functions of
helping newspapers and news agencies to maintain their independence and keeps
under review any development likely to restrict the supply and dissemination
of news of public interest and importance. For the purpose of carrying out its
objects or for the performance of any of its functions under the Press Council Act,
1978, the Council has been empowered inter alia to make such observations, as
it may think fit, in any of its decisions or reports, concerning the conduct of any
authority, including Government. It is in exercise of this power that the Council
considers and pronounces on complaints filed against the authorities.

During the period under review the Council received 260 complaints,
charging the governmental or other authorities with attempts at abridging the free
functioning of the print media. Besides 143 matters were pending consideration
from the previous year. Of the 403 matters requiring Council’s attention, 119
were disposed of by way of adjudication (including two matters placed directly
before the Council, while 167 were dismissed at the preliminary stage for lack
of grounds for inquiry, the matters being outside the Council’s charter or having
gone to a court of law. The remaining 117 matters were under process at the end
of the period under review.

Adjudications on the complaints under this chapter have been analysed

graphically.

48
 Categories of Complainants

A. English Press
B. Indian Languages Press
C. Journalist Associations/News Agency
D. Sou-motu

Sou-motu
A, 9%
D, 15%

C, 19%

B,
B, 57%
57%

Categories of Respondents

A. Police/Government Authorities
B. Information Department
C. Institutions/Private
Companies/Newspaper Management
D. Private Persons
E. Public Persons

E, 8%

D, 8%

C, 6%

B, 8%

A, 70%

49
 Statewise Distribution of the Complainant Publications

55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T

50
 Key to abbreviation
Total No. Cases: 117
(Including two matters adjudicated directly by the Council)

A Agartala 2
B Andhra Pradesh 2
C Assam 2
D Bihar 8
E Chhattisgarh 4
F Delhi 11
G Gujarat 1
H Jammu & Kashmir 2
I Karnataka 2
J Madhya Pradesh 12
K Maharashtra 5
l Meghalaya 1
M Nagaland 1
N Pudducherry 2
O Punjab 1
P Rajasthan 6
Q Tamil Nadu 2
R Telangana 1
S Uttar Pradesh 53
T Uttarakhand 1

51
 Harassment of Newsmen
Harassment at the hands of the authorities is one of the overt methods
adopted by the executive to compel the Press to toe its line. Innumerable times
journalists are allegedly manhandled by the police for legitimate criticism of
police action or inaction and implicated in false cases under varying provisions
of the laws in their armoury. Harassment of journalists not only takes place at
the hands of the authorities but also at the hands of the terrorists and militants or
anti-social elements.

Free and critical writings inevitably tend to heckle those against whom
such writings have been directed and the authorities have more often than not
used their powers to cow down such papers. This usually manifests in the form
of raids, harassment or threats and at times even physical violence.

The Council adjudicated upon a total of Fifty Three such matters in this
financial year. Of these the charges were found to be substantiated in three
matter while twenty stoods dismissed on merits. In twenty others the Council
dropped inquiry when respondents concerned made or assured adequate amends.
Remaining ten complaints were disposed off for the matters having become sub-
judice or when no action by the Council was found to be warranted in the matter.
The graphical chart that follows makes the position more clear.

52
 Harassment of Newsmen
Total No. of Cases 53

A. Upheld 03
B. Rejected 20
C. Assurance/settled /Amends 20
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 10
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

25

20

15

10

0
A. B. C. D.

53
 Facilities to the Press
The Press requires some facilities to be able to discharge its professional
duties. Accreditation helps the journalists to carry out their business smoothly
to a large extent. Similary, while advertisements enable, on the one hand, the
authorities to convey their policies and programmes to the public, on the other
hand they help to provide the paper financial viability. However dispensation
of these facilities by the authorities to the newspaper has necessarily to be done
under clearly laid down policies and rules so that it not only caters to the need of
the newspapers but also help them in performing their journalistic duties.

This dependence of the small press on advertisements and other facilities

makes them very vulnerable to pressures, direct or indirect. It has been observed
that withdrawal or grant of these facilities or promise thereof has at times been
used as a lever to bring the writings in conformity with the ideas of the authority
vested with the discretion to grant these facilities to them.

Complaints against biased withdrawal/denial of the above facilities abound.

From twenty four adjudications detailed under this sub head, five were upheld
and five were rejected on merits. Four were dismissed for not pursued or when
action by the Council was not found warranted or the matter having become sub-
judice. In ten matters, the authorities concerned redressed the grievances of the
complaining parties. The chart that follows presents the position graphically.

54
 Facilities to the Press
Total No. of Cases: 24

A. Upheld 05
B. Rejected 05
C. Assurance/settled /Amends 10
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 04
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

12

10

0
A. B. C. D.

55
 Suo-motu of the Press Freedom
The Chairman may issue suo motu notice or, as the case may, take action
in respect of any matter which falls within the mischief of Section 14(1) of the
Act or in respect of or relating to any matter falling under Section 13 (2) thereof.
Thereupon the procedure prescribed by these inquiry Regulations 5 onwards is
followed as if it were a complaint under Regulation 3.

During this financial year sixteen adjudications falling in this category

represent the distinct means which can be sued to curb the freedom of the press.
Seven were dismissed for not pursued or when action by the Council was not
found warranted or the matter having become sub-judice. In nine matters, the
authorities concerned addressed the concern of the council vis-a-vis journalistic
conduct. The chart that follows presents the position graphically.

56
 Suo-Motu
Total No. of Cases: 16

A. Upheld 00
B. Rejected 00
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 09
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 07
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
A. B. C. D.

57
 Curtailment of the Press Freedom
Freedom of the Press is a cherished asset of every democratic society.
It is also a corner stone of human rights and a guarantee of other freedoms.
Authorities, trade unions, political, social or religious organizations and some
other pressure groups often attempt to bring pressure on the press to compel it to
discard its independent view on matters affecting them and to silence it. This they
do, either by organising demonstrations, assaulting and manhandling the press
staff, destroying property of the press, conducting raid in the press, preventing
circulation of the newspapers’ issues and other means to impede the smooth
functioning of the press.

The twenty four adjudications falling in this category represent the distinct
means which can be used to curb the freedom of the press. Of these two were
upheld while five were rejected on merits. Eight were dismissed for not pursued
or when action by the Council was not found warranted or the matter having
become sub-judice while in nine matters assurance was given by the respondent
organisation.

58
 Curtailment of the Press Freedom
Total No. of Cases: 24

A. Upheld 02
B. Rejected 05
C. Assurance/Settled/Amends 09
D. Dropped for Non-pursuance/ 08
Withdrawl/Sub-Judice/
lack of Substance

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
A. B. C. D.

59
 Chapter-III
Adjudications in Complaints Filed
Against the Press
The prime function of the Press Council of India is to check any downward
slide in the standards of the Press and to encourage the growth and maintenance
of the ethical canons of journalism. In furtherance of this objective, the Council
has developed norms through the medium of adjudications to on complaints
entertained to guide the press.

Today the press in the country has become somewhat commercialized.

The motive of the new age newspapers is to forge ahead in the competitive race
and the subservance of public interest with amissary zeal of the pre-independence
era has taken the back stage. Various malpractices have cropped up in recent
times which have degraded the reputation of this noble profession.

During the course of the year under review the Council received 588
complaints against the press. Besides, there were 1108 matters pending from the
previous year. Thus, the Council was to consider in all 1696 complaints against
press during the year under review. Of these, 468 matters were disposed of through
adjudications, 813 matters were disposed off at the preliminary stage, either by
settling these to the satisfaction of the parties or dismissing the complaints due to
lack of substance or on account of non-prosecution, etc. Thus 415 matters were
pending in this category at the close of the financial year under review.

60
 Categories of Complainants

A. Government Authorities/Government Officers

B. Private Persons
C. Institutions/Private Companies/Newspaper
Association
D. Public Persons
E. Suo-Motu

E, 22%
A, 30%

D, 4%

C, 13%

B, 31%

Categories of Respondents

A. English Press
B. Indian languages Press

A, 16%

B, 84%

61
 Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publication

Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publications

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Z1

62
 Key to Abbreviation
Total No. Cases: 468
Andaman and Nicobar A 1
Andhra Pradesh B 3
Assam C 4
Bihar D 17
Chhattisgarh E 3
Daman & Diu F 1
Delhi G 154
Goa H 2
Gujarat I 9
Haryana J 14
Himachal Pradesh K 2
Jharkhand l 6
Karnataka M 2
Kashmir N 1
Kerala O 11
Madhya Pradesh P 49
Maharashtra Q 54
Meghalaya R 3
Odissa S 6
Puducherry T 1
Punjab U 12
Rajasthan V 46
Swedan W 2
Tamil Nadu X 12
Uttar Pradesh Y 32
Uttrakhand Z 16
West Bengal Z1 5

63
 Principles and Publication
To err is human and as with others, the press too may publish inaccurate
reports or write-ups harmful to the reputation of individuals or public officials
and institutions. A quick correction is the best remedy. However often when
the person aggrieved sends a contradiction or rejoinder giving his/her side of the
case, there is reluctance on the part of the editor to publish the same with due
promptitude and prominence ignoring the salutary principles of right of reply.

There are several other general ethics which guide press in its actions and
attitude towards the readers. The alleged violation of these prompt the readers to
seek redress with the Council. In furtherance of its statutory responsibility, the
Press Council has over the years evolved principles of journalistic conduct on
case to case basis through its adjudications and guidelines. The endeavour of the
Council has been, through these adjudications, to help the press uphold the faith,
respect and dignity which the fourth estate deserves.

The Council received during the year several cases against newspapers
where the complainants were primarily aggrieved over non-publication of
their rejoinder/reply/contradiction by the respondent newspapers. Fifty Six
adjudications delivered this year fell under this category. Of these, Seven were
upheld with appropriate directions while in Twenty two charges could not be
substantiated. Thirteen complaints were disposed of by the Council when the
respondents offered to make amends. The remaining Fourteen complaints were
dropped for non- prosecution, withdrawal or on account of the matter having
become sub-judice. The chart that follows makes the position more clear.

64
 Principles and Publication
Total No. of Cases: 56
Principles and Publication
Total No. of Cases: 56

A. Upheld 07
B. Rejected 22
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 13
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 14
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

25

20

15

10

0
No of
Cases A B C D

65
 Press and Defamation

Since the dawn of civilization, the reputation of a person, the esteem in

which he is held by the society, the credit reposed in his intellectual capacity
and moral integrity by others, are considered his most valuable assets. For
maintaining the dignity of the individuals, promoting his healthy thought process
and preserving his capacity for doing public good, it is necessary to protect and
encourage these human values which are the basis postulates of the norms of
journalistic ethics relating to this subject.

The Council adjudicated two hundred forty two complaints this year
pertaining to alleged defamatory publications. Of these the press was found guilty
of violation of journalistic ethics in forty six cases, while charges were rejected in
one hundred fifteen. In twenty four matters the Council was able to bring about
reconciliation between the parties whereas fifty seven complaints were dropped
for non-prosecution, withdrawal or the matter having become sub-judice. The
following graphics makes the position more clear.

66
 Press and Defamation

Total No. of Cases: 242

Press and Defamation

Total No. of Cases: 242

A. Upheld 46
B. Rejected 115
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 24
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 57
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
No of
Cases A B C D

67
 Paid News

Paid news would mean any words appearing in media, or omitted from media
in lieu of a consideration given either earlier, at the time or after publication in
any form. It is a clandestine financial transaction conceived in fraud and delivered
in deceit, and hence it is difficult to get direct evidence to establish it. But while
direct evidence may not be available it is possible to infer the incidence of paid
news from strong circumstantial evidence.

No hard and fast rule or straight jacket formula is possible to be laid

down to determine the issue of paid news and it will depend upon the facts and
circumstances of each case.

During the period under review, the Council adjudicated one hundred
forty complaints under this category. Of these thirty six matters were rejected
on merits. Actions were dropped in ninety three matters on account of complaint
being without substance whereas eleven complaints were dropped for non-
prosecution, withdrawal or the matter having become sub-judice. The following
graphics makes the position more clear.

68
 Total No. of Cases: 140

Paid News
Total No. of Cases: 140

A. Upheld 36
B. Rejected 93
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends --
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 11
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
No of
Cases A B C D

69
 Suo-motu - Against the Press

The Chairman may issue suo motu notice or, as the case may, take action
in respect of any matter which falls within the mischief of Section 14(1) of the
Act or in respect of or relating to any matter falling under Section 13 (2) thereof.
Thereupon the procedure prescribed by these inquiry Regulations 5 onwards is
followed as if it were a complaint under Regulation 3.

During this financial year fifteen adjudications falling in this category were
taken up for inquiry. One was rejected on merits, eleven were dismissed when
action by the Council was not found warranted or the matter having become sub-
judice. In three matters, the respondent newspaper addressed the concern of the
council vis-a-vis journalistic conduct. The chart that follows presents the position
graphically.

70
 Total No. of Cases: 15

Suo – Motu
Total No. of Cases: 15

A. Upheld --
B. Rejected 01
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 03
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 11
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

12

10

0
No of
A B C D
Cases

71
Communal, Casteist, Anti-National and Anti Religious Writings

Every newspaper and journal and the editor thereof has an important
contribution to make in promoting national unity and integration. India is a vast
country. People professing different religions and faiths, belonging to different
castes and creeds, speaking different languages and having different cultures
inhabit this country. Amongst all these diversities and inspite of them, there is
an underlying unity which is the glorious heritage of India. When unfortunate
divisive forces seek to disrupt this unity, propagating communalism, casteism,
religious and social prejudices and wide divergence between the rich and the poor
in the economic sphere the media can play a vital role in curbing such divisive
forces.

During the period under review, the Council adjudicated four complaints
under this category. three were dismissed for not pursued or when action by the
Council was not found warranted or the matter having become sub-judice. In one
matter, the authorities concerned redressed the grievances of the complaining
parties. The following chart makes the position more clear.

72
 Communal, Casteist, Anti-National
and Anti Religious Writings
Total No. of Cases: 4

A. Upheld --
B. Rejected --
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 01
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 03
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
No of
Cases
A B C D

73
 Press and Morality

Globalizations and liberalization does not give licence to the media to

misuse its freedom and to lower the values of the Society. The media performs
a distinct role and has nothing in common with other industries and business.
So far as this role is concerned, one of the duties of the media is to preserve and
promote our cultural heritage and social values. Certain sections of the press have
been imitating western culture by publishing vulgar photographs and columns,
which boast of no public interest at all. On the contrary such publications affect
the adolescent mind in a negative manner. Whenever the Council comes across
such instances, it takes suo-motu actions.

In eleven matters, the Council adjudicated upon the question of obscenity.

The charge of offence against public taste and morality against the newspapers
concerned were upheld in one matter while seven were rejected on merits. The
Council dropped action in two matter while one matter was settled upon assurance.
The chart that follows makes the position more clear.

74
 Press and Morality
Total No. of cases: 11
Press and Morality
Total No. of Cases: 11

A. Upheld 1
B. Rejected 07
C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 01
D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 02
Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

0
No of
Cases
A B C D

75
 Chapter-IV
Report on Murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra,
Journalist, Jan Sandesh Times, Sultanpur, U.P.
According to the media reports, Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, Bureau Chief
of Jan Sandesh Times was shot dead in broad daylight in Gosai Gaon Tehsil,
Sultanpur by two motorcycle borne assailants while he was going to work.
Reports further said Mishra was targeted for his writings against the 'mud-
mafia' which seemed to have the support of the ruling party. The reports also
said that Chief Minister of U.P. instructed DGP to form special teams to nab the
culprits and also announced Rs. 10 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the family
of the journalist. While taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, a Report
of facts of the case was called for from the Government of U.P. on 19.2.2016.
Simultaneously, Dr. Suman Gupta, Member, PCI was also requested to file
Discreet Report in the matter.

Mr. Tarun Mishra was a journalist and he was associated with many
newspapers. Few days prior to his murder, he was deployed in Ambedkaragar
Janpad as District Correspondent of Jansandesh Times published from lucknow.
Ambedkarangar is Tarun Mishra's hometown too. Before joining Jansandesh
Times, he was active against mining mafia throughWhatsaap and journalism. In
after having detailed discussions with various sources in Sultanpur, Ambedkarnagar
and lucknow regarding the journalist and series of incidents, it is apparent that Mr.
Tarun Mishra was journalist and he was associated with many newspapers. Few
days prior to his murder, he was deployed in Ambedkarnagar Janpad as District
Correspondent of Jansandesh Times published from lucknow. Ambedkarnagar is
Tarun Mishra's hometown too. Before joining Journalism in district Sultanpur and
he used to force administration regularly to take action against Balu mining mafia.
Consequently, many vehicles of mining mafia had been ceased causing troubles
for balu mining mafia.

Mr Tarun Mishra was deployed in district Ambedkarnagar merely 15

days prior to his murder. As per discussion held with Mr. Subhash Rai, editor
of Jansandesh regarding this incident, Mr Tarun Mishra was deployed as District
Correspondent in district Ambedkaraanagar few days ago.

Anurag, correspondent of Jansandesh published from Sultanpur stated that

Mr. Tarun Mishra used to provide information regarding balu mining not through

76
newspapers but also via Whatsapp and phone calls by contacting officers directly
for pressurising administration to take action against balu mining mafia. Few
months back, he filed complaints against Rahul Singh, Associated with mining on
regular basis. As a result, officers were forced to restrict Rahul Singh's activities
and to cease his vehicles.

In connection with killing of Mr. Tarun Mishra, Sultanpur Police arrested

five accused on February 18th. According to Police, accused, who were arrested,
are residents of Sultanpur. The journalist got murdered by giving token money
(supari), Sandeep Singh, Ajay Singh, Hyder Abbas, Rahul Singh and Pawan Singh
had been arrested on charges of murder. According to Police, Rahul Singh and
Pawan Singh planned to kill Tarun Mishra due to harassment and soil mining deals.
Sandeep Singh Aman Singh and Hyder Abbas got token money from Rahul Singh
and Pawan Singh amounting to Rs. 1 lakh and they shot him dead near Inayatnagar
on his way to Ambedkarnagar from Sultanpur. Amongst all the accused arrested on
charges of murder, Sandeep, Aman, Pawan and Ajay are history sheeters. Cases of
murder and plunder have been filed against them and action had also been taken
against them under Gangster Act.

Arun Mishra, brother of Tarun Mishra apprehended that there is nexus amongst
conspirators, shooters and police as revealed from the phone call recordings of his
brother. Tarun Mishra, his brother used to publish news in Group-5 and Jansandesh
Times against mining mafia.

It seems that mining mafia killed the journalist as he was an eye-sore in

performing their illegal activities.

77
 Chapter-V
Report on the Murder of Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau
Chief of Dainik Hindustan at Siwan, Bihar
Introduction
In an order dated 14th May 2016, the Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman
Justice Shri Chandramouli Kumar Prasad appointed a Fact Finding Team (FFT)
of its members on the murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief of the Dainik
Hindustan at Siwan, Bihar. He was shot dead at point blank range by unidentified
assailants on 13th May 2016 evening. The FFT consisted of Shri K Amarnath,
Prakash Dubey and Prajnananda Chaudhuri, all members of the Council and
were asked to visit Siwan and give a report at the earliest.
Visit of the FFT
The team reached Patna on 18th May 2016 and proceeded to Siwan on
19th May. The team interacted with the local journalists at a meeting at Patrakar
Bhawan and later met the father, wife and other relatives of the deceased journalist
at his village on the outskirts of the town. The team members then discussed the
issue with the District Magistrate and the District Superintendent of Police at the
Circuit House before returning to Patna in the night.
On 20th May, the team met the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police
and the Principle Secretary (Home) in the Chief Secretary’s Chamber in State
Secretariat and discussed the matter at length. The team called on the Chief
Minister of Bihar at his residence in the evening and interacted with him.
The team also met several senior journalists including the local editors
of national dailies and leaders of the Bihar Working Journalists Union (BWJU)
affiliated to Indian Journalists Union (IJU), who presented a detailed memorandum
on the situation in the State, and discussed the issues of journalists’ safety and
prevailing situation in the state after the killing of the journalist at Siwan. The
discussions were frank and helped the members to get in-depth knowledge of the
issues and the perspective of the local journalist community.
Interaction with journalists at Siwan
The FFT interacted with the local journalists at meeting attended by about
60 journalists working for national, regional and local publications at Patrakar
Bhawan in Siwan. The district units of Bihar Working Journalists Union (BWJU)
affiliated to Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and National Union of Journalists

78
India (NUJ (I)) submitted detailed memoranda on the murder of the journalist.
They inter-alia demanded speedy investigation and swift action against the
culprits, adequate compensation to the family of the victim and security for
the local journalists, who were apprehensive of being targeted by the powerful
politico-mafia in the district. The BWJU memorandum demanded that the
victim’s family should be given an ex-gratia of Rs. 30 lakhs and free education
to his two children.
About 16 journalists including representatives of the district units of the
BWJU and NUJ (I) spoke at the meeting. A veteran journalist from the area,
Chandrama Singh said the Reporter of United News of India (UNI), a national
news agency, named Indramani Shankar Singh was killed in 1987 by local mafia
and the culprits are yet to be punished. He said the Government did not come to
the rescue of the family of the slain journalist and the local journalists pooled their
resources to provide succor to the family including education of his children.
A representative of the journalists from Hindustan Times group to which
the deceased journalist belonged, said they were apprehensive of being next
targets and asked for adequate security. He said Rajdeo Ranjan was fearless in
his writings and was killed because of his objective writings. When specifically
asked whether any particular person or persons are/were behind the murder, he
was evasive and equivocal.
All the journalists who interacted with the FFT paid rich tributes to the
slain journalists but did not come out with their knowledge on the local politico-
mafia. When the team said, if any, body wanted to talk to them in private, they
were welcome to come to the guest house and share their thoughts in confidence.
But no one turned up except representatives-of the district unit of Bihar Working
Journalists Union (BWJU) affiliated to IJU who submitted a supplementary
memorandum demanding adequate security to the journalists in the town.
All the journalists welcomed the decision of the State Government to refer
the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) but wanted a time bound
inquiry. A few journalists complained that the Superintendent of Police and the
District Magistrate were not accessible to the local journalists. They said the SP
never met them nor took their calls seeking information on their line of duty and
reporting.
Visit to the Family of slain journalist
The members of the FFT visited the family of the deceased journalist at
his village on the outskirts of the Siwan town. The team met father, brother, son
and wife of the slain journalist. After expressing profound grief and extending

79
sympathy on their untimely and tragic bereavement, the team tried to elicit their
opinions, requirements and the information they had on the murder.
The father welcomed the decision of the State Government to refer the
investigation of the case to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as they did not
have confidence in the local police as they were perceived to be under political
pressure. But when questioned whom he suspected to be behind the killing
and the possible motive, he was evasive and non-committal. He said his son
never expressed any apprehension about his safety nor did he ever discuss his
professional issues with him. He said their family was not exactly well off and
wished that the government might take care of the education of his grandchildren,
a boy aged 14 studying tenth standard and a girl aged about 7 years studying third
standard. He also sought financial help from the government for the wellbeing
of his son’s family.
The wife of the slain journalist told the FFT that he never mentioned any
threat to his life in the past nor in the recent times. He used to come home in late
hours on his bike alone, sometimes after midnight, after alighting the train from
Patna whenever he went there to attend meeting at their office. After a lot of
prodding, she said he received a phone call from Shahabuddin, a former MP and
a strongman from the town and lodged in jail, a few days after he reported in his
paper, Dainik Hindustan, that a Minister in the State Cabinet met the convicted
former MP in his jail cell and partook lavishly spread breakfast. A photo was also
published along with the story.

