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 IndiaSoochna 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

Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan

Weekly Tej,

Urdu

New Delhi

Shri Bipin Newar All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference and

Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan

Chaapte Chaapte

Hindi Daily,

West Bengal

Shri Uttam Chandra

Sharma

Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and

All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference

Muzaffarnagar Bulletin,

Hindi Daily

Muzaffarnagar, U.P.

Dr. Suman Gupta Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and

All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference

Janmorcha,

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),

Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s

Association

Freelancer, Journalist,

Hyderabad

Shri Prabhat Kumar

Dash

Indian Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists (I),

Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s

Association

Pratidin

Odia Daily,

Odisha

Shri Rajeev Ranjan

Nag

Press Association, Working News Cameramen’s

Association, Indian Journalists Union and National Union

of Journalists (I)

Aaj Samaj, Hindi Daily,

New Delhi

Shri Prajnananda

Chaudhuri

National Union of Journalists(I), Indian Journalists Union,

Press Association and Working News Cameramen’s

Association

Ananda Bazar Patrika,

Kolkata

Shri S.N. Sinha Indian Journalists Union, Working News Cameramen’s

Association, National Union of Journalists(I) and Press

Association

Photo Journalist,

(Freelancer)

New Delhi

Shri Sondeep Shankar Working News Cameramen’s Association, Indian

Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists(I) and

Press Association

Photo Journalist,

(Freelancer)

New Delhi

Shri C.K. Nayak Press Association, Indian Journalists Union, Working

News Cameramen’s Association and National Union of

Journalists(I)

The Shillong Times,

Shillong

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.

Cama

Indian Newspaper Society The Bombay Samachar,

Gujarati Daily,

Mumbai

Shri Ravindra Kumar Indian Newspaper Society The Statesman, English

Daily, Kolkata

Shri Kundan Raman

lal Vyas

Indian Newspaper Society, Association of Small and

Medium Newspapers of India and All India Small and

Medium Newspapers Federation

Kutch Mitra, Gujarati

Daily, Kutchh (Bhuj),

Gujarat

Shri Gurinder Singh All India Small and Medium Newspapers Federation,

Indian Newspaper Society and Association of Small and

Medium Newspapers of India

Indian Observer,

English Fortnightly,

New Delhi

Shri Vijay Kumar

Chopra

Indian Newspaper Society, All India Small and Medium

Newspapers Federation and Association of Small and

Medium Newspapers of India

Hind Samachar, Hindi

Daily, Jalandhar

Shri Keshav Dutt

Chandola

Association of Small and Medium Newspapers of India,

Indian Newspaper Society and All India Small and

Medium Newspapers Federation

Rajput Maryada,

Hindi Weekly,

Kanpur

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

Shri G. Sudhakar

Nair

The Press Trust of India limited Editor

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

Sharma

Bar Council of India

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 GazetteNotificationdated28.4.2016-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.

Inthefinancialyear,2016-2017,thePressCouncilofIndiahasperformedmulti-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

filedwith theCouncil; fororevenagainst thepress.Thecomplaintsare received fromdifferent 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

Councilhasplayedasignificantroleinbeinganadvisorybodytothelegislatureandotherauthorities 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/issuefromanobjectiveviewpoint,reflectingalldimensionsofanissue.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, inefficientmanagementaddedwitha lackofassuranceofsafety 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.Tofacilitatenewspapersmaintainfinancialstability,theCouncilhassubmittedits 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.

Inseveralmattersofthissort, theCouncilhasformedanindependentfact-findingteamto 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

wellasthemasses,regardingthesignificanceoftherationaluseoffreedomofspeechandexpression 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

completeditsfiftyyearsoffunctioning.IngoldenjubileecelebrationthePressCouncilsofBangladesh, 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

personnelreportingfromconflictareas.

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

theregionthroughuseofmediaandpublicdiplomacy,thePressCouncilofIndiafinallyheldthefirstmeetingoftheproposedbody–theSouthAsianAllianceofPressCouncilsin 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 thedictums 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

NotificationdatedApril28,2016,haslaiddownarevisedfeesstructuretobelevieduponthe registerednewspapersandnewsagenciesand thishasdefinitely led to thefinancialstrengthening 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

Reportwouldbe informativeandfulfill theobjectivesof theestablishmentof thePressCouncil of India.

New Delhi Chandramauli Kumar Prasad

March 31, 2017 Chairman

Press Council of India

1

Chapter–IGeneral 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 representingthe readers’ interest. Three of these members belong to the category of persons

having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of education, science,

2

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.

ThetermoftheofficeoftheChairmanandthemembersisthreeyears.

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.

ThecomplaintsreceivedbytheCouncilbroadlyfallintotwocategories;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.

3

Ontheotherhand,ifitfindsthatanewspaperoranewsagencyhasoffendedagainst 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-

sionsarefinalandcannotbequestionedinanycourtoflaw.Thedecisionsanddirections 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

despitetheirfinancialsupport.

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

4

received in response and under scrutiny for recognition of eligible organization

thatwillbeinvitedtofilepanelofnamesofmembersforthenextterm.

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

1. Shri Ramesh Gupta

2. Shri Uttam Chandra Sharma

3. Shri Prakash Dubey

4. Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash

5. Shri Rajeev Ranjan Nag

6. Shri S. N. Sinha

7. Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri

8. Shri Ravindra Kumar

9. Shri Kundan Raman lal Vyas

10. Shri Keshav Dutt Chandola

11. Shri Pankaj Vohra

12. Dr. K. Sreenivasa rao

13. Shri Prabhat Jha, M.P. (Rajya Sabha)

14. *Shri Pratap Simha, M.P. (Lok Sabha)

Inquiry Committee - II

1. Shri Bipin Newar

2. Dr. Suman Gupta

3. Shri Krishna Prasad

4. Shri Kosuri Amarnath

5. Shri C.K. Nayak

6. Shri Sondeep Shankar

7. Shri Hormusji N. Cama

8. Shri Gurinder Singh

9. Shri Vijay Kumar Chopra

10. Shri G. Sudhakar Nair

11. Shri Apurba Kumar Sharma

12. Smt. Meenakshi lekhi, M.P.

(lok Sabha)

13. Vacant14. Vacant

*Membership ceased w.e.f 9.9.2016

5

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,withregardtothecasesinquiredinto,totheCouncilforfinaldecision.Inthe8meetingsheldduringthefinancialyear,theCommitteesmaderecommendations in 539 matterstotheCouncilforfinaladjudicationofthesaidmatters.

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 Recommendation18(1) Circulation

certified by ABC/RNI

The Council is of the opinion that a newspaper cannot

be forced to be member of ABC, a private body, for

getting its circulation certified by it. The Council,therefore, recommends that ABC certification not bemade mandatory, which it becomes because of delays

inRNIcertification.

6

The experience of the Council is that RNI takes a lot

of time in issuance of circulation certificate and forthat the newspapers have to unnecessarily suffer. The

Council has no objection if the criteria of circulation to

becertifiedbyRNIiscontinued,providedthatsuchacertificateisissuedbytheRNIwithin90daysfromthedate thenewspapersmakeapplicationforcertificationofitscirculation.Incase, it isnotcertifiedbytheRNIwithin the said period, the circulation claimed by the

newspaper shall be deemed to admitted.

18(2) Subscription

to wire service

of UNI or PTI

or Hindustan

Samachar

The Council recommends for expanding the wire

services to include all news/photo/cartographic

agencies, accredited by the Central Government or any

State Government.

18(3) Printing at

own press

The Council is of the opinion that no incentive be given

for owning printing press.

25(d) and (e) Suspension &

Recoveries

May be amended to read, “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”.

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)

7

(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

inWritPetition(Criminal)No.184of2014–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 makeprovision 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

8

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.

Thereafterhowever,onespecificcaseofrestriction/actionagainstajournalistofFrontline 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

eruptedintheinstituteanditsrepercussionsandramificationswerefeltthroughoutthe country as most of the students belong to the states other than J&K. Immediately,

aftertheincidentateamofofficerswassentbytheMinistryofHRDtomonitorthesituation 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

9

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

blankrangebyunidentifiedassailantson13.5.2016.

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.

10

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

supportersofJDU’sMLC-ShriHeeraPrasadenteredtheofficeofJagranlocatedin 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

oneknownandfourunknownpersons.TheInvestigationOfficerstates that theinvestigation is going on and Report in terms of section 173 of Cr. P.C. shall be

filedwithinamonth.

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

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

11

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-

12

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

mettheDistrictCollector,whopasseddirectiontotheSHOforfilingtheFIRandto 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

theofficeandprintingpressandmediapersonsofMathrubhumi,nationaldailyin 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

protestdemonstrationandaroadblock.Theprotestersalsoransackedtheofficeandtheprintingpressanddamagedsomevehicleparkedintheoffice.

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

criminalforcebrokethemaingateandtrespassedintotheirofficeanddestroyedthe window panes, pelted huge stones at the glass doors and partitions,

toppledanddamagedtheofficefurnitureandalsothreatenedtokilltheirstaffincluding 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

ofcoveringanaccidentwhichoccurredjustoutsidetheirKottakaloffice.He

13

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 threejournalistsreturnedtoofficeandthereafterwithoutanyrhymeorreason,theangrymobstormedintotheofficebyforciblyopeningthegate,attackingthesecurity guards carrying dangerous weapons and pelted stones. He had further

allegedthattheyalsodestroyedofficecomputerandsnatchedvaluablepapersand documents. A car of their News editor was also stolen by the mob. He

hadintimatedthattheyimmediatelyfiledpolicecomplaintandthepoliceisinvestigating 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

havebeenarrested.TheInquiryCommitteewassatisfiedwiththeactiontakenby 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

bythepoliceinsidehisofficepremisesasalsointhepolicestation.

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.

14

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-ShriKishoreDavewasmurdered inhisJunagadhofficeonMondaynight, 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,

RohtasDistrict(Bihar),whowasshotdeadbythreemotorcycleborneunidentifiedassailants 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

appropriatereportshallbefiled.Notingtheabovefacts the matter was dropped by

the Council on the recommendation of the Inquiry Committee.

15

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,

DainikAryavrat,DarbhangaDistrictofBihar,shotdeadbyunidentifiedassailantson 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

Hindidaily,whowasshotdeadbyunidentifiedassailantson3.1.2017inSalakhnivillage 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.

16

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 sufficientgrounds for holding inquiries or non-pursuance; withdrawal or on accountof matters having become sub-judice. Out of these 1567 matters two matters

17

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

18

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

honourstoShriRenjithJohn,DeepikaDaily,Kerala,SpecialMentionCertificateto 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

SpecialMentionCertificatetoShriVijayVerma,PhotoJournalist,PressTrustofIndia in Single News Picture. Honours to Smt. Renuka Puri, Photo Journalist, The

Indian Express for Photo Journalism Award in Photo Feature. Honours to Shri

BaijuPoulose,Artist,MalayalamManoramaandSpecialMentionCertificate toShri 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 themedia crewof both countries should unitedly face the menances confronting them in profes-

sional duties. A Joint Statement issued to the Media by Bangladesh Press Council

andPressCouncilofIndiaonconclusionoftheofficialvisitonmutuallyagreedpoints.

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

19

Press Council. Indian delegation led by Chairman, Press Council of India, Mr Jus-

ticeChandramauliKumarPrasad,metwiththeofficersoftheSAARCSecretariatbased 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

officialuse.TheofficeofthePressCouncilofIndiahasbeennotifiedundersection10(4)of theOfficialLanguageRules,1976(asamended,1987)forachievingatarget of 80% working knowledge of Hindi.

Regular meetings of the Council’s Official Language ImplementationCommittee were conducted during every quarter. Quarterly workshops relating to

officiallanguagewereorganizedforthebenefitofitsemployees.Simultaneously,arrangementshadbeenmadetosendofficialsoftheCounciltovarioustrainingprogrammes 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

transactingtheofficialworkoftheunioninHindi.

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

September19,2016.On thisoccasion,somedocumentaryfilmswereshown inthe 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&certificatesunder‘HindiProtsahanYojana’fortheirvaluablecontributioninpromotinguseofHindilanguageintheofficepracticesandproceduresviaHindinoting,draftingandtyping.Inaddition,Certificateswerealsogiventoconcernedemployees who performed well in Hindi typing training during the year 2015-

2016.

20

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

fromnewspapersandperiodicalsregisteredwiththeRNIandnewsagencies;and2) 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

GazetteofIndia,NotificationdatedApril28,2016publishedinGazetteofIndia(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

TheSecretaryofthePressCouncilofIndiaistheChiefVigilanceOfficeroftheoffice.ThevigilancesetupoftheCouncil,consistingofUnderSecretary(Admn.) and Section Officer (Admn.) functioned under the direct supervisionof the Secretary (CVO) and Chairman of the Council. It conducted regular and

surprise checks to prevent/ combat any corruption practices in the Secretariat.

21

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.and5.00p.m.intheoffice.ThestaffrelatedgrievancesareattendedtobytheStaffGrievanceOfficeroftheCouncilbeingtheDeputySecretary.

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

detailsof theorganization is available in theofficialwebsiteof theCouncilundergoing 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 andadopt technological advancement providing competitive pricing without

compromisingeitheronthesocialresponsibilitiesorcorporateprofits

Given below are collections of reports that cover important development

intheworldoftheIndianPressduringtheyearunderreview–

22

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)

FrenchambassadorAlexandreZiegleronWednesdayconferredtheOfficierde l’OrdreNationalde laLégiond’Honneur (Officer of theNationalOrder ofthe 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.

23

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)

24

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)

ReporterswithoutBordershasissuedthe‘WorldPressFreedomIndex’ofthe 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

25

weeklyasacartoonistin1961.Ayearlater,hefirstpublishedthecartoonBobanand 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

1947withthedaily‘DeshaBandhu’.

(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

thedemiseofMalhotra,oneofthefinestjournalistsofcontemporarytimes.

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

BeforethatheworkedforTheStatesmanfor15years,firstasthePoliticalCorrespondent 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

26

In his later years, Malhotra turned a columnist for various publications

and offered deep insights into India’s political history through his writings, most

notablythroughhiscolumn‘RearView’.

