Press Council of India

Subject : Polity

Section: National body

Context: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that now time for Press Council of India to not show teeth, but to bite.

What is Press Council of India(PCI):

The Press Council of India (PCI) was initially established in 1966 on the recommendations of the First Press Commission, chaired by Justice J.R. Mudholkar, as mandated by the Parliament.
The current council operates under the framework of the Press Council Act of 1978, serving as a statutory, quasi-judicial entity entrusted with the role of overseeing the press in India.

What is the composition of Press Council of India(PCI):

It consists of a Chairman and 28 other members.
The Chairman is nominated by a committee consisting of Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, and one representative of the council
The Chairman, by convention, has been a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
The term of the Chairman and the members of the Council is 3 years.

What is the power of Press Council of India(PCI):

Adjudication Scope:
- The Press Council of India handles complaints either against the Press for violating journalistic ethics or by the Press for interference with its freedom.
Jurisdiction and Powers:
- The council possesses uniform authority across India, equivalent to the powers vested in a Civil court during the trial of a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Legal Standing of Inquiries:
- Every inquiry conducted by the council is legally recognized as a judicial proceeding under sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code.
Finality of Decisions:
- Decisions made by the Press Council of India are considered conclusive, and they cannot be contested or challenged in any court of law.

What are the functions of Press Council of India(PCI):

Monitoring Media Practice:
- The primary objective is to scrutinize media practices and oversee the freedom of the press.
Preserving Newspaper Independence:
- Aiding newspapers in maintaining their independence is a key function of the organization.
Establishing a Code of Conduct:
- The organization is tasked with developing a code of conduct for journalists and newspapers, aligning with high professional standards.
Assessing Developments Impacting News Dissemination:
- Regularly reviewing developments that have the potential to limit the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and importance.
Foreign Assistance Cases:
- Examining cases where newspapers or news agencies in India receive assistance from foreign sources, as referred by the Central Government.
Facilitating Journalism Education and Training:
- Providing facilities to ensure proper education and training for individuals in the journalism profession.
Addressing Ownership Concentration:
- Studying developments that may lead to the monopoly or concentration of newspaper ownership and suggesting appropriate remedies.