The slain journalist told her that Shahabuddin wanted him to meet him in
the jail to discuss about the report, which created a sensation, not only in the state
but also nation-wide. He was tense for a couple of days and later told her that the
issue had blown over and he did not need to meet the former MP in jail. Within
a few days after the episode, he was killed, she bemoaned.
When asked about their financial position, she said she is a contract teacher
at primary school in the village and it would be helpful if she was made regular
teacher, which would fetch her more than double the salary she is drawing. They
owned a small house in the village but had no worthwhile savings. It would
be very difficult for her to provide good education to their two children on her
earnings and sought help from the State Government. She mentioned that her son
wanted to take National Defense Academy (NDA) examination after completing
his 12th standard and it would not (NOT) be within her means to provide him
coaching for the NDA exam, a necessary pre-requisite for clearing it. Asked
whether the Hindustan, the newspaper the deceased journalist worked for more

80
than two decades, had extended any help, she said they came to console her did
not speak about any financial help.
Meeting with the Siwan DM and SP
The FFT met the Siwan District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of
Police (SP) at the Circuit House for about one-and-a-half hour, where various
aspects of the case were discussed and clarifications sought. They made it clear
that there was no political pressure in the investigation of the case. They explained
the topography and demography of the district and the difficulties they were facing
in investigation. Hired killers from neighboring State enter the district and they
flee after committing the crime. The eye witnesses were not able to identify them
as they were not from the area.
Explaining progress of the investigation so far, the SP said even though the
case was referred to the CBI, the district police were continuing their investigation
vigorously, pending its takeover. He said necessary preliminary information sought
by the central agency were provided. They would continue to provide logistical
support to CBI after it takes over the case.
The SP said they have already rounded up some suspects and interrogated
them. He asserted that police were proceeding under presumption that the motive
behind the murder was his reportage and so far they did not get any indication that
it was to the contrary. They could not establish any direct basis to assume that the
jailed former MP was behind the murder. At the same time he did not rule out such
a possibility.
He denied the allegation is that the police were behind the stories appearing
in a section of the media and social media seeking to discredit the slain journalist.
When asked about the complaint of some journalists that he was not accessible, he
denied it and said he was always available. He was confident that they would crack
the case and bring the culprits to the book very soon.
When the team brought to the notice of the DM and SP the statement of wife
of the deceased journalist that the jailed former MP called her husband a few days
before his killing and asked the reporter to meet him in the jail and his meeting
with a close follower of the politician in next few days, the SP claimed ignorance
of any such call but said they have information that the journalist met a follower
of the politician a few days before the incident. He said they were collecting the
call data of phones of the deceased from mobile service providers and there they
might get a clue.
The District Magistrate told the team that he would take steps to provide
quality education to the two children of the deceased journalist free of cost. He
said he would get a seat for the girl in Kendriya Vidyalaya from his quota and

81
get a seat for the boy in the best college, Private or Government for his plus-two
course. He would also explore the possibility of getting him coaching for his NDA
examination after completion of plus-two examination.

On the request of the wife of the deceased journalist for regular teachers
post, the DM summoned the District Education Officer (DEO), who explained to
the team that there was no possibility of promoting her to the regular teacher post,
as the Government discontinued that recruitment to those posts. He said all the
contract teachers were made permanent last year and would continue until the age
60, but would get just half of the salary of the regular teacher. He said the contract
teacher would get increments every year.

The DM said there was no provision to sanction ex-gratia to the family of the
deceased journalist from his funds. He suggested that we might approach the Chief
Minister to release help from Chief Minister Relief Fund. However, he promised
to provide succor to the family from all possible sources including donations from
individuals.
When asked about the status of the murder case of UNI Reporter Indramani
Shankar Singh, who was killed in 1987, the DM and the SP expressed ignorance
and said would get back after verifying the old files.
Meeting with CS, DGP and Home Secretary

The team met the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police and
Principal Secretary (Home) at Secretariat in the Chief Secretary’s Chamber on 20th
May at 11.00 AM and discussed various aspects of the case. The Chief Secretary
said the Government referred the case to the CBI as desired by the close relatives of
the deceased journalist. The Government considered that the journalist was killed
because of his reportage and asserted that nobody, however powerful or politically
connected, would be spared. The police were asked to nab the culprits swiftly and
they were given a free hand.

The Director-General of Police explained the progress of the case so far

and said all the aspects of the case including the involvement of former MP now
in jail, were being investigated. He said some suspects were rounded up and were
questioned. He said the local administration and police, two days back, raided the
jail and arrested 62 persons found to be carrying mobile phones; the phones were
confiscated. The former MP was shifted from the Siwan jail to Bhagalpur Central
Jail, on the day of our visit to Siwan on 19th May, as the jail officials were found
to be lax and facilitating the supply of daily necessities to him in contravention of
the rules and disclosed that some jail officials were also suspended.

82
 He repeated the details of investigation already given to the team by the
District Police earlier and asserted that the investigation was on track and they
would be able to crack the case. He also narrated the demographic and topographic
constrains encountered in the investigation. The DG said they communicated
all the preliminary investigation reports to the CBI and gave all the information
sought by them. He expressed confidence that the central probe agency would take
up the case shortly and said they would extend all co-operation and help sought
by them.
A senior journalist brought to the notice of the team about a report circulated
in the social media which stated that the Siwan police had given a confidential report
to the State Police Head Quarters some years back that the jailed former MP was
planning to eliminate 23 persons inimical to him. The report said Rajdeo Ranjan’s
name appeared at No. 14. By the time the report came into the hands of State
Police HQ, 13 persons were already killed and that the reporter was next in line
of fire. Obviously, the report was brought to the notice of the Minister concerned
and the Chief Minister. The social media report alleged that even though the State
Government was aware of a threat to the life of the reporter, they did not give any
protection to him. The report said the matter was raised in the state Assembly in
2014 and the opposition demanded action. No action followed even after the issue
figured in the State Assembly.
However, the DGP denied existence of any such report but admitted that
it was raised on the floor of the Assembly in December 2014 in run-up to the
State Assembly Elections. He said some vague allegations were made on the floor
of the House and when the Government sought details and asked for the alleged
list, there was no response from the member who raised the issue. It was never
mentioned that the reporter was on the hit list, he said. The top cop said neither
the District level Committee, which assessed the threat perception of individuals
nor the reporter or anyone else on his behalf raised the issue of protection to the
journalist.
When the team raised the issue of sanctioning of ex-gratia and other
help to the family of the deceased journalist, the Chief Secretary expressed
helplessness in view of the High Court Order banning any ex-gratia payment
to the family of a murder victim from the exchequer including the CM Relief
Fund. He said only exception was that of victims of Naxalite violence. However,
he said if the Press Council of India recommends ex-gratia, the Government
would consider it favorable. On the "question of elevating the wife of the victim
from contract teacher to government" teacher, he said there was no provision to
appoint regular teacher and all the contract teachers were regularized. The team
asked the officials to provide them a copy of the High Court Order and they
agreed. However, the copy of the High Court Order was not received until the
time of writing this report.

83
Courtesy Call on the CM
The team paid a courtesy call on the Chief Minister at his residence on 20th
May evening. During the course of interaction with the team, the Chief Minister
categorically stated that he would not tolerate any attack on the journalists in the
state and would take stringent action against the culprits. He recalled his earlier
statement that any attack on the journalists in the State would be considered to be
an attack on him personally. He asserted that political interference would not be
allowed in the investigation of the killing of Rajdeo Ranjan and culprits would
be brought to book, irrespective of their social standing and political affiliations.
He said, he referred the case to CBI as soon as he came to know that the family
members of the deceased journalists made such a demand. He said the journalist
was killed in line of duty and he would do everything possible to nab the culprits
and help the family of the deceased.
When the team members requested him to extend financial help to the family,
he said the government was willing but there were legal problems to give ex-gratia
as the High Court prohibited it. However, he said he had already instructed the
state and district Administration to extend all possible help including free and
quality education to the children of the deceased journalist. The team brought to
the notice of the Chief Minister, the sense fear prevailing among the journalists
in Siwan, he said his Government was doing all that was in its power to instill
confidence among the journalists.
Meeting with senior Journalists and Editors
The team members met several senior journalists, local editors of some
national dailies, leaders of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and its affiliated
Union Bihar Working Journalists Union (BWJU) and discussed the issue in depth.
There is a widespread feeling among the journalists and editors that the former MP
in jail is behind the incident. It was pointed out that while all most all major dailies
both vernacular and English newspapers and news channels picked up the news
and pictures of the a Minister in the State Cabinet met the jailed MP in the prison
and partaking lavish lunch in the prison cell from the social media, Rajdeo might
have been targeted because of the perception that he was responsible for posting it
in social media, which went viral and created widespread outrage.
They said politicians, particularly from the ruling coalition, were brazenly
threatening journalists who were filing critical reports on their functioning. There
is a perception that the police would not act impartially if a complaint was filed
against the ruling alliance leaders and workers.
Some editors and senior journalists said there was a sense of fear and
insecurity among the journalists in the State including Patna. The Government has
been armtwisting the managements of media houses by denying advertisements

84
for publishing stories inimical to the Government. The pressure was subtle and
indirect and the media managements were succumbing to it and know-toying to
the ruling parties. An editor said new sort of media was emerging and termed
it ‘obliged media’, which in his opinion was more dangerous to the freedom of
journalists and independent media. He said it was worse than pernicious practice
of paid news.

Observations of the Team Members

The day the team arrived in Patna on 18th May, there was a raid on the
Siwan jail and 63 persons who went to meet the jailed former MP in the jail were
arrested and about 62 mobile phones were confiscated from them. By the time
the team members reached Siwan on 19th May, the former MP was shifted from
Siwan jail to Bhagalpur Central Jail. Even though the District Administration
termed the raids as routine, there was a perception among the journalists that the
Administration acted because of the presence of the Press Council team. Whether
true or co-incidental, it created a sense of confidence among the local journalists.
The local journalists in Siwan seem to be in the grip of fear of the politico-
mafia being run by the former MP from the jail. The former MP, his family and
followers still have a tight grip on the town and keep the population in the awe,
even though the police top brass claim that it is loosening. Seldom, the media
carries critical stories on the actions of the former MP’s family or his followers.
His pictures on the hoardings have a prominent presence in the town. About a
dozen journalists who spoke at the meeting held at Patrakar Bhawan only spoke
about the professional and personal credentials of Rajdeo and demanded action
against his killer but never mentioned a word about the possible involvement of the
local politico-mafia. This shows the extent of fear local journalists has.
The politicians belonging to Opposition Parties, who made a beeline to the
family of the deceased journalist, were no more seen after the announcement of
handing of the case to the CBI. Probably, the Chief Minister referred the case
to Central Agency ,to take the wind out of the sails of the opposition, who were
clamoring for it. There are doubts on the CBI taking up the case because of its
heavy burden of work and shortage of staff. But the state police top brass believes
that it will take up the case.
Several stories were doing the rounds in the social media and a section of
the media to discredit the deceased journalist, replete with half-truths, untruths and
innuendoes.
Findings of the Team
1. There is prima-facie evidence to believe that Rajdeo Ranjan was killed by the
politico-mafia because of his critical reportage.

85
2. It is believed to be executed by hired killers, possibly from across the state
border as they asked for the identity of the journalists just before firing at him,
as disclosed by an eye witness.
3. The local police are investigating the case reasonably well and they can be
expected to nab some of the culprits and get to the root of the men behind them
during interrogation.
4. There seems to be no political inference in the police investigation.
5. The journalists in the State in general and local journalists in Siwan are in the
grip of fear psychosis.
Recommendations
1. The Chairman may refer the case to one of the regular Inquiry Committees and
direct them to list the case in every meeting and call for appearance of CBI
representative to explain the progress of the investigation.
2. The Council may recommend to the State Government to sanction adequate
ex-gratia to the family of the deceased journalist to mitigate financial prob-
lems, they might face due to his death. The wife of the deceased journalist may
be promoted from the contract teacher post to regular teacher post, giving her
some financial benefit as a special and rarest of the rare cases.
3. The Council may direct the State Administration and the police to take definite
measures to allay the fears of the working journalists in the State, particularly in
district and rural journalists in the State. The Council may, on its part organize
a seminar at Siwan on safety of journalists in rural Bihar as a part of confidence
building measures.
4. The Council may direct the State Government to set up committees at State
and District levels to discuss cases of attacks and assaults on the journalists
and take remedial measures in time. The state-level committee may be
headed by Chief Secretary or Director General of Police and district-level
committee may be headed by District Magistrate or the Superintendent of
Police. Nominees of the representative working journalists unions should be
in the committees.
Acknowledgements
• The FFT members express gratitude and thanks to the Chief Minister for
giving time to the team members at short notice and despite his busy schedule
and for interacting with them freely and frankly.

86
• We express our thanks to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and
Principal Secretary (Home) and Government of Bihar for meeting us and
explaining the progress of the investigation.
• We are thankful to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Siwan
for giving us the details and progress of the case and their perspective. We also
thank them for making excellent arrangements during our brief stay there.
• We are grateful to the editors, senior journalists and leaders of the Bihar Working
Journalists Union, an affiliate of Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and NUJ (I)
for sharing, their perspective and profound knowledge of the situation in the
state with us. We are particularly thankful to Om Gaud, State Editor, Dainik
Bhaskar, Patna for giving his insightful analysis of the situation in Bihar.
• Last, not the least, we express our sincere thanks to the Director, officers and
the staff of Public Relations Department of Bihar Government for making
excellent arrangements for carrying out our assigned work and our comfortable
stay.

K Amarnath Prajnananda Chaudhuri Prakash Dubey

Dated 2nd June 2016.

87
 Chapter-VI
Report on the Murder of TV Journalist,
Mr. Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, Chatra,
Jharkhand
The Press Council of India Chairman, constituted a three Members FFT
(Fact Finding Team) for Chatra, Jharkhand, to investigate the murder of TV
journalist, Mr. Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav alias Indradeo Yadav (42) at Chatra,
Jharkhand on 12.5.2016.

1. Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash

2. Shri Sondeep Sankar
3. Shri Rajeev Ranjan Nag

Akhilesh Singh is the fourth journalist to be killed since the creation of

Jharkhand in November 2000, according to the records kept by media watchdog
agencies like the committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). None of the previous
three murders have been solved or the culprits brought to justice. A few people
who were arrested in these cases managed to walk away free later.

Our team reached Ranchi on 22nd May, 2016 capital of Jharkhand. On 23-
5-2016 the team moved to Chatra, about 160 km from Ranchi and met the local
journalists, journalists organizations, officials and the other stake holders of Chatra
and close by areas numbering around 60. The meeting was held at Circuit House,
Chatra.

Findings during meeting with media persons:

(1) The general information was that Mr. Akhilesh Pratap Yadav alias Indradeo
Yadav was working for a local TV channel, Taaja Khabar, since 5-6 years.
He originally belongs to Barachati, a village in Bihar.

(2) Indradeo Singh Yadav was involved with some part-time contractor work
along with his cousin brother named Mr. Ram Vir Singh Yadav. Though the
business was registered in the name of Mr. Ram Vir Singh Yadav, everyone
in the district was aware that the works were being allotted to the company
due to influence of late Mr. Indradeo Yadav.

(3) Another aspect of the murder was demand of levy from Mr. Indradeo
Yadav, for the contracts awarded to his company, by Tritiya Sammelan

88
 Prastuti Committee (TSPC), one of the rival underground organization
of Marxwadi Communist Council (MCC) (naxalite). This aspect was also
corroborated by the local Police Administration (Written statement of S.P.
Chatra enclosed).

(4) Some sources also alleged that the murder was due to old association of late
Mr. Indradeo Yadav with MCC. It is said that Indradeo was closely associated
with a faction of MCC, while he was residing at his native place Barachatti
in Bihar. It is also said that he was under the police surveillance for his links
with MCC and that was the reason behind his shifting the Barachatti, Bihar
to Chatra District headquarters, Jharkhand.

The Police had already arrested 1. Birbal Sao, a native of Mayurhund block,
2. Jhaman Kumar of lawalong 3. Suraj Sao, the representative of MlA,
Ganesh Ganju, the SP said.

MlA Ganju has demanded for CBI probe into the killing of journalist
Mr. Akhilesh Singh, who was shot dead by unknown assailants near Dewaria
panchayat secretariat on 12th May, triggering widespread condemnation of
the attacks on journalists across the country.

According to a report by The Hindu, Singh, who was a district correspondent

for regional Hindi news channel Taaza TV, was once a Maoist. He used to be
an ‘area commander’ in Barachatti of Bihar.

In the evening of 23rd May we met the Dy. Commissioner Mr Amit Kumar
along with other officials of Chatra administration. The Superintendent of
Police, Mr. Anjani Kumar Jha, informed us that they have made three arrests
and all are close associates of Shri Ganesh Ganju, BJP MlA, Simeriya. One
Mukesh Ganju, the brother of the MlA is the Chief of TSPC. The SP further
informed that they are yet to arrest three other persons involved in the crime,
along with the shooter, inspite of 3-4 police raids in different places.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused reportedly were

angry with him over some business-related issues. It is reported that three
days before the incident, the two sides had some quarrel in this regard.
Further interrogation of the arrested accused and those involved in the
shooting would unravel the case.

The SP, Chatra assured us that District Police is seriously chasing the
case and other culprits will be apprehended soon. SP, also assured us

89
 that police will provide all security to the bereaved family, if wanted.
He further informed that they are also working on various aspects and
information including decoding of mobile conversation of all four mobile
phones Sized, and the pass book and bank account of late Yadav, his other
financial involvements and real reasons of his murder.

Fact Finding Team (FFT) Recommendation

1. Stern action and early arrest of the absconding culprits, restoration of spirit of
safety in the mind of working journalists of the District. The administration
should be vigilant so no such incident is repeated. Even after three weeks, at
the time of writing of this report, the main shooters are yet to be arrested.

2. The District administration should provide free education to children of late

Mr. Indradeo Yadav.

3. District administration should provide a teaching job to the widow of late

MR. Yadav, as she had completed B.Ed. Course.

4. Allotting a Govt. accommodation to the widow.

5. District administration was asked to recommend Mr. Indradeo Yadav’s name

to avail the benefit of the scheme announced by the Central Govt. for death
due to terrorist/insurgent attack.

The District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner of Chatra, Mr. Amit

Kumar, assured the FFT that he will meet all above recommendations as quickly
as possible. He told us that, once it is clear that Mr. Indradev Yadav is killed by
a naxal outfit, his name will be recommended for the Central Govt. assistance
scheme.

The Dy. Commissioner of Chatra further assured that, he will talk to the
widow of late Mr. Indradeo Singh Yadav, once they come back to Chatra from
his native place after the rituals and mourning period is over. FFT could not meet
the family of the deceased as they were at Mr. Indradeo Yadav’s native village in
Bihar, some 160 kms, away from Chatra.

The team returned to Ranchi on 24th May, 2016. We interacted with the
local press in Ranchi and assured them the support of PCI in case of an attempt of
muzzling of the Press in the State. We informed about our findings and steps taken
by the District Administration during our interaction. Media persons were satisfied
by the almost immediate reaction of PCI in forming a FFT.

90
 We met the Principal Secretary to CM, Jharkhand and requested him
to expedite the clearance of the compensation amount (5 lakh) declared by the
Govt. as quickly as possible. Principal Secretary assured us that he will get the
file cleared from Chief Minister the next day. We called on the Principal Secretary
again on 25th May and the CM sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh and cleared the file. Principal
Secretary assured that the money will be transferred to the account of Ms. Babita
Devi, widow of late Mr. Indradeo Yadav, within four days by RTGS.

On 25th May, 2016 we met Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble Governor of
Jharkhand also at Raj Bhawan. She asked about our Chatra movement and shown
here concern about the killing. She assured us to instruct the State Govt. to see that
this type of case does not repeats again. The same day we met Mr. Hemant Soren,
the leader of opposition in the State Assembly. He assured us to raise the issue in
the next Assembly session.

Jharkhand police spokesperson and Additional Director General

(Operations), S N Pradhan, said: “The CCTV footage of the spot of occurrence
helped us identify the culprits as their faces were visible. They were seen sitting on
the motorcycle, which was used in the offence. A hunt is on to nab the absconding
accused.”

Findings

1. Sri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, the District Correspondent of Taaza TV,
Chatra was shot dead from very close range with most inhuman way to be
sure that he was eliminated.
2. The murder was not due to professional (Journalistic) activities.
3. Demand of levy from him by the extremist group i.e. TSPC may be one
angle.
4. The past link of late Mr. Yadav with MCC extremists may be the second
angle to the murder.
5. Financial involvement of late Mr. Yadav with the booty money of MCC,
may have been the 3rd angle.
6. The arrest of close associates of Simeria MlA, Mr. Ganesh Ganju proves his
involvement in the case. His brother Mr. Mukesh Ganju, the leader of TSPC
is still evading arrest.
7. It may be noted that the BJP MlA of Simeria has demanded a CBI inquiry
only after the arrest of his close associates to derail investigations to prolong
the case.

91
8. The commitment of the DM in this matter is commendable and the action
taken by the District Administration is satisfactory.
Suggestions
1. Direction to be given to arrest the absconding culprits as soon as possible
and the case should be first tracked to know the cause of the killing.
2. The owner of Taaza TV may be directed to pay compensation to the family
of Mr. Indradeo Yadav.
3. The District Administration may be directed to rehabilitate the bereaved
family as quickly as possible.
Impact
1. The constitution of the FFT by the Hon’ble Chairman had its positive
impact in the case. The District Administration moved speedily and made
the arrests.
2. The State Government declared a compensation of 5 lakhs and sanctioned
it in our presence.
3. The immediate spell of fear psychosis in the media community could be
averted by the timely action by PCI the sans of security could be restored
in the mind of wording journalist of the State.
Other Journalists killed in Jharkhand:
1. Journalist Adhir Rai was killed in Deoghar Distrct in March 2000.
2. Pramod Kumar Munna, who worked for local newspaper Samkalin
Tapmaan, was also killed in Deoghar District in December, 2007.
3. The decomposed body of Nalin Mishra, editor of fortnightly Jharkhand
Today, was recovered in Ranchi in April 2006. The killing triggered a wave
of protests by media persons in Bihar and Jharkhand.
4. Akhilesh Pratap Singh, a jornalist of a news channel, was gunned down by
unidentified people at Dwaria in Chatra district headquarter.