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

Achievement), also authored few books including former Prime Minister Indira

Gandhi’sbiography,‘IndiraGandhi:APersonal&PoliticalBiograpy(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,

‘DainikHindustan’.HegotretiredfromthepostofAssistantEditorinyear1989.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

ofpoliticalfigures,diedhereatApollo Hospitals early on 7th December, 2016.

He was 82 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

27

Born on October 5, 1934 he was a lawyer by training and later branched

into theatre,films andfinally to journalism.Winnerof theB.D.Goenka awardfor 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

clarificationorrebuttalinsuchcases,”itsaid.Thepollwatchdogsaidtoensurethatno such instance is repeated and no untoward incident takes place because of any

“inflammatory,misleadingorhateadvertisements”,nopoliticalparty,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

newswillsoonbeanelectoraloffenceforcandidates.InanaffidavitfiledintheSupreme 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.

28

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)toowantedthegovernmenttotakemeasurestocheckit.Theaffidavithas been filed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking anindependent 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.

29

ThisisthefirsteversuchorderagainstaTVchanneloveritscoverageofaterrorattack,thenormsregardingwhichwerenotifiedin2015.

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.

Holdingplacardsthatread‘Ispublishedintheabovenewspaperareofsuchnature 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.

Anofficialreleaseissued 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.

30

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 themedia 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.

Thedemandcameonadaywhenthousandsofangrydemonstratorsdefiedcurfew 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.

31

“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,20116nightafterremainingsuspendedforfivedays,anofficialsaid.Theservices 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

theofficesofatleasttwoprintingpressesafterseizingplatesofnewspaperandprinted 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

32

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

troopersandsoldiers(had)firedincendiaryprojecttilesintotheharvestedricecrop that had been left to dry in sun”.

TheSub-divisionalpoliceOfficer,Magam,SyedFayazAhmadtoldTheSunday 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

33

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

ensuresafetyofscribesevenasitsetuptwofact-findingcommitteestoprobethe incidents.

OfficialssourcessaidthatthePCIchairpersonCKPrasadhasconstituteda 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,thePCIhasconstitutedafact-findingCommitteeconsistingofitsmembers 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)

34

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

confinementandattempttomurder,amongothers.Policearrestedthesupervisorof 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)

35

Bihar-based journalist Rajdeo Ranjan may have been killed by “political

mafia”becauseofhiscriticalreporting,accordingtoafact-findingcommitteeofthe Press Council of India (PCI).

The PCI had accepted the committee’s report last week. Another fact-

findingreportwhichthePCIhadacceptedwasthatofthemurderofJharkhandjournalist 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

PCIsaidthattwoseparatefactfindingreportsrelatedtothemurderofthetwojournalists-- Raj Deo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan newspaper, Bihar and

Akhilesh Prata Singh, TV journalist, Chhatra, Jharkhand-- have been accepted.

Thefinding inter-alia suggested thatRajDeoRanjanwas killed by thepoliticalmafiabecauseofhiscriticalreportageandontheotherhand,AkhileshPratap 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 RajdeoRanjanonThursdayofficials said,CBIhas registered thecaseunder sections302,120-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

Kashmirandprimafaciebeingsatisfiedsoughtreportswithinoneweekfrom

36

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 PressCouncil 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 ofjournalism.

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‘paidnews’anddemandedaneffectivesolutionfromthegovernmenttocurbit.

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.

37

“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)

Lawsinothercountrieswillbestudiedbeforetakingafinalcallonstringentpunishment, 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

andafineofRs50lakhforcelebritiesendorsingmisleadingadvertisements,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

acceptedsomekeyrecommendationssuchasprovisionsforfixingliabilityoncelebrities 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.

38

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

statutorybodyandoursuggestionshaveapersuasivevalue,”heclarified.

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.

39

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

professionalstandingandwhogettheircertificationverified.

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.

“Forthefirsttimethepolicyintroducesanewmarkingsystemfornewspapersto incentivise newspapers which have better professional standing and get their

circulation verified by theAudit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) or Registrar ofNewspapers 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

eachofthem-CirculationcertifiedbyABC/RNI(25marks),EPFsubscriptionforemployees (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

frameworkincludescirculationverificationforempanelmentofnewspapersandjournals 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.

40

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 onAugust 22, eachclause 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.

Thenewpolicyallots25marks tonewspapers thatarecertifiedbyAuditBureau 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

lotoftimetoissuecirculationcertificates.Itrecommendedthatitshouldissuethecertificateswithin90daysfromthedateoftheapplication.

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

suspensionifitindulgesinanti-nationalactivitiesorifthePCIfindsitspracticesunethical. 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

canonlybesuspendedifthePCIfindsoracourtconvictsitforunethicalpracticesor 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)

41

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

ondefamation.MediapersonsgatherednearPresident’sofficeagainstGovernment’smove 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

bymediapersonsbecausetheygatheredinthesecurityzonenearPresident’sofficeand 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

personscarryingdemonstration.Meanwhile,Police,forthefirsttime,confirmedthatAhmed 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

42

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.“Policehavefiledanapplicationtothecourttoshowhimarrestedinthis 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,thelatestinaseriesofdetentionsofjournalists.ShafikRehman,an81-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

43

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 aresubjected 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.

TheBBCjournalist,RupertWingfield-Hayes,wasabouttoboardaplanedeparting 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-Hayesandtwoothermembersofhisteam,whohadrefusedtoleaveon Friday after he was detained.

However,anofficialwiththeNorth’sNationalPeaceCommitteebrokethenewsatapressconferenceearlyonMonday,whenhecriticisedMr.Wingfield-Hayes for “speaking very ill of the system and the leadership of the country”.

44

The three-person BBC team landed in Beijing from Pyongyang on

Monday evening.

Mr.Wingfield-Hayesemergedfromtheterminal3arrivalsareaatBeijingInternational 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’ organisationseverywhere. 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.

Thefiguresunderscoringthepointcomefromthatdoleful 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. Some51% 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

45

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’smediaregulator–hasaskedchannelinthecountryto“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

46

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

hefiledareportintheDawnNewspaperonOctober6aboutatense,highlevelmeeting 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

47

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,mostdeaths–59percentoverthelasttwoyearsofthe2006-2015report–happeninconflictzones.Duringthatperiod,78ofthe213journalists 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

10timesasmanymenare3killedthanwomen---195to18in2014.15–whiletelevision journalists have overtaken print hacks as the most vulnerable.

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

48

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

itmaythinkfit,inanyofitsdecisionsorreports,concerningtheconductofanyauthority, including Government. It is in exercise of this power that the Council

considersandpronouncesoncomplaintsfiledagainsttheauthorities.

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.

49

Categories of Complainants

Categories of Respondents

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

Sou-motu

A. Police/Government Authorities B. Information Department C. Institutions/Private

Companies/Newspaper Management D. Private Persons E. Public Persons

B, 57%

A, 9%

B, 57%

C, 19%

D, 15%

A, 70%

B, 8%

C, 6%

D, 8%

E, 8%

50

Statewise Distribution of the Complainant Publications

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T

51

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

52

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.

53

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

10

0

5

10

15

20

25

A. B. C. D.

54

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 theyhelp to provide thepaperfinancial viability. However dispensationof 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.

55

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

04

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

A. B. C. D.

56

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.

57

Suo-Motu

Total No. of Cases: 16

A. Upheld 00

B. Rejected 00

C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 09

D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

07

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

A. B. C. D.

58

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.

59

A. Upheld 02

B. Rejected 05

C. Assurance/Settled/Amends 09

D. Dropped for Non-pursuance/ 08

Withdrawl/Sub-Judice/

lack of Substance

Curtailment of the Press Freedom

Total No. of Cases: 24

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

A. B. C. D.

60

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

pendinginthiscategoryatthecloseofthefinancialyearunderreview.

61

Categories of Complainants

Categories of Respondents

A, 30%

B, 31%

C, 13%

D, 4%

E, 22%

A, 16%

B, 84%

A. GovernmentAuthorities/GovernmentOfficersB. Private Persons

C. Institutions/Private Companies/Newspaper

Association

D. Public Persons

E. Suo-Motu

A. English Press

B. Indian languages Press

62

Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publications

Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publication

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

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

63

Key to AbbreviationTotal 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

64

Principles and Publication

To err is human and as with others, the press too may publish inaccurate

reportsorwrite-upsharmful to the reputationof individualsorpublicofficialsand 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.

65

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

14

Principles and Publication Total No. of Cases: 56

0

5

10

15

20

25

A B C DNo of

Cases

66

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.

67

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

57

Press and Defamation

Total No. of Cases: 242

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

A B C DNo of

Cases

68

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

anyform.Itisaclandestinefinancialtransactionconceivedinfraudanddeliveredindeceit,andhenceitisdifficulttogetdirectevidencetoestablishit.Butwhiledirect 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.

69

Paid News

Total No. of Cases: 140

A. Upheld 36

B. Rejected 93

C. Assurance/Settled /Amends --

D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

11

Paid News

Total No. of Cases: 140

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

A B C DNo of

Cases

70

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.

Duringthisfinancialyearfifteen 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.

71

Suo – Motu

Total No. of Cases: 15

A. Upheld --

B. Rejected 01

C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 03

D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

11

Suo – Motu

Total No. of Cases: 15

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

A B C DNo of

Cases

72

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.

73

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

03

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

A B C DNo of

Cases

74

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.

75

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/

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

02

Press and Morality Total No. of cases: 11

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

A B C DNo of

Cases

76

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'whichseemedtohavethesupportof therulingparty.Thereportsalsosaid 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 fileDiscreet 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,hewasactiveagainstminingmafiathroughWhatsaapandjournalism.Inafter 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

heusedtoforceadministrationregularlytotakeactionagainstBaluminingmafia.Consequently,manyvehiclesofminingmafiahadbeenceasedcausingtroublesforbaluminingmafia.

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

77

newspapersbutalsoviaWhatsappandphonecallsbycontactingofficersdirectlyfor pressurising administration to take action against balu mining mafia. Fewmonthsback,hefiledcomplaintsagainstRahulSingh,Associatedwithminingonregularbasis.Asaresult,officerswereforcedtorestrictRahulSingh'sactivitiesand to cease his vehicles.

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

fiveaccusedonFebruary18th.AccordingtoPolice,accused,whowerearrested,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

murderandplunderhavebeenfiledagainstthemandactionhadalsobeentakenagainst 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

Timesagainstminingmafia.

It seems thatminingmafiakilled the journalist as hewas an eye-sore inperforming their illegal activities.

78

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

HindustanatSiwan,Bihar.Hewasshotdeadatpointblankrangebyunidentifiedassailants 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)

affiliatedtoIndianJournalistsUnion(IJU),whopresentedadetailedmemorandumon 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 JournalistsUnion (IJU) andNationalUnionof Journalists

79

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 thevictim’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

newsagency,namedIndramaniShankarSinghwaskilledin1987bylocalmafiaand 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

hiswritingsandwaskilledbecauseofhisobjectivewritings.Whenspecificallyasked 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.Whentheteamsaid,ifany,bodywantedtotalktotheminprivate,theywerewelcometocometotheguesthouseandsharetheirthoughtsinconfidence.But no one turned up except representatives-of the district unit of Bihar Working

Journalists Union (BWJU) affiliated to IJU who submitted a supplementarymemorandum 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

80

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

haveconfidenceinthelocalpoliceastheywereperceivedtobeunderpoliticalpressure. 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.Healsosoughtfinancialhelpfromthegovernmentforthewellbeingof 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

Patnawheneverhewent there to attendmeeting at their office.After a lot ofprodding, 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.

Whenaskedabouttheirfinancialposition,shesaidsheisacontractteacherat 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

beverydifficultforhertoprovidegoodeducationtotheirtwochildrenonherearnings 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

81

than two decades, had extended any help, she said they came to console her did

not speakaboutanyfinancialhelp.

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

aspectsof thecasewerediscussedandclarificationssought.Theymadeitclearthat there was no political pressure in the investigation of the case. They explained

thetopographyanddemographyofthedistrictandthedifficultiestheywerefacingin investigation. Hired killers from neighboring State enter the district and they

fleeaftercommittingthecrime.Theeyewitnesseswerenotabletoidentifythemas 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

denieditandsaidhewasalwaysavailable.Hewasconfidentthattheywouldcrackthe 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

82

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,theDMsummonedtheDistrictEducationOfficer(DEO),whoexplainedtothe 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

andsaidwouldgetbackafterverifyingtheoldfiles.

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

jailandarrested62personsfoundtobecarryingmobilephones;thephoneswereconfiscated.TheformerMPwasshiftedfromtheSiwanjailtoBhagalpurCentralJail,onthedayofourvisittoSiwanon19thMay,asthejailofficialswerefoundto be lax and facilitating the supply of daily necessities to him in contravention of

therulesanddisclosedthatsomejailofficialswerealsosuspended.

83

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 soughtbythem.Heexpressedconfidencethatthecentralprobeagencywouldtakeup 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 inthesocialmediawhichstatedthattheSiwanpolicehadgivenaconfidentialreportto 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 offire.Obviously,thereportwasbroughttothenoticeoftheMinisterconcernedand 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 figuredintheStateAssembly.

However, the DGP denied existence of any such report but admitted that itwas raised on the floor of theAssembly inDecember 2014 in run-up to theStateAssemblyElections.Hesaidsomevagueallegationsweremadeonthefloorof 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 theHigh Court Order and they

agreed. However, the copy of the High Court Order was not received until the

time of writing this report.

84

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

bebroughttobook,irrespectiveoftheirsocialstandingandpoliticalaffiliations.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.

Whentheteammembersrequestedhimtoextendfinancialhelptothefamily,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

confidenceamongthejournalists.

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 affiliatedUnion 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

threateningjournalistswhowerefilingcriticalreportsontheirfunctioning.Thereisaperceptionthatthepolicewouldnotactimpartiallyifacomplaintwasfiledagainst 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

85

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 ‘obligedmedia’,whichinhisopinionwasmoredangerous to thefreedomofjournalists 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 62mobile phoneswere confiscated from them.By the timethe 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

trueorco-incidental,itcreatedasenseofconfidenceamongthelocaljournalists.