Prabhat Kumar Dash Sondeep Shankar Rajiv Ranjan Nag

Convenor Member Member

92
 Chapter-VII
Report on Vulgar, Obscene and Offensive
Advertisements
The Sub-Committee was formed on the direction of the Inquiry Committee
dated 16 March 2016 on the basis of a complaint by Shri Arun Kumar Bhattacharya
against the Editor, Ananda Bazar Patrika, Kolkata. Thereafter, another complaint
against the same publication and on the same subject matter-filed by Shri Ashok
Kumar Dutta was also referred to the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee comprised the following members: (i) Mr. Ravindra

Kumar (ii) Mr. Sondeep Shankar (iii) Dr. Suman Gupta (iv) Mr. V.K. Chopra and
(v) Mr. Bipin Newar.

The Sub-Committee met after due notice on 14th July 2016. Two members-
Mr. Ravindra Kumar and Mr. Sondeep Shankar were present while other members
expressed inability to attend. The members present deliberated on the aforesaid
two complaints as well as the complaint of Shri Indrajeet Kapani against Dainik
Bhaskar and Patrika, Indore alleging publication of misleading advertisements,
which in the meanwhile had also been referred to this Sub-Committee.

The findings of the Sub-Committee are as follows:

1) While advertisements deemed obscene and/or misleading fall within the

mandate of the Council in terms of Sections 13 (1) and 14 (1) and regulations
framed therein, it would be advisable to adjudicate on complaints on a case-
to-case basis. The Sub Committee was of the view that any generalisation
on “obscene” or “vulgar” advertisements was inadvisable and felt that
adjudication must follow the “I know it when I see it” dictum of US Supreme
Court Justice potter Stewart who famously used the phrase to describe
his threshold test for obscenity in Jacobellis v Ohio (1964). Standards of
obscenity have evolve over the years in various jurisdictions, including in
India, an the Sub-Committee felt it would be unwise to lay down guidelines
beyond those already spelt out by the Council. In this connection, it would
be pertinent to refer to the judgement of the Apex Court in Aveek Sarkar
and anr. VS State of West Bengal and anr. (delivered in February 2014)
where the court acknowledged that the concept of obscenity could not be
static, noted that it evolved with time, and took a liberal view in the matter.

93
 Coincidentally, the petitioner in this case before the Court was the editor of
the respondent newspaper in complaints preferred before this Council.

2) Without wishing in any manner to prejudice the course of adjudication, the

Sub-Committee is of the view that each advertisement complained about
in the cases under reference would have to be examined to see if it fails
the obscenity tests prescribed by (a) the Indian Penal Code (S292-294) (b)
applicable case law and (c) the Council’s code of professional conduct/
guidelines.

3) The Sub-Committee noted that a person aggrieved by an obscene, vulgar,

offensive or misleading advertisements had several avenues for redress
open to him/her and these, inter alia, are (a) withdrawal of subscription
to the offending newspaper; (b) institution of proceedings under the Penal
Code; (c) complaint to the Advertising Standards Council of India tasked
specifically with examining such complaints and (d) a complaint to the
Council.

The Sub-Committee therefore recommends as follow:

1) The complaints of Shri Arun Kumar Bhattacharya, Shri Ashok Kumar Dutta
and Shri Indrajeet Kapani should be dealt with on merits by the Inquiry
Committee

2) When it is accepted - and is the basis of judical pronouncement-that concepts

of obscenity and vulgarity are evolving, it would be unwise for the Council
to frame any guidelines or create a “one-size-fits-all” formula that may not
stand the test of time.

The Sub-Committee places on record its thanks for the cooperation extended by
members of the Secretariat.

Sondeep Shankar Ravindra Kumar

6th August 2016

94
 Chapter-VIII
Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on
Jounalist: Maharashtra Legislative Council
To Provide for the Prevention of Violence Against and Attack on
Journalist and Prevention of Damage or Loss of Property of News Based
Electronic Media Houses or News Stations or Newspaper Establishments
in the State of Maharashtra and for Matters Connected Therewith or
Incidental Thereto
WHEREAS act of violence of causing injury or danger to life of Journalists
and damage or loss to the property of News based Media Houses or Newspaper
establishments are on increase in the State creating unrest in journalists resulting
in total hindrance of such services in the State;
AND WHEREAS there are increasing number of instances of attack on
Newspaper/News channel employees, journalist and also of causing damages to
Newspaper establishments and News based electronic media;
AND WHEREAS the existing provisions are not adequate and effective to
loss of property of Newspaper and News based electronic media establishments
from such violent activities;
AND WHEREAS it is expedient to make provisions for effectively curbing
such activities and prevent damage to the property and for the matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto;
AND WHEREAS it is expedient to enact the Act in the Sixty Seventh year
of the Republic of India as follows;
1. (i) This Act may be called the Maharashtra Journalists, Media Persons and
News based Electronic Media Houses or News Stations or Newspaper
Establishments (Prevention of Violence against, Attack and damage or loss
to property) Act, 2015
(ii) It extends to the whole of the State of Maharashtra;
(iii) It shall be deemed to have come into force on...........2015
2.(i) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
(a) 'Code' means the code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974);
(b) "Journalist" means a person whose principal avocation is that of

95
 journalist and who is employed as such in relation to, any newspaper,
television, news channel establishment, and includes an editor, a
sub-editor, a leader-writer, news editor, feature-writer, copy-tester,
reporter, correspondent, cartoonist, news-photographer, television
cameraman, proof-reader and a person who contributes regularly and
meaningfully on matters of public interest to renowned television
news channels, weekly, magazines and periodicals as a freelancer.
But does not include any such person who-
(i) is employed mainly in a managerial or administrative capacity, or
(ii) being employed in a supervisory capacity, performs, either by the nature of
the duties attached to his office or by reason of the powers vested in him,
functions mainly of a managerial nature;
(c) 'Newspaper' means any printed or online periodical work containing
public news or comments on public news and includes such other
class of printed or periodical work as may from time to time, be
notified in this behalf by Central Government in the Official Gazette
under the Journalist and other Newspaper Employees (conditions of
service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 (No. 45 of 1955)
(d) 'News based Electronic Media' means any news based media that
uses electronics or electromechanical energy for the end user to
access the content.
(e) 'News channel' means a television channel dedicated to news often
operating continuously which is registered as news channel with
Prasar Bharati or as per the direction's of Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting; Government of India;
(f) 'Newspaper Establishments' means an establishment under the
control of any person or body of persons, whether incorporated or not
for any production or publication of one or more newspaper or for
conducting any news agency or syndicate; and includes newspaper
establishments specified as one establishment.

Explanation:- For the purposes of this clause-

(i) Different departments, branches and centres of newspaper establishments
shall be treated as parts thereof,
(ii) a printing press shall be deemed to be a newspaper establishment if the
principal business thereof is to print newspaper.

96
 (g) 'News station' means a television or radio station of the production
and transmission of broadcasts which focuses on presenting the
news.

(h) 'Offender' means any person, who either by himself or as a member

or leader of group of persons or organization commits or attempts
to commit or abets or instigates or provokes the commission of
violence under this Act

(i) 'Property' means any property movable or immovable or equipment

or machinery owned by or in possession of, or under the control
of any Journalist or newspaper or news channel or news paper
establishment or news station;

(j) 'Violence' means during the course of duty or work as a journalist,

any act of causing any harm, injury or endangering the life or
intimidation, obstruction or hindrance to any Newspaper or News
channel or News station employees.

(k) words and expressions used but not defined in this Act and defined
in the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 or the Indian Penal Code
(45 of 1860) or the Journalist and other Newspaper Employees
(conditions of service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 (No.
45 of 1955) shall have the meanings assigned to them respectively
in the said code, or as the case may be, in the said Act.

3. Any wilful act of violence against a Journalist or damage or loss to the

property in a Newspaper or News channel or Newspaper Establishment or
News station caused by a person or group of person, shall be prohibited.

4. Any offender, who commits or attempts to commit or abets or instigates

or provokes the commission of any act of violence in contravention of
the provisions of Section 3, shall be punished with imprisonment which
may extend to three years, or with fine, which may extend to fifty thousand
rupees, or with both.

5. Any offence committed under this, Act, shall be cognizable and non-
bailable and triable by the Court of Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.

6. (i) In addition to the punishment specified in Section 4, the offenders shall

be liable to compensation twice the amount of damage or loss caused
to the property, as determined by the Court referred to in section 5

97
 (ii) If the offender has not paid the compensation amount under sub-
section (1) the said shall be recovered under the Provisions of
Maharashtra land Revenue Code, as if it were an arrears of land
revenue due from him.

7. Whoever being a journalist as defined in Section 2 (1) (b) wilfully misuses

the provisions of this Act for undue benefits or makes a false complaint
under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend
to one year but which shall be not less than six months, or with fine, which
may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees, or with both.

8. Such offender will not be entitled for any govt. benefit as journalist and his
accreditation card will be permanently revoked .

9. The provisions of this shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the
provisions of any other law for the time being in force.

98
 Comprehensive DRAFT BILL incorporating
Amendments
S.No. Clauses of the Draft Bill of
Maharashtra State
1.(1) This Act may be called the Maharashtra
Journalists, Media Persons and News
based Electronic Media Houses or News
Stations or Newspaper Establishments
(Prevention of Violence against, Attack
and damage or loss to property) Act,
2015
(2) It extends to the whole of the State of
Maharashtra
(3) It shall be deemed to have come into
force on ………….2015
2(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise
requires:-
(a) ‘Code’ means the code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974);
(b) “Journalist” means a person whose
principal avocation is that of journalists
and who is employed as such in relation
to, any newspaper, televisions news
channel establishment, and includes
an editor, a sub-editor, a leader-
writer, news editor, feature-writer,
copy-tester, reporter, correspondent,
cartoonist, news-photographer,
televions cameraman, proof-reader
and a person who contributes regularly
and meaningfully on matters of public
interest to renowned television news
channels, weekly, magazines and
periodicals as a freelancer.
But does not include any such person
who-
(i) is employed mainly in a managerial
or administrative capacity, or
99
Amendments proposed by Press
Council of India
This Act may be called the
Maharashtra Journalists, Media
Persons and News based Electronic
Media Houses or News Stations
or Newspaper Establishments
(Prevention of Violence against,
Attack and damage or loss to
property) Act, 2017
It extends to the whole of the State
of Maharashtra
It shall be deemed to have come
into force on ………….2017
‘Code’ means the code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974);
The words ‘regularly’ and
‘renowned’ be deleted
The word ‘to be’ instered before
the word ‘television’ at sixth line.
Words ‘Newspaprs and News
Agencies’ be insert before the word
‘magazines’ at seventh line.
After adding the above the Clause
read as:
“Journalist” means a person
whose principal avocation is
that of journalists and who is
employed as such in relation
to, any newspaper, television
news channel establishment, and
includes an editor, a sub-editor, a
leader-writer,
 (ii) being employed in a supervisory
capacity, performs, either by the nature
of the duties attached to his office
or by reason of the powers vested in
him, functions mainly of a managerial
nature;
news editor, feature-writer, copy-
tester, reporter, correspondent,
cartoonist, news-photographer,
televions cameraman, proof-reader
and a person who contributes
meaningfully on matters of public
interest to the television news
channels, newspapers and news
agencies, as a freelancer.

(c) ‘Newspaper’ means any printed or No changes

online periodical work containing
public news or comments on public
news and includes such other class of
printed or periodical work as may from
time to time, be notified in this behalf
by Central Government in the Official
Gazette under the journalists and other
Newspaper Employees (conditions of
service) and Miscellaneous Provisions
Act, 1955(No. 45 of 1955)

(d) ‘News based Electronic Media’ means No changes

any news based media that uses
electronics or electromechanical energy
for the lend user to access the content

(e) ‘News channel’ means a television No changes

channel dedicated to news often
operating continuously which is
registered as news channel with
Prasar Bharati or as per the directions
of Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, Government of India;

(f) ‘Newspaper Establishments’ means No changes

an establishment under the control of
any person or body of person, whether
incorporated or not for any production
or publication of one or more newspaper
or for conducting any news agency
or syndicate; and includes newspaper
establishments specified as one
establishment.
Explanation:- For the purposes of this
clause-

100
 (i) Different department, branches and
centres of newspaper establishments
shall be treated as parts thereof,
(ii) a printing press shall be deemed
to be a newspaper establishment if the
principal business thereof is to print
newspaper.

(g) ‘News station’ means a television or No changes

radio station of the production and
transmission of broadcasts which
focuses on presenting the news.

(h) ‘Offender’ means any person, who either No changes

by himself or as a member or leader
of group of persons or organization
commits or attempts to commit or abets
or instigates or provokes the commission
of violence under this Act.

(i) ‘Property’ means any property movable No changes

or immovable or equipment or
machinery owned by or in possession
of or under the control of any journalist
or newspaper or news channel or news
paper establishment or news station;

(j) ‘Violence’ means during the course of Words ‘or as a conseqauence

duty or work as a journalist, any act of
causing any harm, injury or endangering
the life or intimidation, obstruction or
hindrance to any Newspaper or News
channel or News station employees.
thereof’ be added in the first
line after the word ‘journlist’ and
‘any’.
After adding the above words, this
clause be read as follows:-

‘Violence’ means any act of causing

any harm, injury or endangering
the life or intimidation, obstruction
of hindrance to any newspaper or
News Channel or News Station
employees during the course of
duty or work as a journalist or as
a consequence thereof.

101
(k) Words and expressions used by not
defined in this Act and defined in the
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 or
the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860)
or the journalist and other Newspaper
Employees (conditions of service) and
Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955
(No.45 of 1955) shall have the meanings
assigned to them respectively in the said
code, or as the case may be in the said
Act.
3 Any wilful act of violence against
a Journalist or damage or loss to the
property in a Newspaper or News
channel or Newspaper Establishment
or News station caused by a person or
group of person, shall be prohibited.
4 Any offender, who commits or attempts
to commit or abets or instigates or
provokes the commission of any
action of violence in contravention of
the provisions of Section 3, shall be
published with imprisonment which
may extend to three years, or with fine,
which may extend to fifty thousand
rupees, or with both.
102
No changes
Words ‘of journalist or of’ be
inserted after the word ‘property’
in the second line.
After adding this the relevant clause
read as:
Any wilful act of violence against
a Journalist or damage or loss
to the property of journalist or
of a Newspaper or News channel
or Newspaper Establishment or
News station caused by a person
or group of person, shall be
prohibited.
In the last line, the fine amount
should be One Lakh Rupees
instead of Fifty thousand rupees.
After adding the above words, this
clause be read as follows:-
Any offender, who commits or
attempts to commit or abets
or instigates or provokes the
commission of any action of
violence in contravention of the
provisions of Section 3, shall be
published with imprisonment which
may extend to three years, or with
fine, which may extend to One lakh
rupees, or with both.
5. Any offence committed under this Act,
shall be cognizable and non-bailable
and triable by the Court of judicial
Magistrate of the First Class.
6(1) In addition to the punishment specified
in section 4, the offenders shall be liable
to pay compensation twice the amount
of damage or loss caused to the property,
as determined by the Court referred to in
section 5.
(2) If the offender has not paid the
compensation amount under sub-
section(1), the said shall be recovered
under the Provisions of Maharashtra
land Revenue Code, as if it were an
arrears of land revenue due from him.
103
Words ‘and shall be investigated
by an officer not below the rank
of Deputy Superintendent of
Police (DSP)’ be inserted after the
word ‘cognizable’ in the first line.
Words ‘reported to the Council’
be inserted after the word ‘Class’ in
the last line.
After adding the above this clause
be read as follows:-
Any offence committed under
this Act, shall be cognizable and
shall be investigated by an officer
not below the rank of Deputy
Superintendent of Poli(DSP) and
non-bailable and triable by the
Court of judicial Magistrate of the
First Class such offence should
bereported to the Council.
No changes
Words ‘failing which it shall be
payable by the state’ be added
towards the end of last line.
After adding the above the this
clause be read as follows:
If the offender has not paid the
compensation amount under
sub-section(1), the said shall be
recovered under the Provisions of
Maharashtra Land Revenue Code,
as if it were an arrears of land
revenue due from him failing which
it shall be payable by the State.
7. Whoever being a journalist as defined No changes
in section 2(1)(b) wilfully misuses the
provisions of this Act for undue benefits
or makes a false complaint under this Act
shall be punishable with imprisonment
which may extend to one year but which
shall be not less than six months, or with
fine, which may extend to twenty-five
thousand rupees, or with both.

8. Such offender will not be entitled for
any govt. benefit as journalist and his
accreditation card will be permanently
revoked.
Words ‘if any’ be inserted after the
words ‘accreditation card’ in the
last line.
After adding the above word, the
relevant clause may be read as :

Such offender will not be entitled

for any govt. benefit as journalist
and his accreditation card, if any
will be permanently revoked.

9. The provisions of this Act shall be The provisions of this Act shall be
addition to, and not in derogation of, the addition to, and not in derogation
provisions of any other law for the time of, the provisions of any other law
being in force. for the time being in force.

104
 Chapter - IX
Finances of the Council 2016-2017

The funds of the Council are primarily made up of (i) fee levied by the
Council on newspapers/periodicals registered with the Registrar of Newspapers
for India and on the news-agencies and other miscellaneous receipts, like interest
on deposits etc., and (ii) Grant-in-aid from the Central Government in the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The Budget Estimates of the Council for the financial year 2016-17, as
accepted by the Central Government in 2016-17 was Rs.884.27 lakhs. Revising
the estimates for 2016-17 in January, 2016 the Central Government accepted the
Budget amounting to Rs. 741.00 lakhs (the Grant-in-aid element) with Council’s
revenue receipts estimated at Rs. 450.97 lakh.

The Council in the year 2016-2017 received total grant-in-aid

amounting to Rs.553.50 lakhs from the Central Government, whereas it
collected Rs.490.45 lakhs as fees levied upon newspapers/periodicals and news
agencies and accounted for other miscellaneous receipts, like interest on bank
accounts, interest on F.D.Rs with the Bank, etc. during the year under report.
Out of this Rs. 375.61 lakhs pertain to levy of fee and an amount of Rs.114.84
lakhs accounted for other miscellaneous receipts, like interest on bank account,
interest on FDRs with the Bank, etc. during the year under report. An amount of
Rs.52.25 lakhs carried forward from 2015-16 was refunded to the Ministry vide
Cheque No.483755 dated 7/7/2016.

Under Section 22 of the Press Council Act, 1978,“ the accounts of Press
Council of India shall be maintained and audited in such manner as may”, in
consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, be prescribed.
The Annual account of the Press Council of India for the financial year 2016-
17 which were maintained in accordance with the aforesaid provisions, were
audited by the Audit party of the office of the Director General of Audit, Central
Revenues, New Delhi and certified to be to their satisfaction.

105
 Separate Audit Report of the Comptroller & Auditor
General of India on the Accounts of Press Council of India
for the year ended
31stMarch, 2017

We have audited the attached Balance Sheet of the Press Council of

India (Council) as at 31st March 2017, the Income & Expenditure Account and
Receipts & Payments Account for the year ended on that date under Section
20(1) of the Comptroller and Auditor General's (Duties, Powers & Conditions of
Service) Act, 1971. The audit has been entrusted for the period up to 2017-18.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Council's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audit.

2. This Separate Audit Report contains the comments of the Comptroller

and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the accounting treatment only with
regard to classification, conformity with the best accounting practices, accounting
standards and disclosure norms, etc. Audit observations on financial transaction
with regard to compliance with the law, Rules & Regulations (Propriety and
Regularity) and efficiency-cum-performance aspects, etc., if any, are reported
through Inspection Reports/CAG's Audit Reports separately.

3. We have conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards

generally accepted in India. These standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free from material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidences supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall presentation of
financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

4. Based on our audit, we report that:

i. We have obtained all the information and explanations, which to the best
of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of our audit.

106
 ii. The Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Account and Receipts &
Payments Account dealt with by this report have been drawn up in the format
prescribed by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance.

iii. In our opinion, proper books of accounts and other relevant records
have been maintained by the Council, in so far as it appears from our examination
of such books.

iv We further report that:

A Balance Sheet

A.1 Liabilities

A.1.1 C.P.F. Fund (Schedule-2) -` 956.86 lakh

The Council had earned interest amounting to ` 79.36 lakh ( ` 78.13 lakh on
Term Deposits of C.P. Fund Employees contribution and Employers contribution,
and ` 1.23 lakh on Savings Account), however, only ` 78.13 lakh was depicted as
interest on C.P. Fund in Schedule-2. This has resulted in understatement of C.P.
Fund and overstatement of Income by ` 1.23 lakh.

B General

The Council is accounting for retirement benefits viz., Gratuity, leave

encashment, etc. on cash basis and not on actuarial basis which is in contravention
of AS 15.

C Grants-in aid

The Council had received grant of ` 698.00 lakh under Non-Plan from
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during the year 2016-17. The previous
unspent balance of ` 52.25 lakh was surrendered. The Council had generated
` 490.38 lakh from its own resources. The Council utilised a sum of ` 966.41 lakh
leaving a balance of ` 221.97 lakh as on 31st March 2017

v. Subject to our observations in the preceding paragraph, we report

that the Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account and Receipt and
Payments Account dealt with by this Report are in agreement with the books
of accounts.

107
 vi. In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the
explanations given to us, the said financial statements read together with the
Accounting Policies and Notes on Accounts, and subject to the significant matters
stated above and other matters mentioned in Annexure to this Audit Report give a
true and fair view in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted
in India.

a. In so far as it relates to the Balance Sheet, of the state of affairs of the

Press Council of India as at 31st March 2017; and

b. In so far as it relates to the Income and Expenditure Account of the

deficit for the year ended on that date

For and on behalf of the C&AG of India

Place : New Delhi Director General of Audit

Date : 31-10-17 (Central Expenditure)

108
 Annexure
1. Adequacy of Internal Audit System

The Council does not have its own internal audit system. The internal audit
of the Council was conducted by Chartered Accountant upto 2016-17.

2. Adequacy of Internal Control System

The internal control system is inadequate due to:

a) Risk assessment and Management Information System which are

necessary for smooth functioning of the Council were not in place
in the Council.

b) The Assets Register was not maintained in the prescribed format.

3. System of physical verification of fixed assets.

The physical verification of fixed assets was conducted upto the

year 2016 – 17.

4. System of physical verification of inventory

The physical verification of books and publication and consumables had

been conducted upto the year 2015-16.

5. Regularity in payment statutory dues

As per accounts, no payment over six months in respect of statutory dues

was outstanding as on 31 March, 2017.

109
 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017
Schedule Current Year Previous Year
LIABILITIES

CAPITAl FUND 1 104,015,129 112,351,059

C.P.F. FUND 2 95,685,777 99,411,295

CURRENT lIABIlITIES AND 3 27,289,230 7,587,078

PROVISIONS
TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS 4 8,387,310 9,111,169

INVESTMENTS-FROM 5 96,943,391 99,562,484

EARMARKED FUNDS

CURRENT ASSETS, lOANS, 6 121,659,435 110,675,779

ADVANCES ETC.

TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 13
POlICIES
CONTINGENT lIABIlITIES AND 14
NOTES ON ACCOUNTS

Sd/- Sd/-
(C.K. PRASAD) (VIBHA BHARGAVA)
CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

110
 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE
YEAR ENDED ON 31.03.2017
INCOME Schedule Current Year Previous Year

Income from levy Fees & Others 7 46,353,038 17,242,846

Grants from Govt 8 39,188,997 51,538,903

Interest Earned 9 10,191,539 9,844,633

TOTAL (A) 95,733,574 78,626,382

EXPENDITURE

Establishment Expenses 10 61,513,519 51,541,663

Other Administrative Expenses 11 41,861,821 17,999,659

Finance Charges 12 10 -

Depreciation (Corresponding to 4 1,240,339 1,190,433

Schedule 4

TOTAL (B) 104,615,689 70,731,755

- Prior Period Adjustment Cr. (Dr.) 622,147

Balance being excess of Income over (8,882,115) 7,894,627

Expenditure (A-B)

- Transfer to/from General Reserve

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) CARRIED TO (8,882,115) 8,516,774

INCOME & EXPENDITURE A/C

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 13
POlICIES

Sd/- Sd/-
(C.K. PRASAD) (VIBHA BHARGAVA)
CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

111
 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA
SCHEDULES FORMING PART OF BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31.03.2017
SCHEDULE 1 - CAPITAL FUND
Current Year Previous Year
A. Capital Fund:
Balance as at the beginning 15,357,915 15,357,915
of the year
Add: Funds Capitalised 601,749
During the Year
Add: Amount transferred
from Income &
Expenditure Account
15,959,664 15,357,915
less: Amount Written Off 55,564 15,904,100 - 15,357,915
on condemned Assets

B. Income & Expenditure

Account:
Balance as at the beginning 96,993,144 88,476,370
of the year
Add/(Deduct): Balance of (8,882,115) 8,516,774
net income/(expenditure)

transferred from Income

and Expenditure Account
Add/(Deduct): Other
adjustment 88,111,029 96,993,144
TOTAL 104,015,129 112,351,059

112
SCHEDULE-2 - C.P.F. FUNDS
Current Year Previous Year
a) Opening balance of the 99,411,295 92,179,650
funds
b) Addition to the Funds:
i. Councils' Contr. To 1,671,297 1,695,160
C.P.F.
ii. CPF Advances 1,712,040 1,552,356
iii Employees' Contr. To 9,963,930 10,118,440
C.P.F.
iv Interest on C.P.F. Funds 5,215,382 5,236,013
from Govt.
v Prior Period Adjustment 2,597,210 2,700,078
vi Prior Period Adjustment - 21,159,859 21,302,047
TOTAL (a+b) 120,571,154 113,481,697
c) Utilisation/Expenditure
towards objectives of
funds
C.P.F. With drawls (7,663,600) (5,862,865)
Final Payments to (5,252,803)
Outgoing Employees (16,162,077)
CPF Advances Paid (1,059,700) (2,281,784)
Prior Period Adjustment (672,950)
(24,885,377) - (14,070,402)
Net Balance of Fund as at 95,685,777 99,411,295
the year end (a+b-c)

SCHEDULE-3 - CURRENT LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS

A. CURRENT LIABILITIES
A. Current Liabilities:
1 - Advance levy of Fee 2,203,393 1,140,059
2 - levy Fee Suspense 16,410,408 138,235
3 Security Deposits 96,500 71,500
4 Unspent Grant 7,746,662 5,225,006
5 Other current liabilities 242,063 457,483
6 Payable to of Ex 590,204 554,795
employee
TOTAL (A) 27,289,230 7,587,078

113
 SCHEDULE:4
SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF
PARTICULARS GROSS BLOCK
COST AS ON ADDITION DURING SALE/TRF. COST AS
THE YEAR

1.4.2016 UPTO AFTER DURING ON

30th SEPT 30th SEPT THE 31.3.2017
YEAR
AIR CONDITIONERS & 1,516,233.00 144,579.00 - - 1,660,812.00
COOlERS
ATTENDANCE 82,000.00 - - - 82,000.00
RECORDING SYSTEM
CARS & BICYClE 2,376,431.00 - - 734,399.00 1,642,032.00
COMPUTER/ 6,329,172.00 68,169.00 - - 6,397,341.00
PERIPHARAlS
CONFERENCE HAll
- Civil Work 2,132,836.00 - - - 2,132,836.00
- Conference System 300,000.00 - - - 300,000.00
- Electrical Fittings 509,211.00 - - - 509,211.00
& Fixtures
- Furniture & 500,000.00 - - - 500,000.00
Fixtures
CONFERENCE SYSTEM 27,820.00 - - - 27,820.00
EPABX SYSTEM 541,485.00 - - 541,485.00
FRANKING MACHINE 128,526.00 - - - 128,526.00
FURNITURE & FIXTURE 5,364,064.00 134,446.00 29,479.00 - 5,527,989.00
HEAT CONVERTOR & 67,639.00 2,041.00 6,504.00 - 76,184.00
HEATERS
lEASE HOlD lAND 1,563,767.00 - - - 1,563,767.00
lIBRARY BOOKS 899,013.46 1,808.00 4,574.00 - 905,395.46
MOBIlE PHONES 73,801.00 - 20,000.00 - 93,801.00
REFRIGERATOR 91,695.00 - - 91,695.00
SOlAR WATER 110,227.00 - - - 110,227.00
HEATING SYSTEM
STABElISERS 75,135.00 3,702.00 - - 78,837.00
TAPE RECORDERS 6,618.00 - - - 6,618.00
TElEVISION 343,016.00 117,800.00 - 460,816.00
TYPEWRITER & 133,029.00 - - - 133,029.00
DUPlICATOR
WATER DISPENCER 71,964.00 68,647.00 28,800.00 111,811.00
INVERTER & 30,500.00 - - - 30,500.00
BATTERIES
JUICER MIXER 7,000.00 - - - 7,000.00
GRINDER
Total 23,281,182.46 423,392.00 178,357.00 763,199.00 23,119,732.46

114
SCHEDULE:4
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017

RATE OF DEPRECIATION NET BLOCK

DEPRICIA-
TION
UPTO FOR THE WRITTEN TOTAL W.D.V. W.D.V.
31.3.2016 YEAR BACK 31.3.2017 31.3.2016

15.00% 982,052.00 101,814.00 - 1,083,866.00 576,946.00 534,181.00

15.00% 64,431.00 2,635.00 - 67,066.00 14,934.00 17,569.00
15.00% 1,573,850.00 108,191.00 653,088.00 1,028,953.00 613,079.00 802,581.00

60.00% 6,137,708.00 155,780.00 - 6,293,488.00 103,853.00 191,464.00

15.00% 159,963.00 295,931.00 - 455,894.00 1,676,942.00 1,972,873.00

15.00% 45,000.00 38,250.00 - 83,250.00 216,750.00 255,000.00
15.00% 38,191.00 70,653.00 - 108,844.00 400,367.00 471,020.00
10.00% 25,000.00 47,500.00 - 72,500.00 427,500.00 475,000.00
15.00% 27,257.00 84.00 - 27,341.00 479.00 563.00
15.00% 254,123.00 43,104.00 - 297,227.00 244,258.00 287,362.00
15.00% 55,514.00 10,952.00 - 66,466.00 62,060.00 73,012.00
10.00% 3,410,096.00 210,315.00 - 3,620,411.00 1,907,578.00 1,953,968.00
15.00% 34,358.00 5,786.00 - 40,144.00 36,040.00 33,281.00
- - - - - 1,563,767.00 1,563,767.00
60.00% 778,204.46 74,942.00 - 853,146.46 52,249.00 120,809.00
15.00% 31,575.00 7,834.00 - 39,409.00 54,392.00 42,226.00
15.00% 59,924.00 4,766.00 - 64,690.00 27,005.00 31,771.00
15.00% 86,611.00 3,542.00 - 90,153.00 20,074.00 23,616.00
15.00% 72,956.00 882.00 - 73,838.00 4,999.00 2,179.00
15.00% 5,551.00 160.00 - 5,711.00 907.00 1,067.00
15.00% 154,522.00 37,109.00 - 191,631.00 269,185.00 188,494.00
15.00% 127,682.00 802.00 - 128,484.00 4,545.00 5,347.00
15.00% 39,820.00 14,525.00 24,842.00 29,503.00 82,308.00 32,144.00
15.00% 4,575.00 3,889.00 - 8,464.00 22,036.00 25,925.00
15.00% 1,050.00 893.00 - 1,943.00 5,057.00 5,950.00
14,170,013.46 1,240,339.00 677,930.00 14,732,422.46 8,387,310.00 9,111,169.00

115
SCHEDULE- 5 INVESTMENTS FROM EARMARKED FUNDS

Current Year Previous Year

FDR against CPF Fund with
scheduled bank
Opening Balance : Principal 92,774,325 84,798,353
Amount

: Interest 6,788,159 99,562,484 11,255,892 96,054,245

Accrued
Add : Additions of FDR 107,795,256 100,979,456
during the year
: Interest received during 2,245,222 1,781,408
the year

: Interest accrued during 5,801,919 8,047,141 6,788,159 8,569,567

the year
less: FDR encashed or matured (118,461,490)
during the year (106,040,784)
- FDR Interest Accrued
thereon
TOTAL 96,943,391 99,562,484

116
SCHEDULE 6 - CURRENT ASSETS, LOANS, ADVANCES ETC.,

Current Year Previous Year

A. CURRENT ASSETS:
1. Sundry Debtors:
- On Account of levy Fees 98,192,880 98,192,880 88,074,774 88,074,774
2. Cash balances in hand
(including Postage in Hands
and imprest)
Imprest Account Balance 33,127 50,000
Postage Stamps in Hands 18,945 52,072 1,226 51,226
3. Bank Balances:
- With Scheduled Banks:
Saving Accounts
- State Bank of Hyderabad 4,705,818 5,175,007
- General Account
- State Bank of Hyderabad 723,522 489,903
- Revolving Account
- State Bank of Hyderabad 2,984,162 (1)
- levy Fee Account
- State Bank of Hyderabad
7,006,114 15,419,615.89 8,057,513 13,722,421.53
- C.P.F. Account
Deposit Accounts
- State Bank of Hyderabad 4,753,671 4,203,733 -
- Revolving Account
F.D.R for Ex-employee
Beneficieries
- State Bank of Hyderabad 290,775 275,542
- Shashi Tandon
- State Bank of Hyderabad 165,504 152,305
- Ramesh Goel
- State Bank of Hyderabad 46,305 42,885
- Sangeeta Malik
- State Bank of Hyderabad
- Ajay Madan 57,908 5,314,163 53,367 4,727,832

TOTAL (A) 118,978,731 106,576,254

117
SCHEDULE 6 - CURRENT ASSETS, LOANS, ADVANCES ETC.,

B. LOANS, ADVANCES AND OTHER ASSETS

1 loans to Staff:
- Cycle Advance 3,600
-Advance for Entertainment 46,830 21,830
& Hospitality
-Advance for Misc, Expense 121,200
To Staff
- Festival Advance 45,900 71,925
- Housing Building Advance 183,640 346,072
- Scooter Advance 397,570 - 443,427
2 Advances and other amounts
recoverable in cash or in kind
lor for value to be received:
- Advance for Books 13,212
Periodicals
- Advance to Parties 1,048,540 2,050,758
- TA Advance 113,325 250,743
- Tax Deducted at Source 791,434 791,434
1,953,299 3,106,147
3 Income Accrued
a) On Deposits of Revolving 297,049 470,381
Account
b) on Deposits of Shashi 14,877 15,233
Tandon (EX - EMP. )
c) on Deposits of Ajay Madan 2,756 2,823
d) on Deposits of Sangeeta 887 923
Malik
e) on Deposits of Ramesh 11,192 11,717
Goel (EX - EMP. )
4 Deposits with Different 3,074 48,874
Departments
TOTAL (B) 2,680,704 4,099,525
TOTAL (A +B) 121,659,435 110,675,779

118
SCHEDULE 7 - INCOME FROM LEVY FEES & OTHERS
Current Year Previous Year
1 Gross levy fees received
from Newspapers/
Periodicals/News 37,536,354 4,196,705
Agencies
Add: Demand raised for 46,135,500 16,967,350
previous year
less: Fees received for (11,376,011) (1,066,700)
previous Years
less: Fees received for (8,824,836) (2,866,055)
Current year
less: Fees received in
advance / suspense (17,335,507) 46,135,500 (263,950) 16,967,350
2 Others (Specify)
- Sale of Waste Papers 11,366 9,354
- Fee for Information 1,874 3,018
under Right to
Information Act
- Income from 78,000 -
Advertisement in
Souvenir

- Others 126,298 217,538 263,124 275,496

TOTAL 46,353,038 17,242,846

119
SCHEDULE 8 - GRANTS
Current Year Previous Year
(Irrevocable Grants & Subsidies
Received)
- Central Government (Ministry of
I & B)
- Grant Received During the Year 55,350,000 64,700,000
- Add: Unspent Grant for the
Previous Year 5,225,006 68,380

60,575,006 64,768,380
- less: Grant Utilised for Interest 7,812,592 7,936,091
on C.P.F. Funds
- less: Grant Utilised for Fixed 601,749 -
Assets
- less: Unspent Grant related to 5,225,006 68,380
previous year returned
- less: Unspent Grant for the 7,746,662 39,188,997 5,225,006 51,538,903
Current Year
TOTAL 39,188,997 51,538,903

SCHEDULE 9 - INTEREST EARNED

Current Year Previous Year
1 On Term Deposits:
a) With Scheduled Banks
- CPF Account (trf to General 8,047,141 8,569,567
Fund)
- Revolving Fund Account 396,633 391,901
- General Fund Account 1,209,550 9,653,324 485,448 9,446,916
2 On Savings Accounts:
a) With Scheduled Banks
- General Fund Account 193,143 194,099
- CPF Account (Trf. To General 123,028 74,062
Fund)
- levy Fees Account 197,809 27,581
- Revolving Fund (loans &
Advances) 6,787 520,767 12,841 308,583
3 On loans:
a) Employees/Staff
- Scooter Advance
- Housing Building Advance 17,448 17,448
- Motor Car Advance - 17,448 71,686 89,134
TOTAL 10,191,539 9,844,633

120
SCHEDULE 10 - ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES

Current Year Previous Year

1 Salaries and Wages 41,936,239 42,374,433
2 Arrear of Salaries 6,856,964 511,243
3 OTA 8,028 33,438
4 Tuition Fees Reimbursement 492,109 761,508
5 Medical Reimbursement 1,138,634 1,676,497
6 Bonus 345,088 186,041
7 l.T.C. 794,833 141,413
8 Encasement of E.l. 3,615,491 1,832,071
9 Contribution to Provident Fund 1,608,574 1,662,958
10 Training to Staff 400
11 Gratuity to Staff 5,585,177 2,361,661
12 Sub Total 62,381,137 51,541,663
13 less: Recovery from Staff (867,618) -
Total 61,513,519 51,541,663

121
SCHEDULE 11 - OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Current Year Previous Year
1 Electricity and Water 4,523,563 3,737,542
2 Office Expense 54,995 17,600
3 Insurance - 25,573
4 Repairs and maintenance 5,670,946 2,543,541
5 Vehicles Repairs and Maintenance 455,671 405,598
6 Travelling and conveyance Expenses 6,634,399 4,622,538
7 Rent,Rates and Taxes 56,583 -
8 Postage, Telephone and Communication Charges 822,883 996,814
9 Printing and Stationary 1,809,794 1,107,015
10 Newspapers & Periodicals 147,021 161,823
11 liveries to Class IV Staff 4,500 79,239
12 Hindi karyashala 2,000
13 Hindi Protsahan Award 15,740 4,920
14 levy fees w/off 15,816,547 2,472,306
15 legal & Professional Charges 666,537 572,743
16 Entertainment 667,238 169,782
17 Exhibition & Seminar 4,067,530 976,014
18 Others- Sundries 3,707 1,961
19 Advertisement Exp. 299,954 -
20 Other Exp.. 86,936
21 AMC of Franking machines 140,409 13,740
22 Other books for different sections 3,804 1,974
TOTAL 41,861,821 17,999,659

SCHEDULE 12 - FINANCE CHARGES

Current Year Previous Year
a) On Fixed loans
b) On Other loans (including Bank Charges) 10 -
TOTAL 10 -

122
 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA
SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2017
SCHEDULE 13- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

1. Accounting Convention
The financial statements are prepared on the basis of historical cost convention
unless otherwise stated.
2. Method of Accounting
Council is following the accrual method of accounting unless otherwise
stated.
3. Investments
a) Investments against C.P.F. Fund are classified as earmarked
investments.
b) Investments against Revolving (loans and Advances) accounts are
treated as current assets.
c) Investments are shown at the principal value as increased by the
interest accrued thereon.
4. Fixed Assets
a) Fixed assets are stated at cost of acquisition inclusive of duties and
taxes thereon. Other direct expenses related to acquisition are not
capitalized.
b) Capital Fund is maintained to denote the cost of fixed assets.
5. Depreciation
Depreciation is being charged as per the rates prescribed in the Income Tax
Rules at the Following rates i.e. Furniture & Fixture @ 10%, Computer/
Peripheral & library Books @ 60% and other Assets at the general rate @
15%.
6. Government Grant
a. Government Grants are accounted on cash basis.
b. Grants utilized toward the addition of fixed assets are transferred to
the Capital Fund.

123
 c. Grants utilized towards the interest on C.P.F. Fund are transferred to
C.P.F. Account.
d. Unspent Grant for the year is set apart/ return to government as per
policy.
7. Retirement Benefits
a. Retirement benefit is accounted on cash basis. No provision for
Gratuity payable, leave encashment etc. is made.
b. The council is maintaining its own C.P.F. Fund

Sd/- Sd/-
(C.K. PRASAD) (VIBHA BHARGAVA)
CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

124
 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA
SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 31/03/2017
SCHEDULE 14- CONTINGENT LIABILITIES & NOTES OF THE ACCOUNTS
A. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Claim against the Council not acknowledge as debts Rs. Nil (Previous Year NIl)
B. NOTES OF THE ACCOUNTS
I. Current Assets, Loan & Advances
a. Balance in the Sundry Debtors, Advances for Books & Periodical and
Advance to Parties have not been confirmed from the respective parties/
departments.
b. In the opinion of the management of the Council, the other current assets,
loans & advances have a realizable value equal at least to the amount shown
in the Balance Sheet, in the ordinary course of business.
2. Provision for taxation
In view of the income of the Council being exempt from tax, no provision for
taxation has been made.
3. Corresponding figures for the previous year have been regrouped/ rearranged,
wherever necessary.
4. Levy Fees
a. Levy Fees Suspense (Totalling to Rs. 1,64,10,408): levy Fees
Suspense Account amounting to Rs. 1,62,72,173/- ( for Current Year)
& Rs. 1,38,235 ( for Earlier Year) pertains to the levy fees received
through NEFT/ RTGS/ Direct Deposited to Bank. As explained to us
PCI is not in possession of any details/ documents/ to identify the same
hence kept in suspense account till its reconciliation with publishers.
b. Advance Levy Fee (Totalling to Rs. 22,03,393): Advance levy Fee
of Rs. 10,63,334/- recorded during the year alongwith outstanding
balance of Rs. 11,40,059/- in earlier years is subject to reconciliation.
5. Imprest: Balance in imprest account is Rs. 33,127/- as on 31.03.2017,
against the balance in imprest day book amounting to Rs. 37,737/-. Difference
pertains to advance given. However the same got rectified on 01/05/2017.
6. CPF Fund: Balance in C.P.F Fund and corresponding earmarked investment
for C.P.F. are not reconciled.
7. TDS/ Income Tax Rs. 7,91,434): TDS amounting to Rs. 7,91,434 as shown
under the head “Advance & Other amount recoverable in cash or in kind”
pertains to earlier year. Recovery proceedings should be initiated with
respective department.