The local journalists in Siwan seem to be in the grip of fear of the politico-

mafiabeingrunbytheformerMPfromthejail.TheformerMP,hisfamilyandfollowers 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

localpolitico-mafia.Thisshowstheextentoffearlocaljournalistshas.

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-mafiabecauseofhiscriticalreportage.

86

2. It is believed to be executed by hired killers, possibly from across the state

borderastheyaskedfortheidentityofthejournalistsjustbeforefiringathim,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 familyof thedeceased journalist tomitigatefinancialprob-

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

somefinancialbenefitasaspecialandrarestoftherarecases.

3. The Council may direct the State Administrationandthepolicetotakedefinitemeasures 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

aseminaratSiwanonsafetyofjournalistsinruralBiharasapartofconfidencebuilding 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 forgiving time to the team members at short notice and despite his busy schedule

and for interacting with them freely and frankly.

87

• WeexpressourthankstotheChiefSecretary,Director General of Police and

Principal Secretary (Home) and Government of Bihar for meeting us and

explaining the progress of the investigation.

• WearethankfultotheDistrictMagistrateandSuperintendentofPolice,Siwanfor 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.

• Wearegratefultotheeditors,seniorjournalistsandleadersoftheBiharWorkingJournalistsUnion,anaffiliateofIndianJournalistsUnion(IJU)andNUJ(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,nottheleast,weexpressoursincerethankstotheDirector,officersandthe 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.

88

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,journalistsorganizations,officialsandtheotherstakeholdersofChatraand 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

duetoinfluenceoflateMr.IndradeoYadav.

(3) Another aspect of the murder was demand of levy from Mr. Indradeo

Yadav, for the contracts awarded to his company, by Tritiya Sammelan

89

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‘areacommander’inBarachattiofBihar.

In the evening of 23rd May we met the Dy. Commissioner Mr Amit Kumar

alongwithotherofficialsofChatraadministration.TheSuperintendentofPolice, 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

90

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

financialinvolvementsandrealreasonsofhismurder.

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

toavailthebenefitoftheschemeannouncedbytheCentralGovt.fordeathdue 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 CentralGovt. assistancescheme.

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.WeinformedaboutourfindingsandstepstakenbytheDistrictAdministrationduringourinteraction.Mediapersonsweresatisfiedby the almost immediate reaction of PCI in forming a FFT.

91

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

fileclearedfromChiefMinisterthenextday.WecalledonthePrincipalSecretaryagainon25thMayandtheCMsanctionedRs.5lakhandclearedthefile.PrincipalSecretary 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.

92

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

andthecaseshouldbefirsttrackedtoknowthecauseofthekilling.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.

Impact1. 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

unidentifiedpeopleatDwariainChatradistrictheadquarter.

Prabhat Kumar Dash Sondeep Shankar Rajiv Ranjan Nag

Convenor Member Member

93

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

againstthesamepublicationandonthesamesubjectmatter-filedbyShriAshokKumar 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.

ThefindingsoftheSub-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.

94

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

totheoffendingnewspaper;(b)institutionofproceedingsunderthePenalCode;(c)complainttotheAdvertisingStandardsCouncilofIndiataskedspecifically with examining such complaints and (d) a complaint to theCouncil.

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

toframeanyguidelinesorcreatea“one-size-fits-all”formulathatmaynotstand 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

95

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

intotalhindranceofsuchservicesintheState;

AND WHEREAS there are increasing number of instances of attack on

Newspaper/News channel employees, journalist and also of causing damages to

NewspaperestablishmentsandNewsbasedelectronicmedia;

AND WHEREAS the existing provisions are not adequate and effective to

loss of property of Newspaper and News based electronic media establishments

fromsuchviolentactivities;

AND WHEREAS it is expedient to make provisions for effectively curbing

such activities and prevent damage to the property and for the matters connected

therewithorincidentalthereto;

AND WHEREAS it is expedient to enact the Act in the Sixty Seventh year

oftheRepublicofIndiaasfollows;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) ItextendstothewholeoftheStateofMaharashtra;(iii) It shall be deemed to have come into force on...........2015

2.(i) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-

(a) 'Code'meansthecodeofCriminalProcedure,1973(2of1974);(b) "Journalist" means a person whose principal avocation is that of

96

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

thedutiesattachedtohisofficeorbyreasonofthepowersvestedinhim,functionsmainlyofamanagerialnature;(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

notifiedinthisbehalfbyCentralGovernmentintheOfficialGazetteunder 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

andBroadcasting;GovernmentofIndia;

(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

conductinganynewsagencyorsyndicate;andincludesnewspaperestablishmentsspecifiedasoneestablishment.

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.

97

(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

establishmentornewsstation;

(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) wordsandexpressionsusedbutnotdefinedinthisActanddefinedin 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

mayextendtothreeyears,orwithfine,whichmayextendtofiftythousandrupees, 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) InadditiontothepunishmentspecifiedinSection 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

98

(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. WhoeverbeingajournalistasdefinedinSection 2 (1) (b) wilfully misuses

theprovisionsof thisAct forunduebenefitsormakesa false complaintunder this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend

tooneyearbutwhichshallbenotlessthansixmonths,orwithfine,whichmayextendtotwenty-fivethousandrupees,orwithboth.

8. Suchoffenderwillnotbeentitledforanygovt.benefitasjournalistandhisaccreditation 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.

99

Comprehensive DRAFT BILL incorporating Amendments

S.No. Clauses of the Draft Bill of

Maharashtra State

Amendments proposed by Press Council of India

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

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

(2) It extends to the whole of the State of

Maharashtra

It extends to the whole of the State

of Maharashtra

(3) It shall be deemed to have come into

force on ………….2015

It shall be deemed to have come

into force on ………….2017

2(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise

requires:-

(a) ‘Code’ means the code of CriminalProcedure,1973(2of1974);

‘Code’meansthecodeofCriminalProcedure,1973(2of1974);

(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

The words ‘regularly’ and

‘renowned’ be deleted

The word ‘to be’ instered before

theword‘television’atsixthline.

Words ‘Newspaprs and News

Agencies’ be insert before the word

‘magazines’atseventhline.

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,

100

(ii) being employed in a supervisory

capacity, performs, either by the nature

of the duties attached to his officeor 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 oronline 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 behalfby Central Government in the OfficialGazette under the journalists and other

Newspaper Employees (conditions of

service) and Miscellaneous Provisions

Act, 1955(No. 45 of 1955)

No changes

(d) ‘News based Electronic Media’ meansany news based media that uses

electronics or electromechanical energy

for the lend user to access the content

No changes

(e) ‘News channel’ means a televisionchannel 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,GovernmentofIndia;

No changes

(f) ‘Newspaper Establishments’ meansan 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 newspaperestablishments specified as oneestablishment.

Explanation:- For the purposes of this

clause-

No changes

101

(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 orradio station of the production and

transmission of broadcasts which

focuses on presenting the news.

No changes

(h) ‘Offender’meansanyperson,whoeitherby 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.

No changes

(i) ‘Property’meansanypropertymovableor 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

paperestablishmentornewsstation;

No changes

(j) ‘Violence’ means during the course ofduty 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.

Words ‘or as a conseqauence

thereof’ be added in the firstline 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.

102

(k) Words and expressions used by not

defined in thisAct and defined in theCode 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.

No changes

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.

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.

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

mayextendtothreeyears,orwithfine,which may extend to fifty thousandrupees, or with both.

In the last line, the fine amountshould 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.

103

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.

Words ‘and shall be investigated

by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of

Police (DSP)’ be inserted after the

word‘cognizable’inthefirstline.

Words ‘reported to the Council’

beinsertedaftertheword‘Class’inthe 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.

6(1) Inaddition to thepunishmentspecifiedin 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.

No changes

(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.

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.

104

7. Whoever being a journalist as definedin section 2(1)(b) wilfully misuses the

provisionsofthisActforunduebenefitsor 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-fivethousand rupees, or with both.

No changes

8. Such offender will not be entitled for

any govt. benefit as journalist and hisaccreditation card will be permanently

revoked.

Words ‘if any’ be inserted after the

words ‘accreditation card’ in thelast 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

addition to, and not in derogation of, the

provisions of any other law for the time

being in force.

The provisions of this Act shall be

addition to, and not in derogation

of, the provisions of any other law

for the time being in force.

105

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.

TheBudgetEstimatesof theCouncil for thefinancialyear2016-17, asaccepted 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.

TheAnnualaccountof thePressCouncilofIndiafor thefinancialyear2016-17 which were maintained in accordance with the aforesaid provisions, were

auditedbytheAuditpartyoftheofficeoftheDirectorGeneralofAudit,CentralRevenues,NewDelhiandcertifiedtobetotheirsatisfaction.

106

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.

ThesefinancialstatementsaretheresponsibilityoftheCouncil'smanagement.Ourresponsibilityistoexpressanopiniononthesefinancialstatementsbasedon 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

regardtoclassification,conformitywiththebestaccountingpractices,accountingstandardsanddisclosurenorms,etc.Auditobservationsonfinancialtransactionwith regard to compliance with the law, Rules & Regulations (Propriety and

Regularity) and efficiency-cum-performance aspects, etc., if any, are reportedthrough 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 toobtainreasonableassuranceaboutwhether thefinancialstatementsarefree from material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,

evidences supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial statements.Anauditalso includesassessing theaccountingprinciplesusedandsignificantestimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall presentation of

financialstatements.Webelievethatourauditprovidesareasonablebasisforouropinion.

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.

107

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, leaveencashment, 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.

108

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 theAccountingPoliciesandNotesonAccounts,andsubjecttothesignificantmattersstated 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 31stMarch2017;and

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

deficitfortheyearendedonthatdate

For and on behalf of the C&AG of India

Place : New Delhi Director General of Audit

Date : 31-10-17 (Central Expenditure)

109

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 year2016–17.

4. System of physical verification of inventory

The physical verification of books and publication and consumables hadbeen 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.

110

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

PROVISIONS

3 27,289,230 7,587,078

TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

ASSETS

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

INVESTMENTS-FROM

EARMARKED FUNDS

5 96,943,391 99,562,484

CURRENT ASSETS, lOANS,

ADVANCES ETC.

6 121,659,435 110,675,779

TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING

POlICIES

13

CONTINGENT lIABIlITIES AND

NOTES ON ACCOUNTS

14

Sd/-

(C.K. PRASAD)CHAIRMAN

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

Sd/-

(VIBHA BHARGAVA)

SECRETARY

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

111

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

Schedule 4

4 1,240,339 1,190,433

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

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

Balance being excess of Income over

Expenditure (A-B)

(8,882,115) 7,894,627

- Transfer to/from General Reserve

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) CARRIED TO

INCOME & EXPENDITURE A/C

(8,882,115) 8,516,774

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING

POlICIES

13

Sd/-

(C.K. PRASAD)CHAIRMAN

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

Sd/-

(VIBHA BHARGAVA)

SECRETARY

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

112

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

of the year

15,357,915 15,357,915

Add: Funds Capitalised

During the Year

601,749

Add: Amount transferred

from Income &

Expenditure Account

15,959,664 15,357,915

less: Amount Written Off

on condemned Assets

55,564 15,904,100 - 15,357,915

B. Income & Expenditure

Account:

Balance as at the beginning

of the year

96,993,144 88,476,370

Add/(Deduct): Balance of

net income/(expenditure)

(8,882,115) 8,516,774

transferred from Income

and Expenditure Account

Add/(Deduct): Other

adjustment 88,111,029 96,993,144

TOTAL 104,015,129 112,351,059

113

SCHEDULE-2 - C.P.F. FUNDS

Current Year Previous Year

a) Opening balance of the funds

99,411,295 92,179,650

b) Addition to the Funds:

i. Councils' Contr. To C.P.F.

1,671,297 1,695,160

ii. CPF Advances 1,712,040 1,552,356

iii Employees' Contr. To C.P.F.

9,963,930 10,118,440

iv Interest on C.P.F. Funds from Govt.

5,215,382 5,236,013

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

Outgoing Employees

(16,162,077)

(5,252,803)

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

the year end (a+b-c)

95,685,777 99,411,295

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

employee

590,204 554,795

TOTAL (A) 27,289,230 7,587,078

114

PARTICULARS GROSS BLOCK

COST AS ON ADDITION DURING

THE YEAR

SALE/TRF. COST AS

1.4.2016 UPTO

30th SEPT AFTER

30th SEPT DURING

THE

YEAR

ON

31.3.2017

AIR CONDITIONERS &

COOlERS

1,516,233.00 144,579.00 - - 1,660,812.00

ATTENDANCE

RECORDING SYSTEM

82,000.00 - - - 82,000.00

CARS & BICYClE 2,376,431.00 - - 734,399.00 1,642,032.00

COMPUTER/

PERIPHARAlS

6,329,172.00 68,169.00 - - 6,397,341.00

CONFERENCE HAll

- Civil Work 2,132,836.00 - - - 2,132,836.00

- Conference System 300,000.00 - - - 300,000.00

- Electrical Fittings

& Fixtures

509,211.00 - - - 509,211.00

- Furniture &

Fixtures

500,000.00 - - - 500,000.00

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 &

HEATERS

67,639.00 2,041.00 6,504.00 - 76,184.00

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

HEATING SYSTEM

110,227.00 - - - 110,227.00

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 &

DUPlICATOR

133,029.00 - - - 133,029.00

WATER DISPENCER 71,964.00 68,647.00 28,800.00 111,811.00 INVERTER &

BATTERIES

30,500.00 - - - 30,500.00

JUICER MIXER

GRINDER

7,000.00 - - - 7,000.00

Total 23,281,182.46 423,392.00 178,357.00 763,199.00 23,119,732.46

SCHEDULE:4SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF

115

RATE OF

DEPRICIA-

TION

DEPRECIATION NET BLOCK

UPTO

31.3.2016 FOR THE

YEAR

WRITTEN

BACK TOTAL W.D.V.