Sd/- Sd/-
(C.K. PRASAD) (VIBHA BHARGAVA)
CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

125
 PRESS COUNCIL
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR

RECEIPTS CURRENT YEAR PREVIOUS YEAR

I. Opening Balance
a) Cash in hand (Imprest Account) 50,000 50,000
b) Bank Balances
- General Fund 5,175,007 1
- levy of Fees Account (1) 2,830
- Revolving Fund (loan & Advance) 489,903 223,096
- C.P.F. Account 8,057,513 13,722,422 7,550,788 7,776,715
c) Postage Stamps in Hand 1,226 30,124

II. Grants Received

a) From Government of India 55,350,000 64,700,000
(Ministry of I & B)
III. Interest Received
a) On Bank deposits
- Interest Accrued on FDR 6,788,159 -
- Term Deposits - 3,214,305
- Saving Accounts - 6,788,159 308,583 3,522,888
b) loans, Advances etc. 1,574,666 89,134

IV. Other Income (specify)

levy fees received from Newspapers/ 37,663,854
Interest earned 4,013,014
Periodicals/News Agencies - 4,196,255
Others except Profit on Sale of Asset 11,366 -
Sale Proceeds of Fixed Assets 28,105
leave Salary Received 122,476 257,763
Right to Information 1,874 3,018
Miscellaneous Receipts 3,822 9,353
Recovery - -
- Salary (Misc) 867,618 5,112
- Of books - 250
- Of EOl - - 5,362
- Income from Advertisement in Souvenir 78,000 42,790,129
V. Receipts from Matured Investments
Encashment of FDRs
- Revolving Fund Account - 2,159,693
- C.P.F. Account 109,428,109 31,851,488
- General Fund 39,900,000 22,000,000
Towards Employee - 149,328,109 - 56,011,181

126
OF INDIA
THE YEAR ENDED ON 31.03.2017

PAYMENTS CURRENT YEAR PREVIOUS YEAR

I. Expenses
a) Establishment Expenses 60,548,620 49,878,705
(Corresponding to Schedule 10)
b) Administrative Expenses 21,389,334 12,256,828
(Correspondent to Schedule 11)
c) Paid towards Expenses Payable 174,711 82,112,665 1,039,371
II. Payments made against funds
Agt. Revolving Fund (loans &
Advances)
- Disbursements of loans
- Festival Advance 81,000 -
- House Building Advance - -
- Moter Car Advance - -
- CGHS advance to Hon'ble - 81,000 - -
Chairman Agt. C.P.F. Fund
- Advance / Withdrawl to Staff 9,123,300 6,592,293
- Final Payments to Outgoing 16,162,077 25,285,377 5,252,803 11,845,096
Employees
III. Investments and deposits made
a) Out Earmarked/Endowment
funds
- Agt. Revolving Fund (loans & - 2,499,498
Advances)
- Agt. C.P.F. Fund 107,795,256 29,179,212
b) Out of own funds
(Investments-Others) 39,900,000 22,000,000
Security Deposits - 20,000
Towards Employee 396,375 148,091,631 53,698,710
IV. Expenditure on Fixed Assets &

Capital work-in-progress
a) Purchase of Fixed Assets
- library Books 6,382 2,510
-Mobile Phones - 15,000
- Air Conditioners& Coolers 144,579 54,449
- Furniture & Others 161,425 683,300
- Epbax - 247,755
- Juicer & Mixture - 7,000
- Heat Convertor 8,545 30,275
- Conference Hall - 500,000
- Computer & Perpharals 68,169 74,904

127
RECEIPTS CURRENT YEAR PREVIOUS YEAR
VI. Any Other receipts
a) Enchasement of Deposits - -
b) Recovery of Advances
- Housing Building Advance 162,432
- From Parties 288,053 -
- Festival Advances
- Scooter Advances - 2,250
- Motor Car Advance -
- CPF Advance 1,712,040 -
- Table Fan Advance (3,600)
- CGHS advance to Hon'ble Chairman -
2,000,093 - 161,082
c) Recovery from Employee
- lIC Contribution 396,375

- Travelling expense -
- Refund of CPF Advance 400,000
- Towards sale /transfer of fixed asset - -
- C.P.F. Contr. 9,963,930 -
- Recovery officer, Co-op Society 15,969 10,776,274 11,845,096 11,845,096
d) Amount trf from General Fund
to C.P.F. Fund on account of:
- Council's Contribution to PF
- Interest on Employees' Cont. - (1,694,454)
- Interest on Council's Cont. - 5,236,013
- Others - 2,700,078
- - - 6,241,637
e) Other Receipts
- Receipts of lIC 12,262
- Security Deposits 25,000
- Others 4,004,207 4,041,469

TOTAL 286,422,547 154,899,608

128
 -Stabelizers 3,702 -
-Water Dispenser 67,047 -
-Television 117,800 577,649 - 1,615,193
b) Expenditure on Capital
V. Refund of surplus money/
Loans
a) To the Government of India
- Excess of Unspent Grant 5,225,006 52,830
VI. Finance Charges (Interest) 10 -
VII. Other Payments (Specify)
a) Amount trf from General Fund
to C.P.F. Fund on account of:
- Interest on Employees' Cont. 5,236,013
- Interest on Council's Cont. 2,700,078
- Others - - 7,936,091
b) Advance
- For Parties 732,290
- for Books & Periodicals - 15,687
- for Seminar - 27,423
- for Booking of Auditorium 24,900 29,400
- for purchase of Stationery 200,000 280,000
- for Capital Assets 22,500 213,564
- TA/DA Advance to member/ 3,633,436
officers
- for Others 533,947 5,147,073 2,237,062 2,803,136
c) Tax deducted at source 3,962,107 -
d) Other Payments
- Jwala Co.-op Thrift & credit 20,000
Society ltd.
- Recovery officer, Co-op Society 15,969
- Creditors 304,872
- levy Fees 127,500 468,341
VIII. Closing Balances
a) Cash in hand (Imprest Account) 33,127 50,000
b) Bank Balances
- General Fund 4,705,818 5,175,007
- levy of Fees Account 2,984,162 (1)
- Revolving Fund (loan & 723,522 489,903
Advance)
- C.P.F. Account 7,006,114 15,419,616 8,057,513 13,722,422
c) Postage Stamps in Hand - 18,945 1,226
286,422,547 154,899,608

Sd/- Sd/-
(C.K. PRASAD) (VIBHA BHARGAVA)
CHAIRMAN SECRETARY
PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

129
 Annexure - A

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 28th April, 2016
G.S.R. 466(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 25 of the
Press Council Act, 1978 (37 of 1978), and in supersession of the Press Council
(Amendment) Rules, 1988 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part
II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) vide notification of the Government of India in the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting number G.S.R. 340(E), dated the 14th
March, 1988, except as respects things done or omitted to have been done before
such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules
further to amend the Press Council Rules, 1979, namely:—
1. (1) These rules may be called the Press Council (Amendment) Rules,
2016.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official
Gazette.
2. In the Press Council Rules, 1979 in rule 10, for sub-rule (1), the following
shall be substituted, namely:-
“(1) The Council may, for the purpose of performing its functions under the
Act, levy and collect fees from registered newspapers and news agencies
during each financial year as specified below:
(a) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range above
5,00,000 –
(i) Rs. 25,000/- per annum from each daily;
(ii) Rs. 15,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly;
(iii) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from all other categories;
(b) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above
2,50,000 and upto 5,00,000 -
(i) Rs. 18,000/- per annum from each daily;
(ii) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly;
(iii) Rs. 7,500/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly;
(iv) Rs. 4,000/- per annum from all other categories;

(c) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above

1,50,000 and upto 2,50,000 –

130
 (i) Rs. 12,000/- per annum from each daily;
(ii) Rs. 8,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly;
(iii) Rs. 6,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly;
(iv) Rs. 3,000/- per annum from all other categories;
(d) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above
75,000 and upto 1,50,000 –
(i) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from each daily;
(ii) Rs. 7,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly;
(iii) Rs. 5,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly;
(iv) Rs. 2,500/- per annum from all other categories;

(e) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above

25,000 and upto 75,000 –

(i) Rs.6,000/- per annum from each daily;

(ii) Rs.4,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly;
(iii) Rs.3,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly;
(iv) Rs.2,000/- per annum from all other categories;
(f) Rs. 25,000/- per annum from each Class-I news agency;
(g) Rs. 15,000/- per annum from Class II news agency;
(h) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from all other news agencies.

Explanation: For the purpose of this rule, the circulation range of registered
newspapers and periodicals shall be the latest circulation figures as available with
the Registrar of Newspapers for India and the criteria for classification of news
agencies shall be such as indicated in the Report of the Wage Board for Working
Journalists”.
[F. No. M-22011/5/2015-Press]
MIHIR KUMAR SINGH,
Jt. Secy.
Note: The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India,
Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (i) vide notification number G.S.R.
286(E) dated the 8th February, 1979 and lastly amended vide notification number
G.S.R. 377(E) dated the 30th March, 2016.

Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New
Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.

131
 Annexure - B
Statement of Cases
April 1, 2016- March 31, 2017

S. No. Particulars Section-13 Section-14 Total

1. Cases pending as on 31.3.2016 143 1108 1251

2. Cases filed between 260 588 848

April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

3. Cases adjudicated between April 1, 117 468 585

2016 to March 31, 2017

4. Cases directly reported to the 2 - 2

Council

5. Cases decided under the proviso 167 813 980

to Regulation 5(1) of the Inquiry
Regulations, 1979 between April 1,
2016 to March 31, 2017

6. Cases under process as on March 117 415 532

31, 2017

132
 Annexure - C

Graph of Adjudications 2016-2017

Againt the
Authorities 20%

Against the
Press 80%

Against the authorities *Against the Press

45% 60%
41%
40% 51 %
50%
35%
30% 40%
26 % 25 %
25%
30%
20%
19 % 21 %
15% 20%
10% 9 %
9%
5% 10%
0%
0%
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C. D.

Foot Note:

A: Upheld
B: Rejected
C: Assurance/Settled/Amends
D: Dropped for Non/Pursuance/
Sub-Judice/Lack of substance

*Including two matters directly placed before the Council

133
 Annexure - D
Subject Index of Orders Passed
by the Press & Registration Appellate Board (2016-2017)

S. No. Parties Date of Category

Order

1. Appeal of Shri Dnayaneshwar Sitaram 3/5/2016 Dismissed

Karale, Editor, Swarvihar Weekly, Pune,
Maharashtra against an Order dated 21.3.2014
passed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Haveli
Sub-Division, Pune, Maharashtra

2. Appeal of Shri Sanjay Aggarwal and 3/5/2016 Decided

others, Owner & Printer, Dainik Bhaskar,
Dehradun, Uttrakhand against the Order
dated 27.5.2009 passed by District
Magistrate Dehradun.

3. Appeal of Ajay Pahariya, Printer an Publisher, 3/5/2016 Dismissed

Janhit Darshan, Jhansi, U.P. against Order
dated 05.01.2016 passed by Collector,
Chhatapur, Madhya Pradesh.

4. Shri Narinder Pal Singh, Publisher/Printer 24/8/2016 Decided

“The Sikh Review” Kolkatta against the
Registrar of Newspaper and the Chief Metro
Politian Magistrate for not authenticate new
declaration

5. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Mishra, Journalist 20/10/2016 Dismissed

& Owner, Daily Sabhar Darshan and Smt.
Ranjan Mishra, Journalist & Owner, Daily
Ratlam Darshan, Ratlam against the Order
dated 09.07.2016 passed by the District
Magistrate, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

6. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Joshi, Journalist/ 20/10/2016 Dismissed

Editor, Printer/Publisher, Daily Sabhar
Darshan and Ratlam Darshan, Ratlam, M.P.
against the District Magistrate, M.P. Order
dated 09.07.2016

134
7. Appeal of Shri Ashok Kumar, Chief Editor, 20/10/2016 Disposed
Rajasthan Bharati, Jalore against the District of with
Magistrate, Jalore Order dated 14.12.2015 direction
8. Appeal of Shri Manas Debnath, Publisher, 20/10/2016 Disposed of
Dainik Arohan, Bengali Daily Newspaper,
East Agartala, West Tripura against Order
dated 29.11.2010 passed by District
Magistrate/Collector, West Tripura,
Agartala
9. Appeal of Shri John A Monis, Printer/ 20/10/2016 Disposed of
Publisher, “Drivem”, Monthly, Mangaluru
against SDM and Assistant Commissioner,
Mangaluru Sub-Division, Mangalur Order
dated 27.06.2016
10. Appeal of Shri Keshav Dutt Chandola, 11/1/2017 Adjourned
Publisher Nagrajarpan, Hindi Weekly,
Dehradun against the District Information
Officer Haridwar, Uttrakhand delaying in
accepting the Declaration made in respect of
his newspaper for Haridwar Edition
11. Application for recall of Order dated 11/1/2017 Adjourned
12.06.2015 passed by Board on the appeal
of Shri Vishnu Goyal, Editor and Publisher,
National Herald, English Daily, Indore,
Madhya Pradesh and Ors. against the Order
dated 29.9.2010 passed by the Additional
District Magistrate, Indore, Madhya
Pradesh
12. Appeal of Mr. Kailash Dhondu Mali, Editor, 11/1/2017 Adjourned
Mosam Girna, Daily Newspaper, R/o Mohan
Peer Galli, Tq. Malegaon, District Nashik,
Maharashtra against (i) Sub Divisional
Officers Office, Sub Division, Malegaon,
District Nashik, Maharashtra (Respondent
No.1) (ii) Mr. Bharat Vithal Patil R/O
PachKandil, Yahoo Cyber Café, Shaniwar
Peth, Malegaon, Tq. Malegaon, District
Nashik, Maharashtra (Respondent No.2) and
petition filed under Section 8-C of the Press
and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

135
13. Appeal of Shri Manoj Kumar Saluja, 11/1/2017 Adjourned
Publisher, Printer/Editor of “Relation of India
News”, New Delhi against the Order dated
18.08.2016 passed by the Joint Commissioner
of Police (licensing), New Delhi.
14. Appeal of Smt. Sarla Agarwal, Owner, 11/1/2017 Adjourned
Publisher & Printer and Shri Pawan Agarwal,
Editor of “ParivartanKaDaur” Moradabad,
U.P. against the Order dated 10.6.2016 passed
by the Additional District Magistrate (City)
Moradabad, U.P.

136
 Annexure - E

Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats to

Press Freedom (2016-2017)

Sl. Parties Date of Category

No. Decision
Harassment of Newsmen
1. Complaint of Shri Kumar Vijay alias June 10th, Dismissed – No
Vijay Gupta, Journalist/Editor, Satellite 2016 action
Reporter, Delhi against Police and anti-
social elements
2. Complaint of Shri Sharad Katiyar, June 10th, Dismissed – Sub-
Publisher/Editor, Youth India, 2016 Judice
Farukhabad against Anti Social
Elements and Ministers.
3. Reference received from S/Shri S.N. June 10th, Disposed off with
Sinha, President, Indian Journalist 2016 direction
Union & Member, Press Council of
India, Amar Devulapalli, Secretary
General, Indian Journalist Union and K.
Amarnath, Member, Press Council of
India regarding killing of a journalist,
Shri Sandeep Kothari by mining mafia.
4. Complaint of Shri Kanhaiyalal June 10th, Disposed of with
Vishwakarma, Editor, Bundelkhand 2016 direction
Chetna, lalitpur against Anti social
elements.
5. Complaint of President, Madhya June 10th, Closed
Pradesh Shramjivi Patrakar Sangh, 2016
Raisen against Police Authorities,
Vidisha, M.P.
6. Complaint of Shri Vijay Kumar, Editor, June 10th, Dismissed the matter
Ashoka Express, New Delhi against 2016 with default
Police authorities
7. Complaint of Ms. Sonali Jindal, T.V. June 10th, Dismissed the matter
Correspondent, TV 24 and Press 2016 with default
Reporter Seema Sandesh, Kotakpura
against Shri Jagtar Singh, Owner, Petrol
Pump and Police authorities

137
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
8. Complaint of Shri Akshay Jain, June 10th, Dismissed the matter
Freelance Journalist, Meerut against 2016 with default
Ms. Rashim Chaudhary, Mahila Police
Officer, Meerut
9. Complaint of Shri Anup Sagar, Editor, June 10th, Dismissed the
Halla Bol Times Delhi against Anti- 2016 matter with default
social Elements in Delhi.
10. Complaint of Mr. longsing Teron, June 10th, Disposed of with
Editor/Owner, Thekar against anti- 2016 direction
social elements and KarbiAnglong
Autonomous Council
11. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Chandra June 10th, Dismissed the
Bhattacharjee, Proprietor, Yugbhed, 2016 matter with default
Bilaspur against the Coal Mafia and the
Police Authorities
12. Complaint of Shri Alok Prakash Bharti June 10th, Dismissed the
@ Alok Yadav, Journalist, Hindustan 2016 matter with default
Dainik, Purnia, Bihar against Police

13. Complaint of Shri Anwar Nori, Chief June 10th, Dismissed the
Editor, Mumbra Samachar, Thane 2016 matter with default
(Mah.) against the local MlA and
Police, Thane (Maharashtra)

14. Complaint of Shri Sardarsinh Naranji June 10th, Disposed of with

Chauhan, Editor, Khamir Weekly 2016 observations
newspaper, Gir Somnath (Gujarat.)
against Officials of Forest Department,
Gir Somnath (Guj.)
15. Complaint of Shri Arpan Kamaikishore June 10th, Disposed of with
Goyal, Editor, Dainik Gokulniti, Jalna 2016 direction
against anti-social elements
16. Complaint of Thakur Tabbu, Editor, September Dismissed with
Insaf Ki Batten, Behraich against Shri 9th, 2016 default
Abhay, D.M. Behraich, U.P.
17. Complaint of Shri Illiyaskhan, Editor, September Disposed off with
Barasta Toofan, Badnapur Distt. Jalna, 9th, 2016 observation
Maharashtra against Police Authorities
and Government of Maharashtra

138
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
18. Complaint of Shri Sudhir Kumar September Disposed off Sub
Madeshia, Behraich, U.P. against Shri 9th, 2016 Judice
Goakhnath Saroj, SHO, Motipur and
Shri Diwakar Tripurari, Circle Officer,
Nanpara, U.P.

19. Complaint of Shri Ashwaq Ulla Khan, September Disposed off Sub
Correspondent, Rashtriya Sahara, 9th, 2016 Judice
Jalaun, U.P. against Shri ArunDikshit,
Area Officer, Konch, Jalaun, U.P.

20. Complaint of Shri Anil Kumar September Disposed off Sub

Kushwaha, Correspondent, Daily News 9th, 2016 Judice
Activist, District Behraich against Shri
Khalid Naseen, SHO, Matipur and Shri
Shailender Shrivastava, Zonal Officer,
Nanpara

21. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar, September Dismissed on merits

Journalist, Navkarmyug Prakashan, 9th, 2016
Banda (U.P.) against Shri Ranvir Singh,
Station In-charge, Banda (U.P.)

22. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Itoriya, September Dismissed on merits

Bureau Chief, Raj Express, Sagar 9th, 2016
against Shri Sachin Atulkar, S.P. Sagar,
Shri GautamSolankiCSP, Sagar and
Shri ArunSoni, T.I.

23. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar September Disposed off with

Raina, Editor/Publisher, “The Northern 9th, 2016 Assurance
Times”, Jammu against Information
Department, Government of Jammu &
Kashmir, Jammu.

24. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Verma, September Disposed off with

Journalist TarunMitra, Shri Santsoh 9th, 2016 Assurance
Kumar Dixit, Journalist, Amar Ujala,
Shri Santosh Kumar Pandey, Journalist
DainikJagran and Shri Kamlesh Kumar
Tripathi, Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara,
Jaunpur against Police Authorities,
Jaunpur, U.P.

139
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision

25. Complaint of Shri Ramcharan Mali September Disposed off – No

Chief Editor, Vanvasi Express, Banda, 9th, 2016 action
Rajasthan against Police Authorities

26. Complaint of Shri Krishna Prasad, September Disposed off with

Editor-in-Chief, Outlook, New Delhi 9th, 2016 observation
against anti-social elements

27. Complaint of Shri Awnideep Shukla, September Disposed off with –

Social Worker, Journalist, Behraich 9th, 2016 no action
against District School Inspector,
Behraich, U.P.

28. Complaint of Shri Sharad Khare, Editor, September Disposed off – No

Dainik Hind Gazette, Siwani, M.P. 9th, 2016 action
against Police Authorities, Government
of M.P.

29. Complaint of Shri P. Sentamizhselven, September Disposed off – No

President, Puducherry & Tamilnadu 9th, 2016 Action
Press & Media Association, Puducherry
against Shri S. Saravanan of latchiya
Tamilan Magazine and the police
authorities

30. Complaint of Shri K.M. Babu, Chief September Dismissed with

Editor, Samarpan Bhoomi, Korba, 9th, 2016 observation
Chhattisgarh against Police Authorities

31. Complaint of Shri Shailendra Mishra, September Upheld

Reporter, Dainik Raj Express, Bhind, 9th, 2016
Madhya Pradesh against Collector,
Bhind

32. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Raikwar, September Dismissed Sub -

Chief Editor, SagarKe Moti, District 9th, 2016 Judice
Sidhi, M.P. against Public Relation
Office, Madhya Pradesh.

33. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar, November Disposed off with

General Secretary, Tripura Journalists 11, 2016 Sub - Judice
Union against Shri Pankaj Chakraborty,
Deputy Magistrate, Tripupra

140
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision

34. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra November Disposed off with

Mishra, Editor, Prahlad Nagar, Hardoi, 17th, 2016 Assurance
U.P. against Government of Uttar
Pradesh

35. Complaint of Shri Umesh Sharma, November Disposed off with

Managing Editor, Dainik Jan Express, 17, 2016 direction
Kanpur against Government of U.P.

36. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Gupta, November Dismissed with

Correspondent, Dainik Samarth Sahara, 17th, 2016 direction
Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Block
Medical Officer, Sagar, M.P

37. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan November Dismissed with

Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar) 17th, 2016 assurance
against Block Development Officer,
Khagria

38. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan November Disposed off with

Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar) 17th, 2016 assurance
against Block Development Officer,
Khagria

39. Complaint of Shri Afroj Ali, Journalist, November Disposed off with
Dainik Aaj, Shahjahanpur against 17th, 2016 observation
President, Nagar Panchayat, Meeranpur,
Katra., Shahjahanpur

40. Complaint of Shri Vishnuchand Gupta, November Disposed off with

Journalist/RTI Activist, Bijnour against 17th, 2016 observation
Shri Ashok Sharma, Sangrah Ameen,
Najibabad, UP

41. Complaint of Shri Vireshpal Singh, November Dismissed on merits

Journalist, Brave News, Shahjahanpur, 17, 2016
UP against the Police Authorities

42. Complaint of Shri Anurag Kumar, November Dismissed - no

Editor, Sri Ramjanki Times, Fatehpur, 17th, 2016 merits
UP against the Owner, Bindki Gas
Agency and Police Authorities

141
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
43. Complaint of Shri Jitendera Singh, November Dismissed on merits
Journalist against Police authorities. 17th, 2016

44. Complaint of Shri Ravi Kumar Agrawal, March 3, Disposed off with
Correspondent, Salam Chhatisgarh, 2017 direction
Raipur against the Land Mafia and
Government of Chhattisgarh

45. Complaint of Shri Ghanshyam Pandey, March 3, Dismissed – Sub-

Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara and Shri 2017 Judice
Rajesh Tiwari, Journalist, Daily News,
Chitrakoot, UP against Railway Police
Force.

46. Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi, March 3, Disposed off with

Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP against 2017 direction
the Police Authorities

47. Complaint of Shri Prabhat Chandra March 3, Dismissed – Sub -

Sharma, Journalist/Media Incharge, 2017 Judice
Journalist Union of Bihar, Patna against
Police Department and others

48. Complaint of Shri Om prakash Baghel, March 3, Dismissed no case

Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Mei, 2017
Aligarh, UP against District Aapurti
Karyalaya, Aligarh, UP

49. Complaint of Shri Pappu Yadav, March 3, Disposed off with

Journalist, ShaharDayra Times against 2017 direction
anti-social elements and police
authorities

50. Complaint of Shri Sandeep Agarwal, March 3, Dismissed on merits

Editor, Mid-night Express against the 2017
Police authorities

51. Complaint of Shri Ravi Chamadiya, March 3, Dismissed on merits

Publisher/Editor, Sadhya Border Times, 2017
Shriganganagar, Rajasthan against Shri
Banshidhar Jindal

52. Complaint of Shri Kashmir Singh, March 3, Dismissed on merits

Correspondent, Crime line, Rajasthan 2017
against the Police Authorities

142
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
53. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar, General March 3, Disposed with Sub
Secretary, Tripura Journalists Union against 2017 - Judice
Anti-Social Elements and Government of
Tripura
Facilities to the Press
54. Complaint of Shri Sarvesh Kumar Suyash, June 10th, Disposed of with
Freelance Journalist/Managing Editor, 2016 Observation
Kanpur and National President Akhil
Bhartiya Swatantra Patrakar Mahasangh
against District Magistrate.
55. Orders/Instructions issued by the Union June 10th, Closed
Home Ministry restraining the bureaucrats 2016
from sharing information with journalists
56. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Shukla, June 10th, Disposed with
District Correspondent, Pragya Times, 2016 direction
Barabanki against Director, I&PRD, Govt.
of U.P.
57. Complaint of Shri Kumar Dev, Sub- June 10th, Dismissed the
Editor, Yug Bandhu, Mooradabad against 2016 matter with
Mooradabad Development Authority default
58. Complaint of Shri Kamlesh Kumar, Editor/ June 10th, Dismissed the
Publisher, Yug Bandhu, Moradabad against 2016 matter with
Government of U.P. default
59. Complaint of Shri Ram Kumar Sharma June 10th, Dismissed the
(Mulle), Editor/Publisher, Janoriya Weekly, 2016 matter with
Bhind (M.P.) against Public Relations direction
Directorate, Advertisement Branch, Bhopal
(M.P.)
60. Complaint of Shri Aravinth Kumar, Tirupur, June 10th, Dismissed the
Tamil Nadu and Shri K. Nagaimugan, 2016 matter with
President, Citizen for Rule of law and default
Centre for Protection of Freedom of Press,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu against Andhra
Pradesh Police
61. Complaint of Shri C.S. Kalra, Editor/ September Dismissed with
Publisher, University Today against the 9th, 2016 direction
Chief Post Master General, Delhi Circle

143
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
62. Complaint of Shri Awadesh Kumar Singh, September Disposed off with
Publisher and Printer, Fast News Activist, 9th, 2016 observation
Mau (U.P.) against District Magistrate,
Mau, U.P.
63. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member, September Disposed off with
PCI and National President, Association 9th, 2016 direction
of Small and Medium Newspaper against
District Information Officer, Kanpur
64. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member, September Disposed off with
PCI and National President, Association of 9th, 2016 direction
Small and Medium Newspaper against the
Government of U.P.
65. Complaint of Shri Sayed Mohd. Taj September Disposed off with
Alam, Editor, Jail Diary, lucknow, U.P. 9th, 2016 direction
against Information & Public Relations
Department, Government of U.P.
66. Complaint of Shri V. Murali,, Editor, September Disposed off with
Sakshi, Hyderabad against Telugu Desam 9th, 2016 Assurance
Party
67. Complaint of Shri Mahavir Jain, Journalist, September Disposed off – No
Jodhpur against Police Commissioner, 9th, 2016 Action
Jodhur and RNI
68. Complaint of Shri Keshavdutt Chandola, September Censured
National President, Association of Small 9th, 2016
and Medium Newspapers of India against
Public Relations Department, Northern
Railway
69. Complaint of Shri Sunil Kumar Rai, Editor, November Dismissed on
Najar Ki Najar, Delhi against Directorate 17th, 2016 merits
of Information & Publicity, Government of
NCT of Delhi
70. Complaint of Shri Sayed Naeem, Chief November Disposed off with
Editor, Samadhan Samachar against 17th, 2016 observation
I&PRD, lucknow
71. Complaint of Shri Basant Kumar, Owner/ November Disposed off with
Printer, Prakash Bulletin against Shiv 17th, 2016 observation
Kutiya Samiti and RNI

144
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
72. Complaint of Shri Raghunath Singh, Dy. November Disposed off –
General Manager, Rajasthan Patrika, Jaipur 17, 2016 Sub-Judice
against Government of Rajasthan
73. Complaint of Shri Pushpendra Bhardwaj, March 3, Disposed with
Journalist, Dainik Purab Pashim Jyoti, 2017 direction
Muzaffarnagar against Information & Public
Relations Department, Government of U.P.
74. Complaint of Mohd. Aaftab Alam, Editor, March 3, Disposed with
Van Diary, lucknow, UP against Department 2017 direction
of Information and Public Relations,
Government of UP, lucknow, U.P.
75. Complaint of Shri Pramod Kumar Srivastav, March 3, Disposal with
SaurabhaDarpan, lucknow, UP against 2017 direction
Directorate of Information and Public
Relations, Government of UP, lucknow,
U.P.
76. Complaint of Managing Editor, Dainik March 3, No merits -–
Hind Gazette, Siwni, M.P. against District 2017 dismissed
Administration, Government of M.P.
77. Communication received from Shri Prakash March 3, Disposed of with
Dubey, Member, Press Council of India 2017 assurance
regarding non-release of advertisement
Bills to the newspapers by the Government
of Meghalaya
Suo-Motu
78. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on June 10th, Disposed of
Lokmat Officer in Maharashtra & Complaint 2016
of Shri Kareem Chand Sheikh against
Editor, lokmat
79. Suo-motu cognizance regarding controversy June 10th, Dismissed – being
surrounding the circular issued by the 2016 infructuous
Government of Maharashtra on sedition
in the wake of the ruling of Bombay High
Court
80. Communication received from Delhi Union June 10th, Dismissed
of Journalist with regard to attack on a lady 2016 –pending trial in
journalist Ms. Revati Paul in Ahmedabad court
81. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack September Dropped
on a lady journalist at Osmania University 9th, 2016
by the Police

145
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
82. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to September Disposed off safety
intimidation and threats to Shri Siddharth 9th, 2016 of journalists
Varadaran, Editor of the Wire by student ensure
members of ABVP in Allaabad University

83. Suo-motu action regarding attack on September Sub Judice

journalists in Patiala House Court premises 9th, 2016

84. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to September Dropped

murder of Shri Mithlesh Pandey, Reporter, 9th, 2016
Dainik Jagran

85. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on September Disposed off with

Media in the Hyderabad Central University 9th, 2016 Assurance

86. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to sedition September Disposed off with
case against Tamil Weekly Namadhu 9th, 2016 Observation
Manasatchi, Puducherry

87. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri November Dropped – Sub-
Dharamveer, T.V. Journalist and Vice 17th, 2016 Judice
President of Press Club in Siddarthnagar
(U.P.)

88. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri November Dropped – Sub-
Abhinav Rajan Chaturvedi, Photo Journalist 17th, 2016 Judice
of Dainik Jagran in Ghaziabad (13/52/16-
17)

89. Suo- motu cognizance with regard to assault November Dismissed – Sub -
on Smt. Rashmi Patil, Editor of Karnataka 17th, 2016 Judice
Kahale (Kannada daily) by miscreants at
Bijapur.

90. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on the November Dropped – No

office and printing press and Media persons 17, 2016 Action
of Mathrumbhumi, Kerala on 31.5.16

91. Suomotu cognizance w.r.t. killing threat to November Disposed off with
Shri Rajesh Singh, Journalist, Dainik Jagran 17, 2016 assurance
in Bihar

92. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on November Disposed off with

media in National Institute of Technology, 17th, 2016 observation
Srinagar

146
93. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri March 3, Disposed off - no
Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent, Dainik 2017 action
Bhaskar in Sasaram in Rohtas District of
Bihar. (13/174/16-17)
Curtailment to the Press
94. Complaint of Shri S. Navamani, Convenor, September Disposed off with
Federation of All News and Media 9th, 2016 Assurance
Personnel Association, Tiruvarur (Tamil
Nadu) against Police Personnel regarding
attack on a reporter of Dinamalar (Chennai
Edition), Tamil Nadu.
95. Complaint of Shri Mahipal Singh, Journalist, September Dismissed - regrets
UNI, Amroha against Police Authorities 9th, 2016 by respondent
96. Complaint of Shri Kamalkant Upmanyu, September Disposed off -
State Vice-President U.P. Journalist 9th, 2016 investigation
Association and President, Brij Press Club, pending
Mathura against attack on Amar Ujala
Office, Agra
97. Complaint of Shri Manish Tripathi, September Withdrawn
Editor/Printer/Publisher/Owner, Janam 9th, 2016
Prasaram Times, lucknow against Shri
Janendra Singh, O.S.D. to Chief Minister,
Government of U.P.
98. Complaint of Shri Sharad Katiyar, Publisher/ September Dismissed on
Editor, Youth India, Farukhabad(U.P.) 9th, 2016 merits
against Police Authorities, Government of
U.P.
99. Complaint of Shri Shajeb Khan, Journalist/ September No merits -
President, GraminPatrakar Association, 9th, 2016 Dismissed
Badaun against Shri Nooruddin, Chairman,
Municipal Council, Badayun& Government
of U.P.
100. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra, Editor, September Dismissed on
Vashisht Times, Chhattisgarh against 9th, 2016 merits
Government of Chhattisgarh.
101. Complaint of President, UP Press Club, September Disposed off with
Balrampur against Government of UP 9th, 2016 observation
102. Complaint of Shri Naved Akhtar, November Disposed off with
Correspondent, Dainik Shah Times, 17th, 2016 observation
Haridwar, against Government of
Uttrakhand

147
103. Complaint of Shri B.K. Awasthi, Staff November Disposed off with
Reporter, Rashtriya Sahara and President, 17th, 2016 observation
Patrakar Press Parishad, Noida against
Shri Naresh Yadav, Pradhan, Sorkhaand
Government of Uttar Pradesh
104. Complaint of Ms. Rukhsar, Special November Dismissed on
Correspondent, Dainik Hakumat Express 17th, 2016 merits
and Zone Officer, GCB Focus Web News
Channel, Shahjahanpur against Government
of U.P.
105. Complaint of Shri Mohan Sharma, Senior November Disposed off with
Journalist, Editor, Dainik Rajasthani Chirag 17, 2016 direction
and Saptahik Kranti Bigul and Shri Manoj
Sharma, Editor, Dainik Rajasthan Pradeep,
Bikaner Rajasthan
106. Complaint of Shri Mahendra Agarwal, November Dismissed on
Editor/Printer, Kootchakra, lucknow 17, 2016 merits
against Shri Atul Shah, Correspondent,
DainikJagran and Anti-social elements
107. Complaint of Shri Om Prakash Baghel, November Disposed off -
Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Main, 17, 2016 Settled
Aligarh, UP against Anti-social elements

108. Complaint of Shri Anurag Mishra, Journalist, November Disposed off with
UP against the Police authorities 17, 2016 direction
109. Complaint of Shramjivi Patrakar Union, November Disposed off with
Bahraich, UP against the District Magistrate 17th, 2016 observation
and Police authorities
110. Complaint of Shri Pawan Kumar Sharma, March 3, Dismissed on
Bureau Chief, National Human Rights, 2017 merits
Hindi weekly, Bulandshahar, UP against Shri
Irfan Tyagi, Clerk, Municipal Corporation,
Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, UP and Police
Authorities
111 Complaint of Shri Viresh Kumar Shukla, March 3, No merits -
Correspondent, Pioneer and Rupma Media 2017 Dismissed
Approach, Sitapur, UP against Shri Atul
Prakash Srivastava, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil,
Sitapur, UP, and others
112. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Jain, March 3, Withdrawn -
Correspondent, APNS News Agency and 2017 Dismissed
Navbharat, Shivpuri, MP against Police
Authorities

148
113. Complaint of Shri Veerbhan Singh, March 3, Disposed off – Sub
Correspondent and Shri Mukesh Kumar, 2017 - Judice
Mainpuri, Photographer, Dainik Jagran, UP
against Shri Deepak Das, School Sanchalak,
Shri Shivprakash, Senior Engineer, Nahar
Vibhag and Police authorities
114. Complaint of Shri Nand lal Singh March 3, Dismissed on
Chauhan, Editor, Ashtavakra, Hindi Weekly, 2017 merits
Mirzapur, UP, New Delhi against District
Administration, Mirzapur, UP
115. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sharma, March 3, Disposed off with
Correspondent, Jawab Hum Denge, 2017 assurance
Sultanpur, UP against Railway Security
Force and others
116. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Gupta, Chairman, March 3, Disposed off with
Press Club of Shahjahanpur& District 2017 Sub-Judice
Correspondent, DianikSwatantraChetna,
Shahjahanpur, UP against the District
Administration and Police Authorities
117. Complaint of Shri Satyaprakash, Office March 3, Upheld
Incharge, Dainik Hindustan, Banka, Bihar, 2017
against District Collector, Banka, Bihar

149
 Annexure - F

Subject Index of Adjudications in

Complaints filed Against the Press (2016-2017)
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
Principles and Publication

1. Complaint of Shri Abdul Hameed, S.P., June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Barabanki, U.P. against Editor, Hindustan, with direction
lucknow
2. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney, June 10th, 2016 Censured
Chandigarh against Punjab DiiAwazAjit,
Jalandhar
M
3. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney, June 10th, 2016 Censured
Chandigarh against Dainik Bhaskar,
Chandigarh.
4. Complaint of Shri OkramPrasantaSingha, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Rajgarh, Guwahati against Assam Tribune.
5. Complaint of Shri A. Biswas, Kolkata June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
against Times of India, Kolkata
6. Complaint of Mr. Abhram Samson June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Mhedekar Mr. Jonathan Samuel Soloman, with direction
Mumbai against Editor, Mumbai Mirror,
Mumbai
7. Complaint of Shri Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai June 10th, 2016 Dismissed being
against The Editor, Times of India, New devoid of merit
Delhi
8. Complaint of Mrs. Nandini Charles, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Principal, VikhePatil Memorial School,
Pune against the editor, Pune Mirror
9. Complaint of Sh. Babusaheb Narsingrao June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Patil, Omanabad trough Ms. Madhuri
U. Kakde, advocate, Bombay Bench,
Aurangabad High Court against the editor
Dainik Maharashtra Times
10. Complaint of Shri Mahant Dharamnath, Jogi June 10th, Dismissed
Ashram, Rajgarh, Churu, Rajasthan against 2016
Editor, Churu Seven Star, Churu, Rajasthan

150
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
11. Complaint of M/s Pudhari Publications, September 9th, Disposed of with
Kolhapur against the Editor, The Times of 2016 direction
India, Kolhapur (Mah.)
12. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Arora, September 9th, Disposed of
Private Secretary to Minister of Women & 2016 - clarification
Child Development, Delhi against Editor, published
Reuters India News Agency, New Delhi
13. Complaint of Shri Pashupati Nath Gupt, September 9th, Settled
District President, Akhil Bhartiya Udyog 2016
Vyapar Mandal, Complaint of Shri Gopal
Arya, Rashtirya Swayamsevak Sangh, New
Delhi against The Hindu
14. Complaint of Shri Himanshu Tiwari, September 9th, Dismissed
Advocate, lucknow against Editor, Pardafas 2016
Today, lucknow.
15. Complaint of Shri Harinarayan Dubey, September 9th, Dismissed
Superintendent, Vaishya College of law, 2016 complaint
Rohtak against Hari Bhoomi withdrawn
16. Complaint of Shri Shatrujeet Kapur, IPS, September 9th, Disposed of with
CID, Haryana, Panchkula against the editor, 2016 direction
Tribune, Chandigarh
17. Complaint of Dr. R. Mohan, General September Disposed of with
Manager (law-II) & Joint Head of 9th, 2016 direction
law Department, State Bank of India,
Mumbai against the Editor, Deshabhimani,
Thiruvananthapuram
18. Complaint of Shri Hormuz P. Mama, September 9th, Disposed of with
Mumbai against the Editor, Economic 2016 direction
Times.
19. Complaint of Shri Chinmay Biswal, IPS, September 9th, Dismissed on
S.P. , South Andaman District, Port Blair 2016 merit
against The Andaman Chronicle
20. Complaint of Ms. Jyoti Sabharwal, Author September 9th, Dismissed on
& Publisher, Stellar, New Delhi against the 2016 merit
editor, India Today, New Delhi
21. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh Deo, September 9th, Disposed of with
President of Vigilance Committee, Gondpur, 2016 direction
Jharkhand against Editor, Hindustan,
Jamshedpur

151
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
22. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh September 9th, Disposed of with
Deo, President of Vigilance Committee, 2016 direction
Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik
Bhaskar
23. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on
M
the editor, Dainik Jagran, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit
24. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on
the Editor, Hindustan, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit
25. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on
the Editor, PrabhatKhabar, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit
26. Complaint of Shri Nidhesh P. New Delhi September 9th, Dismissed on
against Editor, M/s Bharat Prakashan 2016 merit
(Delhi) limited, New Delhi
27. Complaint of Dr. Sureshan V, President, September 9th, Disposed of with
KGMOA, Kasaragod, District Nileshwar 2016 Observation
against the editor latest Kerala, Kerala.
28. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty, September 9th, Dismissed
Mallapuram District against the editors, M 2016
Mathrubhumi Daily Kerala
29. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty, September 9th, Dismissed
Mallapuram District against the editor, 2016
Malayala Manorama Daily, Kerala.
30. Complaint of Tony Chammany, Mayor September 9th, Dismissed
Kochi Municipal Corporation, Kerala 2016
against Times of India, Kochi
31. Complaint of Shri C. Srikantiah, Karnataka September 9th, Dismissed on
against Editor, Veda Taranga 2016 merit
32. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram against the September 9th, Disposed of with
Editor, The Hindu 2016 direction
33. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Budania, September 9th, Dismissed
Gurukripa Career Institute, Sikar, 2016
Rajasthan against Dainik Bhaskar, Sikar
34. Complaint of Shri S.K. Malhotra, Head September 9th, Disposed of
Public Awareness Division, Department of 2016
Atomic Energy, Mumbai against the Editor,
Times of India, Mumbai

152
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
35. Complaint of Shri Rajesh S. Naik, President, September 9th, Disposed of with
Paranpai Citizen Forum, Madkai against 2016 direction
Tarun Bharat, Goa
36. Complaint of Shri P.M. Kamath, Hon. September 9th, Disposed of with
Director, VidyaPrasarak Mandal’s Centre for 2016 direction
International Studies, Mumbai against the
Chief Editor, New Indian Express
37. Complaint of Shri Rajender Jain, Delhi November 17th, Dismissed
against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar 2016
38. Complaint of Shri Kanhaiyalal Vishwakarma, November 17th, Dismissed
Chief Editor, Bundelkhand Chetna, lalitpur 2016
against Editor, Saptahik Pichda Bundel
Khand.
39. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of
Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice
the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi
40. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of
M
Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice
the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi
41. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of
Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice
the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi
42. Complaint of Shri M. Vasudeva Raju and November 17th, Dismissed
others, Deputy Commercial Tax Officer, 2016
Ananthapupram against Editor, Eenadu,
Hyderabad
43. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy, November 17th, Disposed of with
General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min 2016 direction
Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam,
Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar,
Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily
M
44. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy, November 17th, Disposed of with
General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min 2016 direction
Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam,
Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar,
Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily

153
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
45. Complaint of Smt. SushilaBele, November 17th, Dismissed
Bhopal against Editor, Dainik Jagran, 2016
Bhopal
46. Complaint of Shri Sudeep Kumar November 17th, Disposed of with
Saha, Mumbai against Sunday Express, 2016 direction
Mumbai
47. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Yashpal November 17th, Dismissed on
Aggarwal, Vashi against Eenadu Newspaper, 2016 merits
Hayathnagar, Telangana
48. Complaint of Shri M.S. Rathore, Advocate, November 17th, Dismissed on
Surat, Gujarat against the editor, Gujarat 2016 merits
Samachar, Gujarat
49. Complaint of Ms. Minakshi Maheshwari, November 17th, Disposed of –
Mumbai against the Editor, Indian 2016 with direction
Express
50. Complaint of Shri Ram Dayal, Anoopur, November 17th, Dismissed
MP against Haribhoomi, Madhya 2016
Pradesh
51. Complaint of Shri Chandra Prakash Yadav, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
SantKabir Nagar, UP against the Editor, merit
Dainik Jagran
52. Complaint of S/Shri Rajinder Singh and March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Darshan Singh, Punjab against the Editor, merit
Daily Ajit, Punjab
53. Complaint of Shri Mukesh Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Uttarakhand against the Editor, Amar merit
Ujala
54. Complaint of Shri Arun Kumar Bhattacharya, March 3, 2017 Disposed of with
Kolkata against the Editor, Anand Bazar assurance
Patrika, Kolkata
55. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Datta, March 3, 2017 Disposed of with
West Bengal against the Editor, Ananda assurance
Bazar Patrika for publishing advertisements
in contravention of Immoral Traffic
(Prevention)
56. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Municipal Corporation, Gwalior, MP against
the Dainik Bhaskar

154
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
Press and Defamation
57. Complaint of Ms. Nidhi Yadav, Haridwar- June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Roorkee, Development Authority, Haridwar
against the editor, Mid Day
58. Complaint of Shri Hazi Samad, Meerut against June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Dainik Jagran
59. Complaint of Dr. S.S. lohchab, Senior June 10th, 2016 Warned
Professor & Head Department of Cardiac
Surgery, Rohtak against Editor, Dainik
Bhaskar, Rohtak, Haryana
60. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Programme and Research Manager, Right
livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden
against Editor, Punjab Kesari
61. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Programme and Research Manager, Right
livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden
against Editor, Dainik Jagran
62. Complaint of Dr. Saleem Ur Rehman, Director June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
for Health Servies, Kashmir against the editor,
Early Times, Jammu
63. Complaint of Ms. Birendra Kaur, President, June 10th, 2016 Regret
Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh against published –
Chandigarh Tribune, Chandigarh Disposed off
64. Complaint of Dr. A.P. Sanwaria against June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Hindustan Times, Chandigarh with direction
65. Complaint of Shri Gyasuddin Ansari, June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Bhilwara against Dainik Rashtradoot with direction

66. Complaint of Mrs. Francina Nelson, June 10th, 2016 Censured

General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh
Domestic Workers Trade Union, Indore
(M.P.) against the Editor, News City live,
Indore, M.P.
M
67. Complaint of Shri Mayur Aggarwal, C.A. June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Partner Aggarwal Mittal and Company direction
against Editor, Nav Duniya, Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh.