31.3.2017 W.D.V.

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

SCHEDULE:4BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017

116

SCHEDULE- 5 INVESTMENTS FROM EARMARKED FUNDS

Current Year Previous Year

FDR against CPF Fund with

scheduled bank

Opening Balance : Principal

Amount

92,774,325 84,798,353

: Interest

Accrued

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

Add : Additions of FDR

during the year

107,795,256 100,979,456

: Interest received during

the year

2,245,222 1,781,408

: Interest accrued during

the year

5,801,919 8,047,141 6,788,159 8,569,567

less: FDR encashed or matured

during the year

(118,461,490)

(106,040,784)

- FDR Interest Accrued

thereon

TOTAL 96,943,391 99,562,484

117

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

- General Account

4,705,818 5,175,007

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Revolving Account

723,522 489,903

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- levy Fee Account

2,984,162 (1)

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- C.P.F. Account 7,006,114 15,419,615.89 8,057,513 13,722,421.53

Deposit Accounts

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Revolving Account

4,753,671 4,203,733 -

F.D.R for Ex-employee

Beneficieries

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Shashi Tandon

290,775 275,542

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Ramesh Goel

165,504 152,305

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Sangeeta Malik

46,305 42,885

- State Bank of Hyderabad

- Ajay Madan 57,908 5,314,163 53,367 4,727,832

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

118

B. LOANS, ADVANCES AND OTHER ASSETS

1 loans to Staff:

- Cycle Advance 3,600

-Advance for Entertainment

& Hospitality

46,830 21,830

-Advance for Misc, Expense

To Staff

121,200

- 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

Periodicals

13,212

- 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

Account

297,049 470,381

b) on Deposits of Shashi

Tandon (EX - EMP. )

14,877 15,233

c) on Deposits of Ajay Madan 2,756 2,823

d) on Deposits of Sangeeta

Malik

887 923

e) on Deposits of Ramesh

Goel (EX - EMP. )

11,192 11,717

4 Deposits with Different

Departments

3,074 48,874

TOTAL (B) 2,680,704 4,099,525 TOTAL (A +B) 121,659,435 110,675,779

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

119

SCHEDULE 7 - INCOME FROM LEVY FEES & OTHERS

Current Year Previous Year

1 Gross levy fees received

from Newspapers/

Periodicals/News

Agencies

37,536,354 4,196,705

Add: Demand raised for

previous year

46,135,500 16,967,350

less: Fees received for

previous Years

(11,376,011) (1,066,700)

less: Fees received for

Current year

(8,824,836) (2,866,055)

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

under Right to

Information Act

1,874 3,018

- Income from

Advertisement in

Souvenir

78,000 -

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

TOTAL 46,353,038 17,242,846

120

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

on C.P.F. Funds

7,812,592 7,936,091

- less: Grant Utilised for Fixed

Assets

601,749 -

- less: Unspent Grant related to

previous year returned

5,225,006 68,380

- less: Unspent Grant for the

Current Year

7,746,662 39,188,997 5,225,006 51,538,903

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

Fund)

8,047,141 8,569,567

- 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

Fund)

123,028 74,062

- 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

121

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

122

SCHEDULE 12 - FINANCE CHARGES

Current Year Previous Year

a) On Fixed loans

b) On Other loans (including Bank Charges) 10 -

TOTAL 10 -

SCHEDULE 11 - OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Current Year Previous Year

1 Electricity and Water 4,523,563 3,737,542

2 OfficeExpense 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

123

PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA

SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR

THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2017SCHEDULE 13- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

1. Accounting Convention

Thefinancialstatementsarepreparedonthebasisofhistoricalcostconventionunless 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 earmarkedinvestments.

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) CapitalFundismaintainedtodenotethecostoffixedassets.

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. Grantsutilizedtowardtheadditionoffixedassetsaretransferredtothe Capital Fund.

124

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 Benefitsa. 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/-

(C.K. PRASAD)CHAIRMAN

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

Sd/-

(VIBHA BHARGAVA)

SECRETARY

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

125

PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE

YEAR ENDED 31/03/2017SCHEDULE 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 & Advancesa. 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. Correspondingfiguresforthepreviousyearhavebeenregrouped/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 pertainstoadvancegiven.Howeverthesamegotrectifiedon01/05/2017.

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/-

(C.K. PRASAD)CHAIRMAN

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

Sd/-

(VIBHA BHARGAVA)

SECRETARY

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

126

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 Receiveda) 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

OthersexceptProfitonSaleofAsset 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

127

OF INDIA

THE YEAR ENDED ON 31.03.2017

PAYMENTS CURRENT YEAR PREVIOUS YEAR

I. Expensesa) 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

Chairman Agt. C.P.F. Fund

- 81,000 - -

- Advance / Withdrawl to Staff 9,123,300 6,592,293

- Final Payments to Outgoing

Employees

16,162,077 25,285,377 5,252,803 11,845,096

III. Investments and deposits made

a) Out Earmarked/Endowment

funds

- Agt. Revolving Fund (loans &

Advances)

- 2,499,498

- 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

128

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

-Towardssale/transferoffixedasset - -

- C.P.F. Contr. 9,963,930 -

-Recoveryofficer,Co-opSociety 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

129

-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/

officers 3,633,436

- 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

Society ltd.

20,000

-Recoveryofficer,Co-opSociety 15,969

- Creditors 304,872

- levy Fees 127,500 468,341

VIII. Closing Balancesa) 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 &

Advance)

723,522 489,903

- 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/-

(C.K. PRASAD)CHAIRMAN

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

Sd/-

(VIBHA BHARGAVA)

SECRETARY

PRESS COUNCIl OF INDIA

130

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,Section3,Sub-section(i)videnotificationoftheGovernmentofIndiaintheMinistry 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) TheyshallcomeintoforceonthedateoftheirpublicationintheOfficialGazette.

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

duringeachfinancialyearasspecifiedbelow:

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

5,00,000–

(i) Rs.25,000/-perannumfromeachdaily; (ii) Rs.15,000/-perannumfromeachbi-weeklyorweekly; (iii) Rs.10,000/-perannumfromallothercategories;

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

2,50,000 and upto 5,00,000 -

(i) Rs.18,000/-perannumfromeachdaily; (ii) Rs.10,000/-perannumfromeachbi-weeklyorweekly; (iii)Rs.7,500/-perannumfromeachfortnightlyormonthly; (iv) Rs.4,000/-perannumfromallothercategories;

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

1,50,000andupto2,50,000–

131

(i) Rs.12,000/-perannumfromeachdaily; (ii) Rs.8,000/-perannumfromeachbi-weeklyorweekly; (iii) Rs.6,000/-perannumfromeachfortnightlyormonthly; (iv) Rs.3,000/-perannumfromallothercategories;

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

75,000andupto1,50,000–

(i) Rs.10,000/-perannumfromeachdaily; (ii) Rs.7,000/-perannumfromeachbi-weeklyorweekly; (iii) Rs.5,000/-perannumfromeachfortnightlyormonthly; (iv) Rs.2,500/-perannumfromallothercategories;

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

25,000andupto75,000–

(i) Rs.6,000/-perannumfromeachdaily; (ii) Rs.4,000/-perannumfromeachbi-weeklyorweekly; (iii) Rs.3,000/-perannumfromeachfortnightlyormonthly; (iv) Rs.2,000/-perannumfromallothercategories;(f) Rs.25,000/-perannumfromeachClass-Inewsagency;(g) Rs.15,000/-perannumfromClassIInewsagency;(h) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from all other news agencies.

Explanation: For the purpose of this rule, the circulation range of registered

newspapersandperiodicalsshallbethelatestcirculationfiguresasavailablewiththeRegistrarofNewspapersforIndiaandthecriteriaforclassificationofnewsagencies 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,PartII,section3,sub-section(i)videnotificationnumberG.S.R.286(E)datedthe8thFebruary,1979andlastlyamendedvidenotificationnumberG.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.

132

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. CasesfiledbetweenApril 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

260 588 848

3. Cases adjudicated between April 1,

2016 to March 31, 2017

117 468 585

4. Cases directly reported to the

Council

2 - 2

5. Cases decided under the proviso

to Regulation 5(1) of the Inquiry

Regulations, 1979 between April 1,

2016 to March 31, 2017

167 813 980

6. Cases under process as on March

31, 2017

117 415 532

133

Annexure - C

Graph of Adjudications 2016-2017

Against the authorities *Against the Press

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

Againt the

Authorities 20%

Against the

Press 80%

9 %

26 %

41%

25 %

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

A. B. C. D.

19 %

51 %

9 %

21 %

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

A. B. C. D.

134

Annexure - D

Subject Index of Orders Passed

by the Press & Registration Appellate Board (2016-2017)

S. No. Parties Date of

Order

Category

1. Appeal of Shri Dnayaneshwar Sitaram

Karale, Editor, Swarvihar Weekly, Pune,

Maharashtra against an Order dated 21.3.2014

passed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Haveli

Sub-Division, Pune, Maharashtra

3/5/2016 Dismissed

2. Appeal of Shri Sanjay Aggarwal and

others, Owner & Printer, Dainik Bhaskar,

Dehradun, Uttrakhand against the Order

dated 27.5.2009 passed by District

Magistrate Dehradun.

3/5/2016 Decided

3. Appeal of Ajay Pahariya, Printer an Publisher,

Janhit Darshan, Jhansi, U.P. against Order

dated 05.01.2016 passed by Collector,

Chhatapur, Madhya Pradesh.

3/5/2016 Dismissed

4. Shri Narinder Pal Singh, Publisher/Printer

“The Sikh Review” Kolkatta against the

Registrar of Newspaper and the Chief Metro

Politian Magistrate for not authenticate new

declaration

24/8/2016 Decided

5. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Mishra, Journalist

& 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

20/10/2016 Dismissed

6. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Joshi, Journalist/

Editor, Printer/Publisher, Daily Sabhar

Darshan and Ratlam Darshan, Ratlam, M.P.

against the District Magistrate, M.P. Order

dated 09.07.2016

20/10/2016 Dismissed

135

7. Appeal of Shri Ashok Kumar, Chief Editor,

Rajasthan Bharati, Jalore against the District

Magistrate, Jalore Order dated 14.12.2015

20/10/2016 Disposed

of with

direction

8. Appeal of Shri Manas Debnath, Publisher,

Dainik Arohan, Bengali Daily Newspaper,

East Agartala, West Tripura against Order

dated 29.11.2010 passed by District

Magistrate/Collector, West Tripura,

Agartala

20/10/2016 Disposed of

9. Appeal of Shri John A Monis, Printer/

Publisher, “Drivem”, Monthly, Mangaluru

against SDM and Assistant Commissioner,

Mangaluru Sub-Division, Mangalur Order

dated 27.06.2016

20/10/2016 Disposed of

10. Appeal of Shri Keshav Dutt Chandola,

Publisher Nagrajarpan, Hindi Weekly,

Dehradun against the District Information

Officer Haridwar, Uttrakhand delaying inaccepting the Declaration made in respect of

his newspaper for Haridwar Edition

11/1/2017 Adjourned

11. Application for recall of Order dated

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

11/1/2017 Adjourned

12. Appeal of Mr. Kailash Dhondu Mali, Editor,

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

petitionfiledunderSection8-CofthePressand Registration of Books Act, 1867.

11/1/2017 Adjourned

136

13. Appeal of Shri Manoj Kumar Saluja,

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.

11/1/2017 Adjourned

14. Appeal of Smt. Sarla Agarwal, Owner,

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.

11/1/2017 Adjourned

137

Annexure - E

Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats to

Press Freedom (2016-2017)

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

Harassment of Newsmen

1. Complaint of Shri Kumar Vijay alias

Vijay Gupta, Journalist/Editor, Satellite

Reporter, Delhi against Police and anti-

social elements

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed – Noaction

2. Complaint of Shri Sharad Katiyar,

Publisher/Editor, Youth India,

Farukhabad against Anti Social

Elements and Ministers.

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed – Sub-Judice

3. Reference received from S/Shri S.N.

Sinha, President, Indian Journalist

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,

ShriSandeepKotharibyminingmafia.

June 10th,

2016

Disposed off with

direction

4. Complaint of Shri Kanhaiyalal

Vishwakarma, Editor, Bundelkhand

Chetna, lalitpur against Anti social

elements.

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

5. Complaint of President, Madhya

Pradesh Shramjivi Patrakar Sangh,

Raisen against Police Authorities,

Vidisha, M.P.

June 10th,

2016

Closed

6. Complaint of Shri Vijay Kumar, Editor,

Ashoka Express, New Delhi against

Police authorities

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the matter

with default

7. Complaint of Ms. Sonali Jindal, T.V.

Correspondent, TV 24 and Press

Reporter Seema Sandesh, Kotakpura

against Shri Jagtar Singh, Owner, Petrol

Pump and Police authorities

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the matter

with default

138

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

8. Complaint of Shri Akshay Jain,

Freelance Journalist, Meerut against

Ms. Rashim Chaudhary, Mahila Police

Officer,Meerut

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the matter

with default

9. Complaint of Shri Anup Sagar, Editor,

Halla Bol Times Delhi against Anti-

social Elements in Delhi.

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with default

10. Complaint of Mr. longsing Teron,

Editor/Owner, Thekar against anti-

social elements and KarbiAnglong

Autonomous Council

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

11. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Chandra

Bhattacharjee, Proprietor, Yugbhed,

BilaspuragainsttheCoalMafiaandthePolice Authorities

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with default

12. Complaint of Shri Alok Prakash Bharti

@ Alok Yadav, Journalist, Hindustan

Dainik, Purnia, Bihar against Police

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with default

13. Complaint of Shri Anwar Nori, Chief

Editor, Mumbra Samachar, Thane

(Mah.) against the local MlA and

Police, Thane (Maharashtra)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with default

14. Complaint of Shri Sardarsinh Naranji

Chauhan, Editor, Khamir Weekly

newspaper, Gir Somnath (Gujarat.)

againstOfficialsofForestDepartment,Gir Somnath (Guj.)