155
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
68. Complaint of Shri Arvind Jain, Mantri and Shri June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Jai Kumar Jain Dayoday Gaushala, Chhattarpur, being deviod of
M.P. against the Editor, Hum Paanch merit
69. Complaint of Shri Amar Singh, Neemauch, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
M.P. against DainikSwarnim Hindustan
70. Complaint of Shri Manoj Rathai, Ujjain, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Raj Express, direction
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
71. Complaint of Shri Bhagwandin Sahu, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Spokesperson, Shri Yog Vedant Sewa Samiti,
Chindwada against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar.
72. Complaint of Shri Temsunaro Jamir, Deputy June 10th, 2016 Disposed off
Commissioner, Guwahati Customs Division, being settled
Guwahati against the Editor, Asomiya Khabar,
Guwahati.
73. Complaint of Shri Raj Kumar Agarwal, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Jharkhand against the editor, Uditvani, being devoid of
Jharkhand merit
74. Complaint of M/s. Indian Metals E Ferro June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Alloys ltd., Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) against being devoid of
the editor, Sambad, Bhubaneshwar merit
75. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor,
DainikJagran, Patna, Bihar
76. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor, M
DainikBhaskar, Patna, Bihar
77. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor,
Rashtriya Sahara, Patna, Bihar
78. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at
Present, Additional Block Development
Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against the
Editor, Sambad, Odisha M
79. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at
Present, Additional Block Development
Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against the
Editor, Dharitri, Odisha

156
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
80. Complaint of Shri Gyan Prakash Jha, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Samastipur(Bihar) against Editor, Hindustan
81. Complaint of Shri Narendra Mohanty, Cuttack, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Odisha against the editor, Sambad
82. Complaint of Shri V. Murugan, SHO, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Puducherry against the Editor, Namadhu being Sub-
Manasatchi, Puducherry. Judice
83. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Hissar, Haryana against the Editor, being devoid of
DainikBhaskar, Chandigarh merits
M
84. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Hissar, Haryana against the Editor, being devoid of
DainikJagran, Noida, U.P. merits
85. Complaint of Shri Vasudev Vyas, Jodhpur June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
(Raj.) against the Editor, ‘DainikBhaskar’, being
Jodhpur (Raj.) withdrawn
86. Complaint of Shri ChandrashekhjarSahu, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Agriculture Minister, Raipur against the
Editor, Patrika , (M.P.)
87. Complaint of Shri PukhrajBothra, Bastar& June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Shri Santosh Bafna, MlA, Jagdalpur,
Chhattisgarh against the Editor, Chhattisgarh
Post, District Bastar, Chhattisgarh
88. Complaint of Mrs. Kokilaben V. Vaghela, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Ahmedabad against the Editor, Ahmedabad being Sub-
Mirror, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Judice
89. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben K. Jain, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Ahmedabad against the Editor, The World
Net Work, Gujarat
90. Complaint of Shri Udai Singh, Nasik, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Maharashtra against the Editor, The Indian for non -
Express, Mumbai pursuance
91. Complaint of Shri S. Swaminathan, Senior June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Vice President, legal and Company Secretary, for non -
TATA AIG life Insurance Company ltd., pursuance
Mumbai against the Editor, Ganadoot,
Agartala

157
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
92. Complaint of Shri Vijay Kumar Digambar June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Potdar, Solapur against the Editor, Dainik
Surajya, Solapur
93. Complaint of Shri Vishal Kumar Mathura June 10th, 2016 Censured
Gupta, Thane (Maharashtra) against the
Editor, UT Mirror, New Delhi
94. Complaint of Shri Ashish Modi, Surta June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
(Gujrat) against the Editor, Atal Savera, Surat caution
(Gujarat).
95. Complaint of Shri Venkat R. Chary, IAS June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
(Retd.), Mumbai against the Editor, ‘Mint’, direction
New Delhi
96. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben Jain, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) against the Editor, direction
Abhiyan, Ahmedabad
97. Complaint of Shri Suresh A. Gadge, Kohlapur June 10th, 2016 Censured
against the Editor, Daily Pudhari, Kolhapur.
98. Complaint of Shri Devesh Bhatt, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Ahmedabad (Guj.) against the Editor, Divya being devoid of
Bhaskar, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) merits
99. Complaint of Shri Triratan laxmanrao June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the caution
Editor, Daily City News Superfast,
Maharashtra
M
100. Complaint of Shri Triratanlaxmanrao June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the caution
Editor, Daily Deshonnati, Maharashtra
101. Complaint of Shri Rajesh B. Shah, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Aurangabad against the editor, Times of India, being devoid of
Aurangabad merit
102. Complaint of Shri Mohan Krishnan, All June 10th 2016 Dismissed
India President, Anti Corruption & Crime
Prevention Council, Mumbai against Editor,
Manavta Bharat
103. Complaint of Dr. (Capt.) RituBiyani, June 10th 2016 Disposed off
Pune against the Editor, Times of India with caution
regarding publication of personal court
case proceedings

158
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
104. Complaint of Shri Prakash P.Kukreja, June 10th, 2016 Censured
Ulhasnagar against Maharashtra Shaktishali
Express, Ulhasnagar
105. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Nambiar, Group June 10th, 2016 Dismissed as
President & General Counsel, Yes Bank withdrawn
ltd., Mumbai against Economic Times
106. Complaint of Dr. Jyotsna D. Kitukille, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Government General Hospital, Amravati
against Deshonnati
107. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Secretary, Shree Awdhoot Education Society,
Saket Public School, Gondia, Nagpur against
the Editor, Yugdharm Daily, Nagpur
108. Complaint of Mrs. Renuka Nagesh Devsani, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra against the Editor, reprimand
Sarvamat, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
109 Complaint of Shri liyakat Sharafat Qureshi, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed
Thane against Editor, DabangKhabrein.
110 Complaint of Mrs. Shamima Kauser, District September 9th, Disposed of
- Thane, Maharashtra against the Editor, 2016 with direction
Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
111. Complaint of M/s India Technomac Co. ltd., September 9th, Dismissed
District Simrour (H.P.) against the Editor, 2016
Him Himwanti (H.P.)
112. Complaint of Shri Mritunjay Singh, September 9th, Disposal of
lakhisarai, Bihar against the editor, Dainik 2016 Sub-Judice
Jagran, Bhagalpur, Bihar
113. Complaint of Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bakshi, September 9th, Censured
Department of Chemistry, University of 2016
Delhi against Times of India
114. Complaint of Mohd. Nasir Kamal, Hony. September 9th, Dismissed
Convenor, District Football Sangh, 2016 - lack of
Moradabad against Editor, Dainik Jagran substance
115. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub, Roorkee, September 9th, Disposed off
District Haridwar against Dainik Jagran, 2016 with direction
Dehradoon.

159
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
116. Complaint of Shri Amrik Singh, Major September 9th, Dismissed on
General, Director General Resettlement, 2016 merit
Ministry of Defence, New Delhi against The
Indian Express, New Delhi
117. Complaint of Shri Prem Kumar Singh, Delhi September 9th, Dismissed on
against Editor, Times of India, New Delhi 2016 merit
118. Complaint of Maharajganj, U.P. against September 9th, Reprimanded
Editor, Voice of lucknow, U.P. 2016
119. Complaint of Major Farah Diba, Allahabad September 9th, Dismissed on
against Hindustan, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 2016 merit
120. Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma, September 9th, Censured
Chandigarh against the Editor, Dainik 2016
Jagran, New Delhi
M
121 Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma, September 9th, Censured
Chandigarh against the Editor, AajSamaj, 2016
New Delhi
122. Complaint of GVK Emergency Management September 9th, Dismissed
& Research Institute, Ahmedabad against 2016 being Sub-
editor, Abhivyakthi Gujarat Judice
123. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing September 9th, Dismissed
Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd., 2016
Mumbai against the Editor, Times of India,
Mumbai
124. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing September 9th, Dismissed
Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd., 2016
Mumbai against the Editor, Mumbai Mirror,
Mumbai
125. Complaint of Shri Banwari lal Singhal, September 9th, Dismissed
Member of legislative Assembly, Alwar City, 2016
Alwar against the Editor Dainik Bhaskar,
Alwar (Raj.)
126. Complaint of Swami RamkrishnaShivanand, September 9th, Dismissed on
Sanatan Dharm, Shiv Mandir, New Delhi 2016 merit
against the Editor, National Mission, Hindi
Monthly Magazine, U.P.
127. Complaint of Assistant General Manager, September 9th, Reprimanded
State Bank of Patiala, New Delhi against 2016
the editor, Halla-Bol times, Delhi

160
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
128. Complaint of Shri Dharmendra Singh September 9th, Dismissed on
Sanger, librarian, Indira Gandhi University, 2016 merit
Delhi against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar
129. Complaint of Shri Mohan lal, Ujjain September 9th, Censured
against Editor, Raj Express, Ujjain, Madhya 2016
Pradesh
130. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on
Satna, M.P. against Editor, Star Samachar, 2016 merit
M.P.
131 Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on
Satna, M.P. against the Editor, Patrika, M 2016 merit
M.P.
132. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on
Satna, M.P. against Editor, DainikBhaskar, 2016 merit
M.P.
133. Complaint of Dr. Brijamani Singh,Former September 9th, Dismissed on
Spokesperson, Hindu Mahasabha, Uttar 2016 merit
Pradesh against Dainik Jagran, Uttar
Pradesh.
134. Complaint of Shri Vijay Aggarwal, Madhya September 9th, Censured
Pradesh against Sameria Express, Satna, 2016
Madhya Pradesh
135. Complaint of Shri l.P. Sinha, Patna against September 9th, Disposed of
Dainik Hindustan, Patna, Bihar 2016 with direction
136. Complaint of Mohd. Ansari, Secretary, September 9th, Dismissed
Intezamia Committee, Patna against Inquilab 2016
–E-Jadid, Patna
137. Complaint of Shri Umesh Mishra, September 9th, Disposed of
Principal,Vanijya Mahavidyalaya, Patna 2016 with direction
against Dainik Jagran, Patna
138. Complaint of Dr. Shankar Kumar, Patna September 9th, Disposed of
against Prabhat Khabar, Patna 2016 with direction
139. Complaint of Shri Jnyana Ranjan Behera, September 9th, Censured
M.D., Balasor, Odisha against Odisha 2016
Khabar, Odisha

161
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
140. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed
All India True Christian Council, Chennai 2016
against the editor, The Hindu
141 Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed
All India True Christian Council, Chennai M 2016
against the editor, The Times of India
142. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed
All India True Christian Council, Chennai 2016
against the editor, Eenadu
143. Complaint of Shri P.P. Bhaskaran, Prabha, September 9th, Disposed of -
Kerala against Editor, Malayala Manorama, 2016 Advised
Ernakulam
144. Complaint of Shri S. Sainadh, Project September 9th, Dismissed
Director, APS Housing Corporation, Kadapa 2016
against the editor, Vartha,
145. Complaint of Shri Dhanapal, Former September 9th, Dismissed
Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable 2016
Endowments Department, Government of
Tamil Nadu against the editor, Dinakaran
Daily, Chennai
146. Complaint of President, Daivagna Brahman September 9th, Disposed of
Sangha, Shimoga, Karnataka against the 2016 being Sub-
editor, Daivaigna Kirana, Kannada monthly. Judice
147. Complaint of Dr. Remani K. Asvini Hospital, September 9th, Dismissed
Kerala against the editor, MalayalaManorama 2016
Daily
148. Complaint of Shri Shaji M. V. P.D. Teacher, September 9th, Dismissed
Government UP School Kalikkadavu, 2016
Karimbam, Kannur against Chief Editor,
Chandrika Daily, Kannur, Kerala
149. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore September 9th, Dismissed
against the editor, Dainik Dabang Duniya, 2016
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
M
150. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore September 9th, Dismissed
against the editor, Dainik Agnibaan, Indore, 2016
Madhya Pradesh

151. Complaint of Shri Purushaindra Kaurav, September 9th, Dismissed

Jabalpur against Editor, Patrika, Jabalpur 2016

162
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
152.. Complaint of Shri Naveen K. litoria, September 9th, Censure
Divisional Secretary, West Central Railway, 2016
Jabalpur against Editor, Railwarta
153. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj, September 9th, Disposed of
Director, Shree Awdhoot Education Society, 2016 with direction
Saket Public School, Gondia against Editor,
The Hitavada, Nagpur
154. Complaint of Shri Prakash Chand Chaudhary, September 9th, Caution
Jaipur, Rajasthan against Editor, Kalwad Times. 2016
155. Complaint of Dr. Shantilal Kothari, President, September 9th, Disposed of
Soghurt Food Products & Co., Nagpur against 2016
Editor, Dainik Bhaskar, Nagpur
156. Complaint of Smt. Tara Kerkar, President September 9th, Dismissed
Savera Trust & Savera Association, Goa 2016
against Editor, Tarun Bharat, Goa
157. Complaint of Shri Nawaz Hafiz Khan against September 9th, Disposed of
Editor, Khabere Aaj Tak 2016 being sub-
judice
158. Complaint of Shri Ravi Shankar, Executive September 9th, Dismissed
Magistrate, Gumla against the Editor, 2016
Hindustan, Ranchi
159. Complaint of Shri Birobrata Acharjee, Assam September 9th, Dismissed
against Editor, Dainik Jugosankho, Assam. 2016
160. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verma, Joint General September 9th, Dismissed
Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory, 2016
Kanpur against Dainik Jagran, Kanpur
161. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verrma, Joint General September 9th, Disposed of
Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory, 2016 with direction
Kanpur against Hindustan, Kanpur.
162. Complaint of Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha, September 9th, Dismissed
lucknow against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida 2016
163. Complaint of Shri Rahul Kumar Singh, September 9th, Dismissed
Varanasi against Dainik Jagran 2016
164. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur Punjab September 9th Dismissed
against Editor, Sangrur Barnala Kesari
165. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur M September 9th, Dismissed
(Punjab) against Editor, Sangrur Barnala 2016
Kesari

163
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
166. Complaint of Shri Gurnam Singh, PPS, Deputy September 9th, Dismissed
Superintendent of Police, Sub Division, GRP 2016
Jalandhar against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar and
Reporter Shri Akhand Parasad
167. Complaint of Shri Jitender Rana, Himachal September 9th, Disposed of
Pradesh against Editor, Divya Himachal, 2016 with direction
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
168. Complaint of Shri Anand Mohan Khare, September 9th, Disposed of as
Branch Manager, ZilaSahkari Bank, 2016 settled
Chatarpur, Madhya Pradesh against Editor,
Dainik Parihar Garjana, Madhya Pradesh
169. Complaint of Shri Gurkripal Singh, Hoshiarpur September 9th, Disposed of
against Editor, Punjabi Tribune Chandigarh 2016 with direction
170. Complaint of Shri S.P. Yadav, IOFS (Retd.) September 9th, Censured
Jabalpur against Pradesh Today 2016
171. Complaint of Shri D.K. Chopra, November 17th, Dismissed
New Delhi against Samvada, New 2016 being devoid of
Delhi. merit
172. Complaint of Shri Neeraj Saxena, Advocate November 17th, Dismissed with
against Hindustan Times, New Delhi 2016 direction
173. Complaint of Shri Jalaj Srivastava, Additional November 17th, Dismissed
Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers 2016
Welfare, New Delhi against Editor, Times of
India, New Delhi
174. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sanwaria, November 17th, Dismissed
Chandigarh against Indian Express, Haryana. 2016
175. Complaint of Shri Sunkari Janardhan Goud, November 17th, Disposed of
Advocate, Hyderabad against Editor, 2016 being sub-
Outlook, New Delhi judice
176. Complaint of Shri Ashwin Hirani, Mumbai November 17th, Disposed of
against Editor, Sandesh, Mumbai. 2016 with direction
177. Complaint of Aamani Group, Ahmedabad, November 17th, Censured
Gujarat against Editor, the Sandesh. 2016
178. Complaint of Shri Kailash Kumar Agarwal, November 17th, Disposed
Dhanbad, Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik 2016 of with
Jagran, Hindustan. observation

164
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
179. Complaint of Shri Gajendra Singh, Siligudi, November 17th, Withdrawn
West Bengal against Aapka Teesta Himalaya, 2016
Siligudi, West Bengal
180. Complaint of Shri Vidyanand, Hajipur, November 17th, Dismissed
Vaishali, Bihar against Editor, Prabhat 2016 being Sub-
Khabar Judice
181. Complaint of Shri Rajan Puzari, Ex-Founder November 17th, Dismissed
Secretary, Dergaon Journalists Association, 2016
Golaghat, Assam against Editor, Asomia
Pratidin
182. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Bhadauria, November 17th, Censured
Authorized Representative, Jindal Steel & 2016
Power ltd., Hissar, Haryana against the
Editor, DNA, Mumbai
183. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balram, Kerala Pranth November 17th, Caution
Saha Sangh, Vrindavan, Kannur against 2016
Editor, Deshabhimani
184. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram, November 17th, Censured
Kerala, Kannur against the Editor, 2016
Deshabhimani
185. Complaint of Shri Ambris Gaud, Senior November 17th, Dismissed for
Superintendent, Central Jail, Naini, Allahabad 2016 non-pursuance
against Dainik Jagran
186. Complaint of Shri Shamim Uddin, Additional November 17th, Dismissed on
Secretary, Government of Madhya 2016 merits
Pradesh, Bhopal against editor, Nav Dunia,
Bhopal
187. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports, November 17th, Dismissed
Chennai against the editor, Surya Daily, 2016
Vijayawada
M
188. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports, Chennai November 17th, Dismissed
against the editor, Akshara Spandana 2016
newspaper, Vijayawada
189. Complaint of Jethanand Tarachand November 17th, Censured
Karamchandani against the editor, Crime Aur 2016
Kalam, Ulhasnagar
190. Complaint of Shri U.K. Pal, Freelance November 17th, Disposed
Journalist, Rourkela, Odisha against the 2016 of with the
Editor, Samaja direction

165
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
191. Complaint of Kothari Medical & Research November 17th, Dismissed
Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan against the 2016
Editor, Dainik Bhaskar
192. Complaint of Shri. N.l. Singh, lucknow, November 17th, Disposed of
UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran. 2016 with caution

193. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against November 17th, Dismissed on

the editors, Dainik Jagran 2016 merits
M
194. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against November 17th, Dismissed on
the editor, Hindustan 2016 merits
195. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on
Delhi against the Editor, Times of India, 2016 merits
New Delhi
196. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on
Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits
Mumbai Mirror
197. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on
Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits
Ahmedabad Mirror
198. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on
Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, Pune 2016 merits
Mirror M
199. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on
Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits
Navbharat Times
200. Complaint of Shri B.R. Prasad, Former November 17th, Dismissed on
Commissioner, Allahabad, UP against 2016 merits
United Bharat
201 Complaint of Shri Gajendra Pandey, Bhimpur, November 17th, Disposed of
Deoria, U.P against the editor, Dainik Jagran, 2016 with direction
Gorakhpur, U.P.
202. Complaint of Shri Surendra Tripathi against November 17th , Dismissed on
the editor, United Bharat Akhbar 2016 merit

203. Complaint of Shri Haridasan Mathilakath, November 17th, Regret

Mumbai against Editor, Hindustan 2016 expressed –
proceeding
dropped

166
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
204. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, merits
(a) Dainik Bhaskar, (Gwalior& Shivpuri
Edition)
205. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (b) Nav merits
Duniya, Bhopal Edition
206. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (c) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Bhopal Edition
207. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (d) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Ujjain Edition
208. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (e) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Sagar Edition
M
209. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (f) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Indore Edition
210 Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (g) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Satna Edition
211. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (h) Dainik merits
Bhaskar, Raipur Edition
212. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (i) Nai merits
Duniya, Indore Edition
213. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on
Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, merits
(j) Danik Bhaskar, Jabalpur Edition,
M.P
214. Complaint of Mahant Gyan Das, Disciple of March 3, 2017 Disposed of
late Shri Shayamdas, Akhil Bhartiya Panch with direction
Ramanandiya, Faizabad, Hanuman Garhi,
Ayodhya, U.P. against the Editor, Dainik
Zimmedar
215. Complaint of Shri Kamal Sharma, OSD, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Tirthankar Mahavir University, Muradabad, being – Sub -
UP against the Editor, Parivartanka Daur Judice

167
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
216. Complaint of Dr. K.S. Gupta, Senior March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Consultant, District Hospital, Bareilly, merit
UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran.
217. Complaint of Shri A.K. Singh, lieutenant March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Colonel, Officer Commanding, Supply as rebuttal
Depot Bareilly, UP against the Editor, published
Dainik Jagran, Bareilly, UP

218. Complaint of Smt. Yamini Krishana March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Chhattar, Assistant Operator, Jawaharlal merit
Nehru Krishi Vishvavidyalaya,
Jabalpur, MP against the Editor, Nai
Duniya
219. Complaint of Shri Parisdeshmukh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Badmer, Rajasthan against the Editor, merit
Dainik Bhaskar
220. Complaint of Senior Superintendent of March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Prisons, Moradabad, UP against the Editor,
Amar Ujala, UP
221. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed
MP against Dainik Jagran, (Satya Katha), of – with
Bhopal Edition observation
222. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed
MP against the Editor, Haribhumi, Bhopal of – with
Edition observation
223. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed
MP against the Editor, The Pioneer, Bhopal of – with
Edition M observation

224. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed

MP against the Editor, Hindustan Times, of – with
Bhopal Edition observation
225. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed
MP against the Editor, Agniban, Bhopal of – with
Edition observation
226. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed
MP against the Editor, Navbharat of – with
observation

168
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision

227. Complaint of Shri Ramsagar, Begusarai, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Bihar against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan, merit
Bihar

228. Complaint of Shri Amrendra Kumar, March 3, 2017 Disposed of

Bhagalpur against the Editor, Dainik with direction
Jagran and Shri lalan Rai, Journalist

229. Complaint of Ms. Nargis Khan, Former, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

SHO, Meerut, UP against the Editor Dainik merit
Jagran

230. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Kumar Jain, UP March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the Editor, Amar Ujala merit

231. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Kaushik, Chief March 3, 2017 Censured

Manager, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur
against the Editor, Burean Times

232. Complaint of Smt. Javitri Devi, Counsellor, March 3, 2017 Censured

Malkhan Singh District Hospital, Aligarh,
UP against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Aligarh,
UP

233. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Jansatta merit

234. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Punjab Kesari merit

235. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Rajasthan Patrika merit

236. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar merit

237. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Sanjeevni Today merit

238. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, Deshbandhu merit

169
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
239. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
against the editor, Chakravyuh India merit

240. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

against the editor, The Goan merit
241. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Dehradun against the editor, Indian merit
Express
242. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Dehradun against the editor, Gomantak merit
Times
243. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Dehradun against the editor, Times of M merit
India
244. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Dehradun against the editor, Goa merit
Herald
245. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Dehradun against the editor, Nav Hind merit
Times
246. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi
and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The
Editor, Kalptaru Express
247. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi
and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The
Editor, Punjab Kesari M
248. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi
and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The
Editor, Rajasthan Patrika
249. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi
and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The
Editor, Asian Age

170
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
250. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Mail Today
251. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of
India regarding legislative Assembly of
Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor,
The Editor, Dainik Aas Pass, Rajasthan
252. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran
253. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
M
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Dainik
Navjyoti
254. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Rajasthan
Patrika
255. Reference received from Shri Rahul Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission March 3, 2017
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Samachar Jagar,
Rajasthan
256. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Dainik
Bhaskar

171
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
257. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Bureau Sandesh,
Rajasthan
258. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Punjab
Kesari
259. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Dainik
Bhor
260. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
M
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Rashtradoot
Rajasthan
261. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Dainik Naya
India
262. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Mahanagar
Mail
263. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Dainik Kelo
Pravah

172
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
264. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Dainik
Jankarm

265. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Royal
Bulletin
266. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Dainik
Prayan

267. Reference received from Shri Rahul M March 3, 2017 Dismissed

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Rashtriya
Sahara
268. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Aaj
269. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Sachchai Ka
Khulasa
270. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Mudgal Times

173
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
271. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi
and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The
Editor, Hindustan
272. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative
Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013
against the editor, The Editor, Royal
Bulletin
273. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against
the editor, The Editor, Chaugamaki
Awaz
274. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission M
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Jan Sandesh
275. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Hindustan
276. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Ratnagiri Times
277. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran

174
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
278. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Various Newspapers

279. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed
U.S. to Election Commission of India
regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and
Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor,
Hindustan
M
280. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The Editor, Indian Express

281. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission
of India regarding legislative Assembly
of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the
editor, The editor, Dausa Gazette

282. Complaint of Shri Saurabh Swami, Regional March 3, 2017 Censured

P.F. Commissioner, Grade II, EPFO, Haryana
against the Editor, Times of India, New
Delhi.