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of with

observations

15. Complaint of Shri Arpan Kamaikishore

Goyal, Editor, Dainik Gokulniti, Jalna

against anti-social elements

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

16. Complaint of Thakur Tabbu, Editor,

Insaf Ki Batten, Behraich against Shri

Abhay, D.M. Behraich, U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed with

default

17. Complaint of Shri Illiyaskhan, Editor,

Barasta Toofan, Badnapur Distt. Jalna,

Maharashtra against Police Authorities

and Government of Maharashtra

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

139

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

18. Complaint of Shri Sudhir Kumar

Madeshia, Behraich, U.P. against Shri

Goakhnath Saroj, SHO, Motipur and

ShriDiwakarTripurari,CircleOfficer,Nanpara, U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off Sub

Judice

19. Complaint of Shri Ashwaq Ulla Khan,

Correspondent, Rashtriya Sahara,

Jalaun, U.P. against Shri ArunDikshit,

AreaOfficer,Konch,Jalaun,U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off Sub

Judice

20. Complaint of Shri Anil Kumar

Kushwaha, Correspondent, Daily News

Activist, District Behraich against Shri

Khalid Naseen, SHO, Matipur and Shri

Shailender Shrivastava, Zonal Officer,Nanpara

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off Sub

Judice

21. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar,

Journalist, Navkarmyug Prakashan,

Banda (U.P.) against Shri Ranvir Singh,

Station In-charge, Banda (U.P.)

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed on merits

22. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Itoriya,

Bureau Chief, Raj Express, Sagar

against Shri Sachin Atulkar, S.P. Sagar,

Shri GautamSolankiCSP, Sagar and

Shri ArunSoni, T.I.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed on merits

23. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar

Raina, Editor/Publisher, “The Northern

Times”, Jammu against Information

Department, Government of Jammu &

Kashmir, Jammu.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

24. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Verma,

Journalist TarunMitra, Shri Santsoh

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.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

140

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

25. Complaint of Shri Ramcharan Mali

Chief Editor, Vanvasi Express, Banda,

Rajasthan against Police Authorities

September

9th, 2016

Disposedoff–Noaction

26. Complaint of Shri Krishna Prasad,

Editor-in-Chief, Outlook, New Delhi

against anti-social elements

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

27. Complaint of Shri Awnideep Shukla,

Social Worker, Journalist, Behraich

against District School Inspector,

Behraich, U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposedoffwith–no action

28. Complaint of Shri Sharad Khare, Editor,

Dainik Hind Gazette, Siwani, M.P.

against Police Authorities, Government

of M.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposedoff–Noaction

29. Complaint of Shri P. Sentamizhselven,

President, Puducherry & Tamilnadu

Press & Media Association, Puducherry

against Shri S. Saravanan of latchiya

Tamilan Magazine and the police

authorities

September

9th, 2016

Disposedoff–NoAction

30. Complaint of Shri K.M. Babu, Chief

Editor, Samarpan Bhoomi, Korba,

Chhattisgarh against Police Authorities

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed with

observation

31. Complaint of Shri Shailendra Mishra,

Reporter, Dainik Raj Express, Bhind,

Madhya Pradesh against Collector,

Bhind

September

9th, 2016

Upheld

32. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Raikwar,

Chief Editor, SagarKe Moti, District

Sidhi, M.P. against Public Relation

Office,MadhyaPradesh.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed Sub -

Judice

33. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar,

General Secretary, Tripura Journalists

Union against Shri Pankaj Chakraborty,

Deputy Magistrate, Tripupra

November

11, 2016

Disposed off with

Sub - Judice

141

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

34. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra

Mishra, Editor, Prahlad Nagar, Hardoi,

U.P. against Government of Uttar

Pradesh

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

35. Complaint of Shri Umesh Sharma,

Managing Editor, Dainik Jan Express,

Kanpur against Government of U.P.

November

17, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

36. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Gupta,

Correspondent, Dainik Samarth Sahara,

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Block

MedicalOfficer,Sagar,M.P

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed with

direction

37. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan

Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar)

against Block Development Officer,Khagria

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed with

assurance

38. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan

Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar)

against Block Development Officer,Khagria

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

assurance

39. Complaint of Shri Afroj Ali, Journalist,

Dainik Aaj, Shahjahanpur against

President, Nagar Panchayat, Meeranpur,

Katra., Shahjahanpur

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

40. Complaint of Shri Vishnuchand Gupta,

Journalist/RTI Activist, Bijnour against

Shri Ashok Sharma, Sangrah Ameen,

Najibabad, UP

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

41. Complaint of Shri Vireshpal Singh,

Journalist, Brave News, Shahjahanpur,

UP against the Police Authorities

November

17, 2016

Dismissed on merits

42. Complaint of Shri Anurag Kumar,

Editor, Sri Ramjanki Times, Fatehpur,

UP against the Owner, Bindki Gas

Agency and Police Authorities

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed - no

merits

142

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

43. Complaint of Shri Jitendera Singh,

Journalist against Police authorities.

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on merits

44. Complaint of Shri Ravi Kumar Agrawal,

Correspondent, Salam Chhatisgarh,

Raipur against the Land Mafia andGovernment of Chhattisgarh

March 3,

2017

Disposed off with

direction

45. Complaint of Shri Ghanshyam Pandey,

Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara and Shri

Rajesh Tiwari, Journalist, Daily News,

Chitrakoot, UP against Railway Police

Force.

March 3,

2017

Dismissed–Sub-Judice

46. Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi,

Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP against

the Police Authorities

March 3,

2017

Disposed off with

direction

47. Complaint of Shri Prabhat Chandra

Sharma, Journalist/Media Incharge,

Journalist Union of Bihar, Patna against

Police Department and others

March 3,

2017

Dismissed–Sub-Judice

48. Complaint of Shri Om prakash Baghel,

Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Mei,

Aligarh, UP against District Aapurti

Karyalaya, Aligarh, UP

March 3,

2017

Dismissed no case

49. Complaint of Shri Pappu Yadav,

Journalist, ShaharDayra Times against

anti-social elements and police

authorities

March 3,

2017

Disposed off with

direction

50. Complaint of Shri Sandeep Agarwal,

Editor, Mid-night Express against the

Police authorities

March 3,

2017

Dismissed on merits

51. Complaint of Shri Ravi Chamadiya,

Publisher/Editor, Sadhya Border Times,

Shriganganagar, Rajasthan against Shri

Banshidhar Jindal

March 3,

2017

Dismissed on merits

52. Complaint of Shri Kashmir Singh,

Correspondent, Crime line, Rajasthan

against the Police Authorities

March 3,

2017

Dismissed on merits

143

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

53. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar, General

Secretary, Tripura Journalists Union against

Anti-Social Elements and Government of

Tripura

March 3,

2017

Disposed with Sub

- Judice

Facilities to the Press

54. Complaint of Shri Sarvesh Kumar Suyash,

Freelance Journalist/Managing Editor,

Kanpur and National President Akhil

Bhartiya Swatantra Patrakar Mahasangh

against District Magistrate.

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of with

Observation

55. Orders/Instructions issued by the Union

Home Ministry restraining the bureaucrats

from sharing information with journalists

June 10th,

2016

Closed

56. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Shukla,

District Correspondent, Pragya Times,

Barabanki against Director, I&PRD, Govt.

of U.P.

June 10th,

2016

Disposed with

direction

57. Complaint of Shri Kumar Dev, Sub-

Editor, Yug Bandhu, Mooradabad against

Mooradabad Development Authority

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with

default

58. Complaint of Shri Kamlesh Kumar, Editor/

Publisher, Yug Bandhu, Moradabad against

Government of U.P.

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with

default

59. Complaint of Shri Ram Kumar Sharma

(Mulle), Editor/Publisher, Janoriya Weekly,

Bhind (M.P.) against Public Relations

Directorate, Advertisement Branch, Bhopal

(M.P.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with

direction

60. Complaint of Shri Aravinth Kumar, Tirupur,

Tamil Nadu and Shri K. Nagaimugan,

President, Citizen for Rule of law and

Centre for Protection of Freedom of Press,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu against Andhra

Pradesh Police

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed the

matter with

default

61. Complaint of Shri C.S. Kalra, Editor/

Publisher, University Today against the

Chief Post Master General, Delhi Circle

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed with

direction

144

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

62. Complaint of Shri Awadesh Kumar Singh,

Publisher and Printer, Fast News Activist,

Mau (U.P.) against District Magistrate,

Mau, U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

63. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member,

PCI and National President, Association

of Small and Medium Newspaper against

DistrictInformationOfficer,Kanpur

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

64. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member,

PCI and National President, Association of

Small and Medium Newspaper against the

Government of U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

65. Complaint of Shri Sayed Mohd. Taj

Alam, Editor, Jail Diary, lucknow, U.P.

against Information & Public Relations

Department, Government of U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

66. Complaint of Shri V. Murali,, Editor,

Sakshi, Hyderabad against Telugu Desam

Party

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

67. Complaint of Shri Mahavir Jain, Journalist,

Jodhpur against Police Commissioner,

Jodhur and RNI

September

9th, 2016

Disposedoff–NoAction

68. Complaint of Shri Keshavdutt Chandola,

National President, Association of Small

and Medium Newspapers of India against

Public Relations Department, Northern

Railway

September

9th, 2016

Censured

69. Complaint of Shri Sunil Kumar Rai, Editor,

Najar Ki Najar, Delhi against Directorate

of Information & Publicity, Government of

NCT of Delhi

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

70. Complaint of Shri Sayed Naeem, Chief

Editor, Samadhan Samachar against

I&PRD, lucknow

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

71. Complaint of Shri Basant Kumar, Owner/

Printer, Prakash Bulletin against Shiv

Kutiya Samiti and RNI

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

145

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

72. Complaint of Shri Raghunath Singh, Dy.

General Manager, Rajasthan Patrika, Jaipur

against Government of Rajasthan

November

17, 2016

Disposedoff–Sub-Judice

73. Complaint of Shri Pushpendra Bhardwaj,

Journalist, Dainik Purab Pashim Jyoti,

Muzaffarnagar against Information & Public

Relations Department, Government of U.P.

March 3,

2017

Disposed with

direction

74. Complaint of Mohd. Aaftab Alam, Editor,

Van Diary, lucknow, UP against Department

of Information and Public Relations,

Government of UP, lucknow, U.P.

March 3,

2017

Disposed with

direction

75. Complaint of Shri Pramod Kumar Srivastav,

SaurabhaDarpan, lucknow, UP against

Directorate of Information and Public

Relations, Government of UP, lucknow,

U.P.

March 3,

2017

Disposal with

direction

76. Complaint of Managing Editor, Dainik

Hind Gazette, Siwni, M.P. against District

Administration, Government of M.P.

March 3,

2017

Nomerits-–dismissed

77. Communication received from Shri Prakash

Dubey, Member, Press Council of India

regarding non-release of advertisement

Bills to the newspapers by the Government

of Meghalaya

March 3,

2017

Disposed of with

assurance

Suo-Motu

78. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on

LokmatOfficerinMaharashtra&Complaintof Shri Kareem Chand Sheikh against

Editor, lokmat

June 10th,

2016

Disposed of

79. Suo-motu cognizance regarding controversy

surrounding the circular issued by the

Government of Maharashtra on sedition

in the wake of the ruling of Bombay High

Court

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed–beinginfructuous

80. Communication received from Delhi Union

of Journalist with regard to attack on a lady

journalist Ms. Revati Paul in Ahmedabad

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

–pendingtrialincourt

81. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack

on a lady journalist at Osmania University

by the Police

September

9th, 2016

Dropped

146

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

82. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to

intimidation and threats to Shri Siddharth

Varadaran, Editor of the Wire by student

members of ABVP in Allaabad University

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off safety

of journalists

ensure

83. Suo-motu action regarding attack on

journalists in Patiala House Court premises

September

9th, 2016

Sub Judice

84. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to

murder of Shri Mithlesh Pandey, Reporter,

Dainik Jagran

September

9th, 2016

Dropped

85. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on

Media in the Hyderabad Central University

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

86. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to sedition

case against Tamil Weekly Namadhu

Manasatchi, Puducherry

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Observation

87. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri

Dharamveer, T.V. Journalist and Vice

President of Press Club in Siddarthnagar

(U.P.)

November

17th, 2016

Dropped – Sub-Judice

88. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri

Abhinav Rajan Chaturvedi, Photo Journalist

of Dainik Jagran in Ghaziabad (13/52/16-

17)

November

17th, 2016

Dropped – Sub-Judice

89. Suo- motu cognizance with regard to assault

on Smt. Rashmi Patil, Editor of Karnataka

Kahale (Kannada daily) by miscreants at

Bijapur.

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed–Sub-Judice

90. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on the

officeandprintingpressandMediapersonsof Mathrumbhumi, Kerala on 31.5.16

November

17, 2016

Dropped – NoAction

91. Suomotu cognizance w.r.t. killing threat to

Shri Rajesh Singh, Journalist, Dainik Jagran

in Bihar

November

17, 2016

Disposed off with

assurance

92. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on

media in National Institute of Technology,

Srinagar

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

147

93. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri

Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent, Dainik

Bhaskar in Sasaram in Rohtas District of

Bihar. (13/174/16-17)

March 3,

2017

Disposed off - no

action

Curtailment to the Press

94. Complaint of Shri S. Navamani, Convenor,

Federation of All News and Media

Personnel Association, Tiruvarur (Tamil

Nadu) against Police Personnel regarding

attack on a reporter of Dinamalar (Chennai

Edition), Tamil Nadu.

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

Assurance

95. Complaint of Shri Mahipal Singh, Journalist,

UNI, Amroha against Police Authorities

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed - regrets

by respondent

96. Complaint of Shri Kamalkant Upmanyu,

State Vice-President U.P. Journalist

Association and President, Brij Press Club,

Mathura against attack on Amar Ujala

Office,Agra

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off -

investigation

pending

97. Complaint of Shri Manish Tripathi,

Editor/Printer/Publisher/Owner, Janam

Prasaram Times, lucknow against Shri

Janendra Singh, O.S.D. to Chief Minister,

Government of U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Withdrawn

98. Complaint of Shri Sharad Katiyar, Publisher/

Editor, Youth India, Farukhabad(U.P.)

against Police Authorities, Government of

U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

99. Complaint of Shri Shajeb Khan, Journalist/

President, GraminPatrakar Association,

Badaun against Shri Nooruddin, Chairman,

Municipal Council, Badayun& Government

of U.P.