283. Complaint of Shri Krishan Kumar, President, March 3, 2017 Censured

SirsaBardana Manufacturer, Haryana against
the Editor, Total Haryana News

284. Complaint of Shri Harish Sharma, Counsellor, March 3, 2017 Censured

Panipat, Haryana against the Editor, Sughav
Vani, Panipat, Haryana

285. Complaint of Shri Ashok Singh, Jalore, March 3, 2017 Disposed of

Rajasthan against the Editor, MarwadPrahari, with direction
Jalore, Rajasthan

286. Complaint of Shri Kiran Singh, New Delhi March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
against the Editor, Punjab Kesari merit

287. Complaint of The Kalgidhar Trust, New Delhi March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
against the Editor Amar Ujala merit

175
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision

288. Complaint of Shri Alok Bhatnagar & March 3, 2017 Disposed off
Mukesh Babu, New Delhi against the Editor,
Inderprastha News

289. Complaint of Shri Kedarnath Saini, Incharge, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Rajkiya Krishi Beej Bhandar, Hilauli, UP merit
against the Editor, Dainik Jagran

290. Complaint of Ms. Jasneet Kaur, Janakpuri, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan merit

291. Complaint of Col. Shivraj, Convenor, Poster March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Hatao Campaign, New Delhi against the Editor, merit
Times of India, Delhi

292. Complaint of Dr.Dipyendu K. Roy, Kolkata March 3, 2017 Disposed of

against the Editor, Anand Bazar Patrika with direction

293. Complaint of Shri Yunus Patel, Indore, March 3, 2017 Censured

Madhya Pradesh against the Editor, Prabhat
Kiran

294. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik merit
Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar.
M
295. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on
Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik merit
Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar

296. Complaint of Smt, Usha, Ratlam, Madhya March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

Pradesh against the Editor, Shabd merit
Exclusive

297. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer, March 3, 2017 Dismissed

Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, MP against
the Editor, Nai Duniya

298. Complaint of Dr. Chandra Mohan Jha, Vice March 3, 2017 Dismissed
Chancellor, Meghalaya against the Editor,
Shillong Times

176
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
Paid News
299. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Jag Utthan, Delhi
300. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Punjab Kesari,
Delhi
301. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, June 10th, Dismissed
U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of 2016
India, New Delhi against the Editor, Nayak
Bharti, Delhi
302. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Jagrook Times,
Jaipur (Raj.)
303. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, June 10th, Dismissed
U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of 2016
India, New Delhi against the Editor, Naya India,
Bhilwada (Raj.).
304. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Rashtradoot,
Jaipur.
305. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Metro Bites, Jaipur
(Raj.)
306. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Navjyoti,
Ajmer (Raj.)
307. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Angad,
Bundi (Raj)
308. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Pratahkaal, Udaipur
(Raj.)

177
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
309. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Ambar,
Jhunjhunu (Raj.)
310. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Nagaur Ki Awaz,
Nagaur (Raj.)
311. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Jalte Deep, Jodhpur
(Raj.)
312. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan
Border, Pali (Raj.)
313. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Marudhar Bhoomi,
Tonk (Raj.)
314. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Sarwan
Khabar, Tonk (Raj.)
315. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016
Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan, New Delhi
316. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, New 2016
Delhi against the Editor, Sandhya JyotiDarpan,
Jaipur (Raj.)
317. Reference received from the Collector, District June 10th, Dismissed
Election Officer and President, District Level 2016
MCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh
regarding publication of an alleged ‘Paid News’
in Swadesh newspapers
M
318. Reference received from the Collector, District June 10th, Dismissed
Election Officer and President, District Level 2016
MCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh
regarding publication of an alleged ‘Paid News’
in rakhar newspapers

178
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
319. Reference received from the Collector and June 10th, Dismissed
President, District Level MCMC, Office of the 2016
Collector/District Election Officer, Sivani, M.P.
regarding publication of allegedly ‘Paid News’ in
Samvad Kunj newspaper
320. Reference received from Shri A.S. June 10th, Dismissed
Mawkhiew, Under Secretary to the 2016 for non -
Government of Meghalaya, Elections pursuance
Department and Assistant Chief Electoral
Officer, Meghalaya, Shillong regarding
publication of allegely ‘Paid News’ in
U-Rupang, Shillongnewspaper
M
321. Reference received from Shri A.S. Mawkhiew, June 10th, Dismissed
Under Secretary to the Government of 2016 for non -
Meghalaya, Elections Department and pursuance
Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya,
Shillong regarding publication of allegely
‘Paid News’ in U-Kynjastshai, Shillong
newspaper
322. Suo-motu action on reference received from September Dismissed
Election Commission of India against “Amrit 9th, 2016 on merit
India” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’
during General Elections to legislative Assembly
of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news
323. Suo-motu action on reference received from September Dismissed
Election Commission of India against “Inquilab” 9th, 2016 on merit
for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during
General Elections to legislative Assembly of
Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news
324. Suo-motu action on reference received September Dismissed
from Election Commission of India against 9th, 2016
“SidhiKhabar” for publication of alleged ‘Paid
News’ during General Elections to legislative
Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news
325. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 9th, 2016 on merit
General Election-2014 against Dainik Rajasthan
Statement
326. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Dainik Janvani

179
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
327. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Muzaffarnagar
Bulletin, Muzaffarnagar
328. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Dainik Shram Bindu,
Raipur
329. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida
330. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Bijnore Times,
Bijnore.
331. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Jhansi Vaarta,
Jhansi
332. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Rashtriya Swaroop,
lucknow
333. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit
Election-2014 against Editor, Surya Prabha,
Odishaa
334. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 9th, 2016 on merit
General Election-2014 against Editor, Janvani,
Bhubaneshwar
335. Shri Ramesh Kumar, Returning Officer & September Dismissed
Collector, Daman & Diu, Daman against the 9th, 2016
Editor, Asli Azadi, Nani Daman.
336. Complaint of Collector and District Election September Censured
Officer, District Dhar, M.P. against the Editor, 9th, 2016
Dainik Balwas Times, Indore
M
337. Complaint of Collector and District Election September Censured
Officer, District Dhar, M.P. against the Editor, 9th, 2016
Raj Express, Indore

180
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
338. Complaint received from the Collector & D.M. September Censured
Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Pravesh 9th, 2016
Samvad, Sagar
339. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 on merit
New Delhi against Editor, Daudti Dilli, Delhi
340. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016
New Delhi against Editor, Chambhal Surkhee,
Morena, M.P.
341. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against the editor, Shah Alert, 9th, 2016 on merit
Muzaffarnagar
342. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Shri 9th, 2016
India, Banda Uttar Pradesh
M
343. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured
of India, New Delhi against the editor, 9th, 2016
Bundelkhand live, Banda Uttar Pradesh
344. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against the editor, Nayan Jagriti, 9th, 2016 on merit
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
345. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 on merit
Janvaani, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
346. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Vishwa 9th, 2016 on merit
Manavt, Uttar Pradesh
347. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against the editor, Amar Ujala, 9th, 2016 on merit
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
348. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Awam-e- 9th, 2016 on merit
Hind, Delhi
349. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against the editor, City Times, 9th, 2016 on merit
lucknow
350. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Chingari, 9th, 2016 on merit
Bijnaur, U.P.

181
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
351. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, 9th, 2016 on merit
Karamyug Prakas, Jalaun, U.P.
352. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Roznama 9th, 2016 on merit
Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi
353. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Secretary, Election Commission of India, New 9th, 2016 on merit
Delhi against the Editor, loksatya
354. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Secretary, Election Commission of India, New 9th, 2016 on merit
Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Kota Bureau,
Rajasthan
355. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 on merit
New Delhi against Editor, BPN Times, Dholpur,
Rajasthan
356. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Rajasthan Patrika 9th, 2016
357. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Dainik Taj Bharti, 9th, 2016
Rajasthan
358. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Jan Nayak, 9th, 2016
Rajasthan
359. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016
Samachar Jagat, Gujarat
360. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Prakash 9th, 2016
Kunj, Rajasthant
361. Reference received from Election Commission of September Censured
India, New Delhi against Editor, Seema Sandesh, 9th, 2016
Jaipur, Rajasthan
362. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured
of India, New Delhi against Editor, BadhtiKalam, 9th, 2016
Rajasthan
363. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against Editor, Divya Damak, 9th, 2016
Jalore, Rajasthan

182
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
364. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rajasthan 9th, 2016
Punjab Kesari, Jaipur, Rajasthan
365. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Times 9th, 2016
of India, Jaipur, Rajasthan
366. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Janbaaz 9th, 2016
Patrika, Rajasthan
367. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtra Ka 9th, 2016
Vachan, Kota, Rajasthan
368. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Mevar Times, 9th, 2016
Bhilwara, Rajasthan
369. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Rajasthan 9th, 2016
Dasha, Dausa, Rajasthan
370. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik 9th, 2016
Aas Paas, Junjhnoo, Rajasthan
371. Reference received from , Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Mehkta 9th, 2016
Bharat, Jaipur Rajasthan
372. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, National 9th, 2016
Duniya, Jaipur, Rajasthan
373. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Seema 9th, 2016
Sandesh, Rajasthan.
374. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Tarun 9th, 2016
Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
375. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Morning 9th, 2016
News, Jaipur, Rajasthan
376. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against the editor, Jhalawar 9th, 2016
Samachar, Rajasthan

183
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
377. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission India, 9th, 2016
New Delhi against Dainik Patna Express
378. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016
New Delhi against Morning News, Jaipur
379. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtradoot, 9th, 2016
Jaipur
380. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Surya 9th, 2016
Prabha, Orissa
381. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016
Navbharat, Raipur
382. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Samaj, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Orissa
383. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prajavaadi, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Odissa
384. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaj, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Odissa
385. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016
Swaddin, Raipur
386. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed
India, New Delhi against ,Khabar, Bhubaneshwar, 9th, 2016
Odissa
387. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Sambad, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Odissa
388. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaya, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Odissa
389. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed
of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prameya, 9th, 2016
Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

184
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
390. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non
Navbharat pursuance
391. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Hamara 17th, 2016 for non
Mahanagar pursuance
392. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non
Inquilab pursuance
393. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Urdu M 17th, 2016 for non
Times pursuance
394. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Sahafat 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance
395. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non
Avadhnama pursuance
396. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed
Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non
Yashobhoomi pursuance
397. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, 17th, 2016 for non
Navbharat pursuance
398. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Hamara 17th, 2016 for non
Mahanagar pursuance
399. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Gujarat 17th, 2016 for non
Samachar pursuance
400. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Inquilab, M 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance
401. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Sahafat 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance
402. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Urdu Times, 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance
403. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed
advocate Mumbai against Editor, Avadhnama. 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance

185
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
404. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merit
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, National Duniya
M
405. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merit
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Aaj Samaj
406. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Bharat Sameep
407. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Maru lahar
408. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merits
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Shah Times
409. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merits
regarding publication of paid news against the M
Editor, Maru lehar
410. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission 2017
of India, regarding publication of paid
news against the Editor, Dainik Desh Ki
Dharti
411. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Dainik Raj Vaibhav
412. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Paschimi Sandesh

186
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
413. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission 2017
of India, regarding publication of paid
news against the Editor, Dainik Krantikari
Sandesh
414. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Dainik Metro Bites
415. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Dainik Bhaskar
416. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, M 2017 on merit
regarding publication of paid news against the
editor, Dainik Bhaskar
417. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, National Duniya
418. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Meri Dilli
419. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured
Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017
regarding publication of paid news against the
Editor, Awam-E-Hind
420. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Jag
Utthan
421. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017
election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Veer
Arjun

187
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
422. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017
election- 2014, UP against the editor, Tarun Mitra,
lucknow
423. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured
India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017
election- 2014, UP against the editor, Sachchai
Abhi Tak, UP

424. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017
election- 2014, UP against the editor, Shah Times,
Muzaffarnagar
425. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
BPN Times
426. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editors
Yash Bharat and Raj Express
427. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editors
Yash Bharat and Raj Express
428. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in M 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Dainik Pushp Savera
429. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Muzaffarnagar Ujala
430. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Dainik Hari Bhoomi
431. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Dismissed
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Dainik Hindsat

188
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
432. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Dainik Samay Darshan
433. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Jan Madhyam
M
434. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Disposed
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 of with
General election- 2014, UP against the editor, direction
Shah Times
435. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Dismissed
of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017
General election- 2014, UP against the editor,
Bhartiya Janmanch
436. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Censured
Secretary, Election Commission of India 2017
regarding paid news against the editor, Dainik
Prakash Kunj
437. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Censured
Secretary, Election Commission of India M 2017
regarding paid news against the editor, Raigarh
Sandesh, Raigarh
438. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Dismissed
Secretary, Election Commission of India 2017
regarding paid news against the editor, Sanchar,
Bhubaneshwar
Press and Morality
439. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub Qureshi, Mumbai June 10th, Dismissed
against Shri Syed Zafarul Islam, Chief 2016
Reporter, lahren Fortnightly, Mumbai.
440. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate, Hon. September Disposed of
Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the editor, 9th, 2016
Dainik Bhaskar, Gwalior
M
441. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate, September Disposed of
Hon. Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the 9th, 2016
editor, Nai Dunia, Gwalior

189
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
442. Complaint of Dr. Rajendra Singh Jadeja, General September Dismissed
Secretary, Rajkot District Consumers Protection 9th, 2016 with
Council, Rajkot against Divya Bhaskar, Rajkot. observation
443. Complaint of Prof. K.V. Thomas, Ernakulam September Dismissed
against Editor, Times of India, Mumbai 9th, 2016
444. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil November Disposed
Nadu (through Registrar, NCPCR), New 17th, 2016 of with
Delhi against the Editor, Kalai Kathir observation
445. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed
(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi 17th, 2016 of with
against the Editor, Dinamalar observation
M
446. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed
(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi 17th, 2016 of with
against the Editor, Daily Thanthi observation
447. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed
(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi against 17th, 2016 of with
the Editor, Daily Thanthi. observation
448. Complaint of Shri Suryakant Sharma, Jharkhand November Dismissed
against the Editor, Hindustan. 17th, 2016 for non
pursuance
449. Complaint of Shri Sunjjoy Manohar Dahake, November Disposed
Publisher/Editor, Pune Mirror against BCCl 17th, 2016 off with
observation
Suo-Motu
450. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on lokmat June 10th, Disposed
Officer in Maharashtra & Complaint of Shri 2016 off apology
Kareem Chand Sheikh against Editor, lokmat. published
451. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th, 2016
Dainik Bhaskar
452. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in M 17th, 2016
Rashtirya Sahara
453. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th, 2016
Navbharat Times

190
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
454. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th,
Jansatta 2016
455. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in The November
Mail Today 17th, 2016
456. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in M November
The Pioneer 17th, 2016
457. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in November
Times of India 17th, 2016
458. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped
version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in November
Dainik Tribune 17th, 2016
459. Complaint of Shri Arvind Kumar, Circle Officer November Dismissed for
(III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officer Line, 17th, 2016 being non -
Aligarh against Editor, Dainik Jagran pursuance
460. Complaint of Shri Arvind Kumar, Circle November Dismissed for
Officer(III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officer 17th, 2016 being non -
line, Aligarh against Editor, Dainik pursuance
Jagran
461. Deliberations on objectionable contents of cover November Warned
story published in Outlook. 17th, 2016
462. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Dismissed
Election Commission of India against “Dainik 17th, 2016 with
Jagran” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ observation
during General Elections to legislative Assembly
of Rajasthan - 2013 in the garb of news
463. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Dismissed on
Election Commission of India against “Rahat 17th, 2016 merits
Times” for allegedly publishing ‘Paid News’
during General Elections to the lok Sabha-2014
in the garb of news
464. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Censured
Election Commission of India against the Editor, 17th, 2016
Janta Union for publication of an alleged “Paid
News” during General Elections 2014 in the garb
of news

191
Sl. Parties Date of Category
No. Decision
Communal, Casteist, Anti National and Anti Religious Writing
465. Complaint of Shri Kuldip Singh Bawa, September Disposal of
Representative, Shiromani Gurudwara 9th, 2016 Sub-Judice
Prabhandhak Committee, Amritsar against
Editor, Rozana Spokesman, Mohali, Punjab
466. Complaint of Smt. Meena through Delhi November Censured
Commission for Women against Ashoka 17th, 2016
Express
467. Complaint of Shri Saji lal, Trivandrum against November Dismissed on
the Editor, Mathrubhoomi 17th, 2016 merits

468. Complaint of Shri Ashish Gupta, Gwalior, November Dismissed on

M.P. against the Editor, Hindustan Times, New 17th, 2016 merits
Delhi

192
 Annexure - G

Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudication in Complaints

Regarding Threats to Press Freedom
Harassment of Newsmen
l Conversation over telephone having tone and toner of intimidation
and threatening language by the authorities with the journalists
amounts to threat to press freedom
(Complaint of Shri Shailendra Mishra, Reporter, Dainik Raj Express,
Bhind, Madhya Pradesh against Collector, Bhind, Adjudication dated
September 9, 2016)
l Any Complaint of a journalist against police official(s) ought to
be supervised by an official, higher than the officer against whom
complaint is made.
(Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi, Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP
against the Police Authorities, Adjudication dated March 3, 2017)
l Action of District Magistrate in not allowing journalists in the office
for collecting news amounts to curtailment of press freedom
(Complaint of Shri Satyaprakash, Office Incharge, Dainik Hindustan,
Banka, Bihar, against District Collector, Banka, Bihar, Adjudication
dated March 3, 2017)

193
 Annexure - H

Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudication in

Complaints Filed Against the Press

Principle and Publication ฀

l Personal animosity should not be reflected in a news item

(Complaint of Shri Pashupati Nath Gupt, District President, Akhil
Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, Complaint of Shri Gopal Arya, Rashtirya
Swayamsevak Sangh, New Delhi against The Hindu, Adjudication dated
September 9, 2016)

l The newspaper should give due credit to the Photographer whose photo
work has been published by the newspaper

(Complaint of Shri U.K. Pal, Freelance Journalist, Rourkela, Odisha

against the Editor, Samaja, Adjudication dated November 17 , 2016)

l Editor may have a right to edit a ‘letter to editor’ but such editing should not
deviate from the intended view

(Complaint of Shri Haridasan Mathilakath, Mumbai against Editor,

Hindustan, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

l Bearing in mind the clear distinction between a ‘news report’ and an ‘

opinion article’, the Editor has a liberty to edit an article but this liberty
cannot be extended so as to delete the vital part or core contents of the
article without seeking permission of the author, which may distort the
intent, purpose and meaning behind the article.

(Complaint of Shri Hormuz P. Mama, Mumbai against the Editor, Economic

Times, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

l An author cannot question the critical review of a book, unless it is

actuated by malafide, simply because some of the editors and scholars have
commended the book, would not mean thatother critiques have no right to
express a contrary view

(Complaint of Ms. Jyoti Sabharwal, Author & Publisher, Stellar, New

Delhi against the editor, India Today, New Delhi, Adjudication dated
September 9, 2016)

194
l A news item published on the basis of book may not be in tune with general
belief of the members of religious organization but on this ground alone the
news item cannot be termed as illegal and unethical.

(Complaints of Shri E. Vijay Paul, President, All India True Christian

Council, Chennai against the editor, The Hindu, The Times of India, Eanad,
Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

l Newspapers are required to give the context in which the statement is made
by a political leader, but this does not extend to the liberty of giving it a
meaning of their own.

l Newspaper should bear in mind that their duty is to collect the news and
place it in perspective but not to create news.

Suo-motu cognizance for publishing distorted version of Shri V.K. Singh’s

statement in various newspapers, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

l Wrongly attributing historically incorrect remarks of grave nature to a

political leader, which have far reaching repercussions without applying
due diligence calls for severe action. The publication ought to verify the
source of such statement at pre-publication stage.

(Suo-motu congnizance on objectionable contents of cover story published

in Outlook, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

Paid News
l Columns of news items which largely indicate name of voters on Caste
basis and supporters of the candidate of particular political party, such tenor
and manner of presentation of news establish the report to be paid news.
(Suo-motu action on reference received from Election Commission of India
against the Editor, Janta Union for publication of an alleged “Paid News”
during General Elections 2014 in the garb of news, Adjudication dated
November 17, 2016)
l Two newspapers publishing same news item verbatim during election days
is not accidental and it is evident that such news items have been published
for consideration.
(Complaint of Collector and District Election Officer, District Dhar, M.P.
against the Editor, Dainik Balwas Times, Indore, Adjudication dated
September 9, 2016)

195
l Manner of presentation of a news item that too in favour of a particular party
as also the appeal for voting in favour of a particular party is suggestive of
paid news.

(Complaint received from the Collector & D.M. Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
against Editor, Pravesh Samvad, Sagar, Adjudication dated September 9,
2016)

l Projecting a candidate’s success in Election who is yet to file a nomination

is suggestive of paid news.

(Suo-motu action on reference received from Election Commission of India

against “Sidhi Khabar” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during
General Elections to Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb
of news, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

l News Reports on Campaign meeting and states enthusiasm because film

star were present cannot be termed as paid news.

(Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against

the editor, Rajasthan Dasha, Dausa, Rajasthan, Adjudication dated
September 9, 2016)

Communal, Casteist

l Caricature of a deity to depict a political scenario at relevant time cannot be

said to be objectionable.

(Complaint of Shri Saji Lal, Trivandrum against the Editor, Mathrubhoomi

Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

196