September

9th, 2016

No merits -

Dismissed

100. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra, Editor,

Vashisht Times, Chhattisgarh against

Government of Chhattisgarh.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

101. Complaint of President, UP Press Club,

Balrampur against Government of UP

September

9th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

102. Complaint of Shri Naved Akhtar,

Correspondent, Dainik Shah Times,

Haridwar, against Government of

Uttrakhand

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

148

103. Complaint of Shri B.K. Awasthi, Staff

Reporter, Rashtriya Sahara and President,

Patrakar Press Parishad, Noida against

Shri Naresh Yadav, Pradhan, Sorkhaand

Government of Uttar Pradesh

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

104. Complaint of Ms. Rukhsar, Special

Correspondent, Dainik Hakumat Express

andZoneOfficer,GCBFocusWebNewsChannel, Shahjahanpur against Government

of U.P.

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

105. Complaint of Shri Mohan Sharma, Senior

Journalist, Editor, Dainik Rajasthani Chirag

and Saptahik Kranti Bigul and Shri Manoj

Sharma, Editor, Dainik Rajasthan Pradeep,

Bikaner Rajasthan

November

17, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

106. Complaint of Shri Mahendra Agarwal,

Editor/Printer, Kootchakra, lucknow

against Shri Atul Shah, Correspondent,

DainikJagran and Anti-social elements

November

17, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

107. Complaint of Shri Om Prakash Baghel,

Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Main,

Aligarh, UP against Anti-social elements

November

17, 2016

Disposed off -

Settled

108. Complaint of Shri Anurag Mishra, Journalist,

UP against the Police authorities

November

17, 2016

Disposed off with

direction

109. Complaint of Shramjivi Patrakar Union,

Bahraich, UP against the District Magistrate

and Police authorities

November

17th, 2016

Disposed off with

observation

110. Complaint of Shri Pawan Kumar Sharma,

Bureau Chief, National Human Rights,

Hindi weekly, Bulandshahar, UP against Shri

Irfan Tyagi, Clerk, Municipal Corporation,

Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, UP and Police

Authorities

March 3,

2017

Dismissed on

merits

111 Complaint of Shri Viresh Kumar Shukla,

Correspondent, Pioneer and Rupma Media

Approach, Sitapur, UP against Shri Atul

Prakash Srivastava, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil,

Sitapur, UP, and others

March 3,

2017

No merits -

Dismissed

112. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Jain,

Correspondent, APNS News Agency and

Navbharat, Shivpuri, MP against Police

Authorities

March 3,

2017

Withdrawn -

Dismissed

149

113. Complaint of Shri Veerbhan Singh,

Correspondent and Shri Mukesh Kumar,

Mainpuri, Photographer, Dainik Jagran, UP

against Shri Deepak Das, School Sanchalak,

Shri Shivprakash, Senior Engineer, Nahar

Vibhag and Police authorities

March 3,

2017

Disposedoff–Sub- Judice

114. Complaint of Shri Nand lal Singh

Chauhan, Editor, Ashtavakra, Hindi Weekly,

Mirzapur, UP, New Delhi against District

Administration, Mirzapur, UP

March 3,

2017

Dismissed on

merits

115. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sharma,

Correspondent, Jawab Hum Denge,

Sultanpur, UP against Railway Security

Force and others

March 3,

2017

Disposed off with

assurance

116. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Gupta, Chairman,

Press Club of Shahjahanpur& District

Correspondent, DianikSwatantraChetna,

Shahjahanpur, UP against the District

Administration and Police Authorities

March 3,

2017

Disposed off with

Sub-Judice

117. Complaint of Shri Satyaprakash, OfficeIncharge, Dainik Hindustan, Banka, Bihar,

against District Collector, Banka, Bihar

March 3,

2017

Upheld

150

Annexure - F

Subject Index of Adjudications in

Complaints filed Against the Press (2016-2017)

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

Principles and Publication

1. Complaint of Shri Abdul Hameed, S.P.,

Barabanki, U.P. against Editor, Hindustan,

lucknow

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

with direction

2. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney,

Chandigarh against Punjab DiiAwazAjit,

Jalandhar

June 10th, 2016 Censured

3. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney,

Chandigarh against Dainik Bhaskar,

Chandigarh.

June 10th, 2016 Censured

4. Complaint of Shri OkramPrasantaSingha,

Rajgarh, Guwahati against Assam Tribune.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

5. Complaint of Shri A. Biswas, Kolkata

against Times of India, Kolkata

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

6. Complaint of Mr. Abhram Samson

Mhedekar Mr. Jonathan Samuel Soloman,

Mumbai against Editor, Mumbai Mirror,

Mumbai

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

with direction

7. Complaint of Shri Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai

against The Editor, Times of India, New

Delhi

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed being

devoid of merit

8. Complaint of Mrs. Nandini Charles,

Principal, VikhePatil Memorial School,

Pune against the editor, Pune Mirror

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

9. Complaint of Sh. Babusaheb Narsingrao

Patil, Omanabad trough Ms. Madhuri

U. Kakde, advocate, Bombay Bench,

Aurangabad High Court against the editor

Dainik Maharashtra Times

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

10. Complaint of Shri Mahant Dharamnath, Jogi

Ashram, Rajgarh, Churu, Rajasthan against

Editor, Churu Seven Star, Churu, Rajasthan

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

M

151

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

11. Complaint of M/s Pudhari Publications,

Kolhapur against the Editor, The Times of

India, Kolhapur (Mah.)

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

12. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Arora,

Private Secretary to Minister of Women &

Child Development, Delhi against Editor,

Reuters India News Agency, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

-clarificationpublished

13. 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

September 9th,

2016

Settled

14. Complaint of Shri Himanshu Tiwari,

Advocate, lucknow against Editor, Pardafas

Today, lucknow.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

15. Complaint of Shri Harinarayan Dubey,

Superintendent, Vaishya College of law,

Rohtak against Hari Bhoomi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

complaint

withdrawn

16. Complaint of Shri Shatrujeet Kapur, IPS,

CID, Haryana, Panchkula against the editor,

Tribune, Chandigarh

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

17. Complaint of Dr. R. Mohan, General

Manager (law-II) & Joint Head of

law Department, State Bank of India,

Mumbai against the Editor, Deshabhimani,

Thiruvananthapuram

September

9th, 2016

Disposed of with

direction

18. Complaint of Shri Hormuz P. Mama,

Mumbai against the Editor, Economic

Times.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

19. Complaint of Shri Chinmay Biswal, IPS,

S.P. , South Andaman District, Port Blair

against The Andaman Chronicle

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

20. Complaint of Ms. Jyoti Sabharwal, Author

& Publisher, Stellar, New Delhi against the

editor, India Today, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

21. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh Deo,

President of Vigilance Committee, Gondpur,

Jharkhand against Editor, Hindustan,

Jamshedpur

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

152

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

22. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh

Deo, President of Vigilance Committee,

Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik

Bhaskar

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

23. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against

the editor, Dainik Jagran, Patna, Bihar

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

24. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against

the Editor, Hindustan, Patna, Bihar

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

25. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against

the Editor, PrabhatKhabar, Patna, Bihar

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

26. Complaint of Shri Nidhesh P. New Delhi

against Editor, M/s Bharat Prakashan

(Delhi) limited, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

27. Complaint of Dr. Sureshan V, President,

KGMOA, Kasaragod, District Nileshwar

against the editor latest Kerala, Kerala.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

Observation

28. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty,

Mallapuram District against the editors,

Mathrubhumi Daily Kerala

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

29. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty,

Mallapuram District against the editor,

Malayala Manorama Daily, Kerala.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

30. Complaint of Tony Chammany, Mayor

Kochi Municipal Corporation, Kerala

against Times of India, Kochi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

31. Complaint of Shri C. Srikantiah, Karnataka

against Editor, Veda Taranga

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

32. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram against the

Editor, The Hindu

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

33. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Budania,

Gurukripa Career Institute, Sikar,

Rajasthan against Dainik Bhaskar, Sikar

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

34. Complaint of Shri S.K. Malhotra, Head

Public Awareness Division, Department of

Atomic Energy, Mumbai against the Editor,

Times of India, Mumbai

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

M

M

153

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

35. Complaint of Shri Rajesh S. Naik, President,

Paranpai Citizen Forum, Madkai against

Tarun Bharat, Goa

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

36. Complaint of Shri P.M. Kamath, Hon.

Director, VidyaPrasarak Mandal’s Centre for

International Studies, Mumbai against the

Chief Editor, New Indian Express

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

37. Complaint of Shri Rajender Jain, Delhi

against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

38. Complaint of Shri Kanhaiyalal Vishwakarma,

Chief Editor, Bundelkhand Chetna, lalitpur

against Editor, Saptahik Pichda Bundel

Khand.

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

39. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny

Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against

the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

being sub-judice

40. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny

Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against

the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

being sub-judice

41. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny

Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against

the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

being sub-judice

42. Complaint of Shri M. Vasudeva Raju and

others, Deputy Commercial Tax Officer,Ananthapupram against Editor, Eenadu,

Hyderabad

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

43. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy,

General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min

Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam,

Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar,

Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

44. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy,

General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min

Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam,

Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar,

Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

M

M

154

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

45. Complaint of Smt. SushilaBele,

Bhopal against Editor, Dainik Jagran,

Bhopal

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

46. Complaint of Shri Sudeep Kumar

Saha, Mumbai against Sunday Express,

Mumbai

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of with

direction

47. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Yashpal

Aggarwal, Vashi against Eenadu Newspaper,

Hayathnagar, Telangana

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

48. Complaint of Shri M.S. Rathore, Advocate,

Surat, Gujarat against the editor, Gujarat

Samachar, Gujarat

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

49. Complaint of Ms. Minakshi Maheshwari,

Mumbai against the Editor, Indian

Express

November 17th,

2016

Disposedof–with direction

50. Complaint of Shri Ram Dayal, Anoopur,

MP against Haribhoomi, Madhya

Pradesh

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

51. Complaint of Shri Chandra Prakash Yadav,

SantKabir Nagar, UP against the Editor,

Dainik Jagran

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

52. Complaint of S/Shri Rajinder Singh and

Darshan Singh, Punjab against the Editor,

Daily Ajit, Punjab

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

53. Complaint of Shri Mukesh Sharma,

Uttarakhand against the Editor, Amar

Ujala

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

54. Complaint of Shri Arun Kumar Bhattacharya,

Kolkata against the Editor, Anand Bazar

Patrika, Kolkata

March 3, 2017 Disposed of with

assurance

55. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Datta,

West Bengal against the Editor, Ananda

Bazar Patrika for publishing advertisements

in contravention of Immoral Traffic(Prevention)

March 3, 2017 Disposed of with

assurance

56. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer,Municipal Corporation, Gwalior, MP against

the Dainik Bhaskar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

155

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

Press and Defamation 57. Complaint of Ms. Nidhi Yadav, Haridwar-

Roorkee, Development Authority, Haridwar

against the editor, Mid Day

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

58. Complaint of Shri Hazi Samad, Meerut against

Dainik Jagran

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

59. Complaint of Dr. S.S. lohchab, Senior

Professor & Head Department of Cardiac

Surgery, Rohtak against Editor, Dainik

Bhaskar, Rohtak, Haryana

June 10th, 2016 Warned

60. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas,

Programme and Research Manager, Right

livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden

against Editor, Punjab Kesari

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

61. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas,

Programme and Research Manager, Right

livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden

against Editor, Dainik Jagran

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

62. Complaint of Dr. Saleem Ur Rehman, Director

for Health Servies, Kashmir against the editor,

Early Times, Jammu

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

63. Complaint of Ms. Birendra Kaur, President,

Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh against

Chandigarh Tribune, Chandigarh

June 10th, 2016 Regret

published–Disposed off

64. Complaint of Dr. A.P. Sanwaria against

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

with direction

65. Complaint of Shri Gyasuddin Ansari,

Bhilwara against Dainik Rashtradoot

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

with direction

66. Complaint of Mrs. Francina Nelson,

General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh

Domestic Workers Trade Union, Indore

(M.P.) against the Editor, News City live,

Indore, M.P.

June 10th, 2016 Censured

67. Complaint of Shri Mayur Aggarwal, C.A.

Partner Aggarwal Mittal and Company

against Editor, Nav Duniya, Bhopal,

Madhya Pradesh.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

direction

M

156

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

68. Complaint of Shri Arvind Jain, Mantri and Shri

Jai Kumar Jain Dayoday Gaushala, Chhattarpur,

M.P. against the Editor, Hum Paanch

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being deviod of

merit

69. Complaint of Shri Amar Singh, Neemauch,

M.P. against DainikSwarnim Hindustan

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

70. Complaint of Shri Manoj Rathai, Ujjain,

Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Raj Express,

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

direction

71. Complaint of Shri Bhagwandin Sahu,

Spokesperson, Shri Yog Vedant Sewa Samiti,

Chindwada against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

72. Complaint of Shri Temsunaro Jamir, Deputy

Commissioner, Guwahati Customs Division,

Guwahati against the Editor, Asomiya Khabar,

Guwahati.

June 10th, 2016 Disposed off

being settled

73. Complaint of Shri Raj Kumar Agarwal,

Jharkhand against the editor, Uditvani,

Jharkhand

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merit

74. Complaint of M/s. Indian Metals E Ferro

Alloys ltd., Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) against

the editor, Sambad, Bhubaneshwar

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merit

75. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh

Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor,

DainikJagran, Patna, Bihar

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

76. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh

Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor,

DainikBhaskar, Patna, Bihar

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

77. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh

Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor,

Rashtriya Sahara, Patna, Bihar

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

78. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena,

Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at

Present, Additional Block Development

Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against theEditor, Sambad, Odisha

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

79. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena,

Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at

Present, Additional Block Development

Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against theEditor, Dharitri, Odisha

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

M

M

157

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

80. Complaint of Shri Gyan Prakash Jha,

Samastipur(Bihar) against Editor, Hindustan

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

81. Complaint of Shri Narendra Mohanty, Cuttack,

Odisha against the editor, Sambad

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

82. Complaint of Shri V. Murugan, SHO,

Puducherry against the Editor, Namadhu

Manasatchi, Puducherry.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being Sub-

Judice

83. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra,

Hissar, Haryana against the Editor,

DainikBhaskar, Chandigarh

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merits

84. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra,

Hissar, Haryana against the Editor,

DainikJagran, Noida, U.P.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merits

85. Complaint of Shri Vasudev Vyas, Jodhpur

(Raj.) against the Editor, ‘DainikBhaskar’,Jodhpur (Raj.)

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being

withdrawn

86. Complaint of Shri ChandrashekhjarSahu,

Agriculture Minister, Raipur against the

Editor, Patrika , (M.P.)

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

87. Complaint of Shri PukhrajBothra, Bastar&

Shri Santosh Bafna, MlA, Jagdalpur,

Chhattisgarh against the Editor, Chhattisgarh

Post, District Bastar, Chhattisgarh

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

88. Complaint of Mrs. Kokilaben V. Vaghela,

Ahmedabad against the Editor, Ahmedabad

Mirror, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being Sub-

Judice

89. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben K. Jain,

Ahmedabad against the Editor, The World

Net Work, Gujarat

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

90. Complaint of Shri Udai Singh, Nasik,

Maharashtra against the Editor, The Indian

Express, Mumbai

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

for non -

pursuance

91. Complaint of Shri S. Swaminathan, Senior

Vice President, legal and Company Secretary,

TATA AIG life Insurance Company ltd.,

Mumbai against the Editor, Ganadoot,

Agartala

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

for non -

pursuance

M

158

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

92. Complaint of Shri Vijay Kumar Digambar

Potdar, Solapur against the Editor, Dainik

Surajya, Solapur

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

93. Complaint of Shri Vishal Kumar Mathura

Gupta, Thane (Maharashtra) against the

Editor, UT Mirror, New Delhi

June 10th, 2016 Censured

94. Complaint of Shri Ashish Modi, Surta

(Gujrat) against the Editor, Atal Savera, Surat

(Gujarat).

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

caution

95. Complaint of Shri Venkat R. Chary, IAS

(Retd.),Mumbai against theEditor, ‘Mint’,New Delhi

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

direction

96. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben Jain, Advocate,

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) against the Editor,

Abhiyan, Ahmedabad

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

direction

97. Complaint of Shri Suresh A. Gadge, Kohlapur

against the Editor, Daily Pudhari, Kolhapur.

June 10th, 2016 Censured

98. Complaint of Shri Devesh Bhatt, Advocate,

Ahmedabad (Guj.) against the Editor, Divya

Bhaskar, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merits

99. Complaint of Shri Triratan laxmanrao

Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the

Editor, Daily City News Superfast,

Maharashtra

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

caution

100. Complaint of Shri Triratanlaxmanrao

Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the

Editor, Daily Deshonnati, Maharashtra

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

caution

101. Complaint of Shri Rajesh B. Shah, Advocate,

Aurangabad against the editor, Times of India,

Aurangabad

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

being devoid of

merit

102. Complaint of Shri Mohan Krishnan, All

India President, Anti Corruption & Crime

Prevention Council, Mumbai against Editor,

Manavta Bharat

June 10th 2016 Dismissed

103. Complaint of Dr. (Capt.) RituBiyani,

Pune against the Editor, Times of India

regarding publication of personal court

case proceedings

June 10th 2016 Disposed off

with caution

M

159

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

104. Complaint of Shri Prakash P.Kukreja,

Ulhasnagar against Maharashtra Shaktishali

Express, Ulhasnagar

June 10th, 2016 Censured

105. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Nambiar, Group

President & General Counsel, Yes Bank

ltd., Mumbai against Economic Times

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed as

withdrawn

106. Complaint of Dr. Jyotsna D. Kitukille,

Government General Hospital, Amravati

against Deshonnati

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

107. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj,

Secretary, Shree Awdhoot Education Society,

Saket Public School, Gondia, Nagpur against

the Editor, Yugdharm Daily, Nagpur

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

108. Complaint of Mrs. Renuka Nagesh Devsani,

Ahmednagar, Maharashtra against the Editor,

Sarvamat, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with

reprimand

109 Complaint of Shri liyakat Sharafat Qureshi,

Thane against Editor, DabangKhabrein.

June 10th, 2016 Dismissed

110 Complaint of Mrs. Shamima Kauser, District

- Thane, Maharashtra against the Editor,

Hindustan Times, New Delhi.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

111. Complaint of M/s India Technomac Co. ltd.,

District Simrour (H.P.) against the Editor,

Him Himwanti (H.P.)

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

112. Complaint of Shri Mritunjay Singh,

lakhisarai, Bihar against the editor, Dainik

Jagran, Bhagalpur, Bihar

September 9th,

2016

Disposal of

Sub-Judice

113. Complaint of Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bakshi,

Department of Chemistry, University of

Delhi against Times of India

September 9th,

2016

Censured

114. Complaint of Mohd. Nasir Kamal, Hony.

Convenor, District Football Sangh,

Moradabad against Editor, Dainik Jagran

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

- lack of

substance

115. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub, Roorkee,

District Haridwar against Dainik Jagran,

Dehradoon.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed off

with direction

160

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

116. Complaint of Shri Amrik Singh, Major

General, Director General Resettlement,

Ministry of Defence, New Delhi against The

Indian Express, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

117. Complaint of Shri Prem Kumar Singh, Delhi

against Editor, Times of India, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

118. Complaint of Maharajganj, U.P. against

Editor, Voice of lucknow, U.P.

September 9th,

2016

Reprimanded

119. Complaint of Major Farah Diba, Allahabad

against Hindustan, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

120. Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma,

Chandigarh against the Editor, Dainik

Jagran, New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Censured

121 Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma,

Chandigarh against the Editor, AajSamaj,

New Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Censured

122. Complaint of GVK Emergency Management

& Research Institute, Ahmedabad against

editor, Abhivyakthi Gujarat

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

being Sub-

Judice

123. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing

Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd.,

Mumbai against the Editor, Times of India,

Mumbai

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

124. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing

Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd.,

Mumbai against the Editor, Mumbai Mirror,

Mumbai

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

125. Complaint of Shri Banwari lal Singhal,

Member of legislative Assembly, Alwar City,

Alwar against the Editor Dainik Bhaskar,

Alwar (Raj.)

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

126. Complaint of Swami RamkrishnaShivanand,

Sanatan Dharm, Shiv Mandir, New Delhi

against the Editor, National Mission, Hindi

Monthly Magazine, U.P.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

127. Complaint of Assistant General Manager,

State Bank of Patiala, New Delhi against

the editor, Halla-Bol times, Delhi

September 9th,

2016

Reprimanded

M

161

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

128. Complaint of Shri Dharmendra Singh

Sanger, librarian, Indira Gandhi University,

Delhi against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

129. Complaint of Shri Mohan lal, Ujjain

against Editor, Raj Express, Ujjain, Madhya

Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Censured

130. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate,

Satna, M.P. against Editor, Star Samachar,

M.P.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

131 Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate,

Satna, M.P. against the Editor, Patrika,

M.P.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

132. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate,

Satna, M.P. against Editor, DainikBhaskar,

M.P.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

133. Complaint of Dr. Brijamani Singh,Former

Spokesperson, Hindu Mahasabha, Uttar

Pradesh against Dainik Jagran, Uttar

Pradesh.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

134. Complaint of Shri Vijay Aggarwal, Madhya

Pradesh against Sameria Express, Satna,

Madhya Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Censured

135. Complaint of Shri l.P. Sinha, Patna against

Dainik Hindustan, Patna, Bihar

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

136. Complaint of Mohd. Ansari, Secretary,

Intezamia Committee, Patna against Inquilab

–E-Jadid,Patna

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

137. Complaint of Shri Umesh Mishra,

Principal,Vanijya Mahavidyalaya, Patna

against Dainik Jagran, Patna

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

138. Complaint of Dr. Shankar Kumar, Patna

against Prabhat Khabar, Patna

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

139. Complaint of Shri Jnyana Ranjan Behera,

M.D., Balasor, Odisha against Odisha

Khabar, Odisha

September 9th,

2016

Censured

M

162

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

140. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President,

All India True Christian Council, Chennai

against the editor, The Hindu

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

141 Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President,

All India True Christian Council, Chennai

against the editor, The Times of India

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

142. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President,

All India True Christian Council, Chennai

against the editor, Eenadu

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

143. Complaint of Shri P.P. Bhaskaran, Prabha,

Kerala against Editor, Malayala Manorama,

Ernakulam

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of -

Advised

144. Complaint of Shri S. Sainadh, Project

Director, APS Housing Corporation, Kadapa

against the editor, Vartha,

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

145. Complaint of Shri Dhanapal, Former

Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable

Endowments Department, Government of

Tamil Nadu against the editor, Dinakaran

Daily, Chennai

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

146. Complaint of President, Daivagna Brahman

Sangha, Shimoga, Karnataka against the

editor, Daivaigna Kirana, Kannada monthly.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

being Sub-

Judice

147. Complaint of Dr. Remani K. Asvini Hospital,

Kerala against the editor, MalayalaManorama

Daily

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

148. Complaint of Shri Shaji M. V. P.D. Teacher,

Government UP School Kalikkadavu,

Karimbam, Kannur against Chief Editor,

Chandrika Daily, Kannur, Kerala

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

149. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore

against the editor, Dainik Dabang Duniya,

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

150. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore

against the editor, Dainik Agnibaan, Indore,

Madhya Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

151. Complaint of Shri Purushaindra Kaurav,

Jabalpur against Editor, Patrika, Jabalpur

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

M

M

163

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

152.. Complaint of Shri Naveen K. litoria,

Divisional Secretary, West Central Railway,

Jabalpur against Editor, Railwarta

September 9th,

2016

Censure

153. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj,

Director, Shree Awdhoot Education Society,

Saket Public School, Gondia against Editor,

The Hitavada, Nagpur

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

154. Complaint of Shri Prakash Chand Chaudhary,

Jaipur, Rajasthan against Editor, Kalwad Times.

September 9th,

2016

Caution

155. Complaint of Dr. Shantilal Kothari, President,

Soghurt Food Products & Co., Nagpur against

Editor, Dainik Bhaskar, Nagpur

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

156. Complaint of Smt. Tara Kerkar, President

Savera Trust & Savera Association, Goa

against Editor, Tarun Bharat, Goa

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

157. ComplaintofShriNawazHafizKhanagainstEditor, Khabere Aaj Tak

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

being sub-

judice

158. Complaint of Shri Ravi Shankar, Executive

Magistrate, Gumla against the Editor,

Hindustan, Ranchi

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

159. Complaint of Shri Birobrata Acharjee, Assam

against Editor, Dainik Jugosankho, Assam.

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

160. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verma, Joint General

Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory,

Kanpur against Dainik Jagran, Kanpur

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

161. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verrma, Joint General

Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory,

Kanpur against Hindustan, Kanpur.

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

162. Complaint of Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha,

lucknow against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

163. Complaint of Shri Rahul Kumar Singh,

Varanasi against Dainik Jagran

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

164. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur Punjab

against Editor, Sangrur Barnala Kesari

September 9th Dismissed

165. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur

(Punjab) against Editor, Sangrur Barnala

Kesari

September 9th,

2016

DismissedM

164

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

166. Complaint of Shri Gurnam Singh, PPS, Deputy

Superintendent of Police, Sub Division, GRP

Jalandhar against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar and

Reporter Shri Akhand Parasad

September 9th,

2016

Dismissed

167. Complaint of Shri Jitender Rana, Himachal

Pradesh against Editor, Divya Himachal,

Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

168. Complaint of Shri Anand Mohan Khare,

Branch Manager, ZilaSahkari Bank,

Chatarpur, Madhya Pradesh against Editor,

Dainik Parihar Garjana, Madhya Pradesh

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of as

settled

169. Complaint of Shri Gurkripal Singh, Hoshiarpur

against Editor, Punjabi Tribune Chandigarh

September 9th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

170. Complaint of Shri S.P. Yadav, IOFS (Retd.)

Jabalpur against Pradesh Today

September 9th,

2016

Censured

171. Complaint of Shri D.K. Chopra,

New Delhi against Samvada, New

Delhi.

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

being devoid of

merit

172. Complaint of Shri Neeraj Saxena, Advocate

against Hindustan Times, New Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed with

direction

173. Complaint of Shri Jalaj Srivastava, Additional

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers

Welfare, New Delhi against Editor, Times of

India, New Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

174. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sanwaria,

Chandigarh against Indian Express, Haryana.

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

175. Complaint of Shri Sunkari Janardhan Goud,

Advocate, Hyderabad against Editor,

Outlook, New Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

being sub-

judice

176. Complaint of Shri Ashwin Hirani, Mumbai

against Editor, Sandesh, Mumbai.

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

177. Complaint of Aamani Group, Ahmedabad,

Gujarat against Editor, the Sandesh.

November 17th,

2016

Censured

178. Complaint of Shri Kailash Kumar Agarwal,

Dhanbad, Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik

Jagran, Hindustan.

November 17th,

2016

Disposed

of with

observation

165

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

179. Complaint of Shri Gajendra Singh, Siligudi,

West Bengal against Aapka Teesta Himalaya,

Siligudi, West Bengal

November 17th,

2016

Withdrawn

180. Complaint of Shri Vidyanand, Hajipur,

Vaishali, Bihar against Editor, Prabhat

Khabar

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

being Sub-

Judice

181. Complaint of Shri Rajan Puzari, Ex-Founder

Secretary, Dergaon Journalists Association,

Golaghat, Assam against Editor, Asomia

Pratidin

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

182. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Bhadauria,

Authorized Representative, Jindal Steel &

Power ltd., Hissar, Haryana against the

Editor, DNA, Mumbai

November 17th,

2016

Censured

183. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balram, Kerala Pranth

Saha Sangh, Vrindavan, Kannur against

Editor, Deshabhimani

November 17th,

2016

Caution

184. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram,

Kerala, Kannur against the Editor,

Deshabhimani

November 17th,

2016

Censured

185. Complaint of Shri Ambris Gaud, Senior

Superintendent, Central Jail, Naini, Allahabad

against Dainik Jagran

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed for

non-pursuance

186. Complaint of Shri Shamim Uddin, Additional

Secretary, Government of Madhya

Pradesh, Bhopal against editor, Nav Dunia,

Bhopal

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

187. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports,

Chennai against the editor, Surya Daily,

Vijayawada

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

188. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports, Chennai

against the editor, Akshara Spandana

newspaper, Vijayawada

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

189. Complaint of Jethanand Tarachand

Karamchandani against the editor, Crime Aur

Kalam, Ulhasnagar

November 17th,

2016

Censured

190. Complaint of Shri U.K. Pal, Freelance

Journalist, Rourkela, Odisha against the

Editor, Samaja

November 17th,

2016

Disposed

of with the

direction

M

166

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

191. Complaint of Kothari Medical & Research

Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan against the

Editor, Dainik Bhaskar

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed

192. Complaint of Shri. N.l. Singh, lucknow,

UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran.

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

with caution

193. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against

the editors, Dainik Jagran

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

194. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against

the editor, Hindustan

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

195. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Sinha,

Delhi against the Editor, Times of India,

New Delhi

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

196. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha,

Gurgaon Haryana against the editor,

Mumbai Mirror

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

197. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha,

Gurgaon Haryana against the editor,

Ahmedabad Mirror

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

198. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha,

Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, Pune

Mirror

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

199. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha,

Gurgaon Haryana against the editor,

Navbharat Times

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

200. Complaint of Shri B.R. Prasad, Former

Commissioner, Allahabad, UP against

United Bharat

November 17th,

2016

Dismissed on

merits

201 Complaint of Shri Gajendra Pandey, Bhimpur,

Deoria, U.P against the editor, Dainik Jagran,

Gorakhpur, U.P.

November 17th,

2016

Disposed of

with direction

202. Complaint of Shri Surendra Tripathi against

the editor, United Bharat Akhbar

November 17th ,

2016

Dismissed on

merit

203. Complaint of Shri Haridasan Mathilakath,

Mumbai against Editor, Hindustan

November 17th,

2016

Regret

expressed–proceeding

dropped

M

M

167

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

204. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor,(a) Dainik Bhaskar, (Gwalior& Shivpuri Edition)

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

205. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (b) NavDuniya, Bhopal Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

206. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (c) DainikBhaskar, Bhopal Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

207. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (d) DainikBhaskar, Ujjain Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

208. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (e) DainikBhaskar, Sagar Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

209. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (f) DainikBhaskar, Indore Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

210 Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (g) DainikBhaskar, Satna Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

211. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (h) DainikBhaskar, Raipur Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

212. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (i) NaiDuniya, Indore Edition

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

213. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor,(j) Danik Bhaskar, Jabalpur Edition, M.P

March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on

merits

214. Complaint of Mahant Gyan Das, Disciple of late Shri Shayamdas, Akhil Bhartiya Panch Ramanandiya, Faizabad, Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya, U.P. against the Editor, Dainik Zimmedar

March 3, 2017 Disposed of

with direction

215. Complaint of Shri Kamal Sharma, OSD,

Tirthankar Mahavir University, Muradabad,

UP against the Editor, Parivartanka Daur

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

being–Sub-Judice

M

168

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

216. Complaint of Dr. K.S. Gupta, Senior

Consultant, District Hospital, Bareilly,

UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran.

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

217. Complaint of Shri A.K. Singh, lieutenant

Colonel, Officer Commanding, SupplyDepot Bareilly, UP against the Editor,

Dainik Jagran, Bareilly, UP

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

as rebuttal

published

218. Complaint of Smt. Yamini Krishana

Chhattar, Assistant Operator, Jawaharlal

Nehru Krishi Vishvavidyalaya,

Jabalpur, MP against the Editor, Nai

Duniya

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

219. Complaint of Shri Parisdeshmukh,

Badmer, Rajasthan against the Editor,

Dainik Bhaskar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

220. Complaint of Senior Superintendent of

Prisons, Moradabad, UP against the Editor,

Amar Ujala, UP

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

221. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against Dainik Jagran, (Satya Katha),

Bhopal Edition

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

222. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against the Editor, Haribhumi, Bhopal

Edition

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

223. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against the Editor, The Pioneer, Bhopal

Edition

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

224. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against the Editor, Hindustan Times,

Bhopal Edition

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

225. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against the Editor, Agniban, Bhopal

Edition

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

226. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal,

MP against the Editor, Navbharat

March 3, 2017 Disposed

of–withobservation

M

169

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

227. Complaint of Shri Ramsagar, Begusarai,

Bihar against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan,

Bihar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

228. Complaint of Shri Amrendra Kumar,

Bhagalpur against the Editor, Dainik

Jagran and Shri lalan Rai, Journalist

March 3, 2017 Disposed of

with direction

229. Complaint of Ms. Nargis Khan, Former,

SHO, Meerut, UP against the Editor Dainik

Jagran

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

230. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Kumar Jain, UP

against the Editor, Amar Ujala

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

231. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Kaushik, Chief

Manager, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur

against the Editor, Burean Times

March 3, 2017 Censured

232. Complaint of Smt. Javitri Devi, Counsellor,

Malkhan Singh District Hospital, Aligarh,

UP against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Aligarh,

UP

March 3, 2017 Censured

233. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Jansatta

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

234. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Punjab Kesari

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

235. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Rajasthan Patrika

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

236. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

237. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Sanjeevni Today

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

238. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Deshbandhu

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

170

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

239. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, Chakravyuh India

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

240. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun

against the editor, The Goan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

241. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana,

Dehradun against the editor, Indian

Express

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

242. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana,

Dehradun against the editor, Gomantak

Times

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

243. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana,

Dehradun against the editor, Times of

India

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

244. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana,

Dehradun against the editor, Goa

Herald

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

245. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana,

Dehradun against the editor, Nav Hind

Times

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

246. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Kalptaru Express

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

247. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Punjab Kesari

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

248. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Rajasthan Patrika

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

249. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Asian Age

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

M

171

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

250. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Mail Today

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

251. Reference received from Shri Rahul

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

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

252. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

253. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Dainik

Navjyoti

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

254. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Rajasthan

Patrika

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

255. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Samachar Jagar,

Rajasthan

March 3, 2017

Dismissed

256. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Dainik

Bhaskar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

172

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

257. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Bureau Sandesh,

Rajasthan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

258. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Punjab

Kesari

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

259. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Dainik

Bhor

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

260. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Rashtradoot

Rajasthan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

261. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Dainik Naya

India

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

262. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Mahanagar

Mail

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

263. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Dainik Kelo

Pravah

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

173

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

264. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Dainik

Jankarm

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

265. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Royal

Bulletin

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

266. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Dainik

Prayan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

267. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Rashtriya

Sahara

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

268. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Aaj

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

269. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Sachchai Ka

Khulasa

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

270. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Mudgal Times

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

174

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

271. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

U.S. to Election Commission of India

regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi

and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The

Editor, Hindustan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

272. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative

Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013

against the editor, The Editor, Royal

Bulletin

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

273. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against

the editor, The Editor, Chaugamaki

Awaz

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

274. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Jan Sandesh

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

275. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Hindustan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

276. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Ratnagiri Times

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

277. Reference received from Shri Rahul

Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission

of India regarding legislative Assembly

of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the

editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

175

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

278. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Various Newspapers

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

279. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Hindustan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

280. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Indian Express

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

281. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The editor, Dausa Gazette

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

282. Complaint of Shri Saurabh Swami, Regional P.F. Commissioner, Grade II, EPFO, Haryana against the Editor, Times of India, New Delhi.

March 3, 2017 Censured

283. Complaint of Shri Krishan Kumar, President, SirsaBardana Manufacturer, Haryana against the Editor, Total Haryana News

March 3, 2017 Censured

284. Complaint of Shri Harish Sharma, Counsellor, Panipat, Haryana against the Editor, Sughav Vani, Panipat, Haryana

March 3, 2017 Censured

285. Complaint of Shri Ashok Singh, Jalore, Rajasthan against the Editor, MarwadPrahari, Jalore, Rajasthan

March 3, 2017 Disposed of

with direction

286. Complaint of Shri Kiran Singh, New Delhi

against the Editor, Punjab Kesari

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

287. Complaint of The Kalgidhar Trust, New Delhi

against the Editor Amar Ujala

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

M

176

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

288. Complaint of Shri Alok Bhatnagar &

Mukesh Babu, New Delhi against the Editor,

Inderprastha News

March 3, 2017 Disposed off

289. Complaint of Shri Kedarnath Saini, Incharge,

Rajkiya Krishi Beej Bhandar, Hilauli, UP

against the Editor, Dainik Jagran

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

290. Complaint of Ms. Jasneet Kaur, Janakpuri,

Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

291. Complaint of Col. Shivraj, Convenor, Poster

Hatao Campaign, New Delhi against the Editor,

Times of India, Delhi

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

292. Complaint of Dr.Dipyendu K. Roy, Kolkata

against the Editor, Anand Bazar Patrika

March 3, 2017 Disposed of

with direction

293. Complaint of Shri Yunus Patel, Indore,

Madhya Pradesh against the Editor, Prabhat

Kiran

March 3, 2017 Censured

294. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh,

Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik

Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar.

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

295. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh,

Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik

Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

296. Complaint of Smt, Usha, Ratlam, Madhya

Pradesh against the Editor, Shabd

Exclusive

March 3, 2017 Dismissed on

merit

297. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer,Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, MP against

the Editor, Nai Duniya

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

298. Complaint of Dr. Chandra Mohan Jha, Vice

Chancellor, Meghalaya against the Editor,

Shillong Times

March 3, 2017 Dismissed

M

177

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

Paid News

299. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Jag Utthan, Delhi

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

300. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Punjab Kesari,

Delhi

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

301. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of

India, New Delhi against the Editor, Nayak

Bharti, Delhi

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

302. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Jagrook Times,

Jaipur (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

303. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of

India, New Delhi against the Editor, Naya India,

Bhilwada (Raj.).

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

304. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Rashtradoot,

Jaipur.

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

305. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Metro Bites, Jaipur

(Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

306. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Navjyoti,

Ajmer (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

307. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Angad,

Bundi (Raj)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

308. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Pratahkaal, Udaipur

(Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

178

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

309. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Ambar,

Jhunjhunu (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

310. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Nagaur Ki Awaz,

Nagaur (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

311. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Jalte Deep, Jodhpur

(Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

312. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan

Border, Pali (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

313. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Marudhar Bhoomi,

Tonk (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

314. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Sarwan

Khabar, Tonk (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

315. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India,

Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan, New Delhi

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

316. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S.

Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, New

Delhi against the Editor, Sandhya JyotiDarpan,

Jaipur (Raj.)

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

317. Reference received from the Collector, District

ElectionOfficer andPresident,DistrictLevelMCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh

regardingpublicationofanalleged‘PaidNews’in Swadesh newspapers

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

318. Reference received from the Collector, District

ElectionOfficer andPresident,DistrictLevelMCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh

regardingpublicationofanalleged‘PaidNews’in rakhar newspapers

June 10th,

2016

DismissedM

179

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

319. Reference received from the Collector and

President, District Level MCMC, Office of theCollector/District Election Officer, Sivani, M.P.regardingpublicationofallegedly‘PaidNews’inSamvad Kunj newspaper

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

320. Reference received from Shri A.S.

Mawkhiew, Under Secretary to the

Government of Meghalaya, Elections

Department and Assistant Chief Electoral

Officer, Meghalaya, Shillong regardingpublication of allegely ‘Paid News’ in U-Rupang, Shillongnewspaper

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

for non -

pursuance

321. Reference received from Shri A.S. Mawkhiew,

Under Secretary to the Government of

Meghalaya, Elections Department and

AssistantChiefElectoralOfficer,Meghalaya,Shillong regarding publication of allegely

‘Paid News’ in U-Kynjastshai, Shillongnewspaper

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

for non -

pursuance

322. Suo-motu action on reference received from

Election Commission of India against “Amrit

India” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’during General Elections to legislative Assembly

of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

on merit

323. Suo-motu action on reference received from

Election Commission of India against “Inquilab”

for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ duringGeneral Elections to legislative Assembly of

Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

on merit

324. Suo-motu action on reference received

from Election Commission of India against

“SidhiKhabar” for publication of alleged ‘PaidNews’ during General Elections to legislative

Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

325. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General Election-2014 against Dainik Rajasthan

Statement

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

on merit

326. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General

Election-2014 against Editor, Dainik Janvani

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

on merit

M

180

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

327. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Muzaffarnagar Bulletin, Muzaffarnagar

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

328. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Dainik Shram Bindu, Raipur

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

329. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

330. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Bijnore Times, Bijnore.

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

331. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Jhansi Vaarta, Jhansi

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

332. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Rashtriya Swaroop, lucknow

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

333. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Surya Prabha, Odishaa

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

334. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General Election-2014 against Editor, Janvani, Bhubaneshwar

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

335. Shri Ramesh Kumar, Returning Officer &Collector, Daman & Diu, Daman against the Editor, Asli Azadi, Nani Daman.

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed

336. Complaint of Collector and District Election

Officer,DistrictDhar,M.P.againsttheEditor,Dainik Balwas Times, Indore

September

9th, 2016

Censured

337. Complaint of Collector and District Election

Officer,DistrictDhar,M.P.againsttheEditor,Raj Express, Indore

September

9th, 2016

CensuredM

181

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

338. Complaint received from the Collector & D.M. Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Pravesh Samvad, Sagar

September 9th, 2016

Censured

339. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Daudti Dilli, Delhi

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

340. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Chambhal Surkhee, Morena, M.P.

September 9th, 2016

Censured

341. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Shah Alert, Muzaffarnagar

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

342. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Shri India, Banda Uttar Pradesh

September 9th, 2016

Censured

343. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Bundelkhand live, Banda Uttar Pradesh

September 9th, 2016

Censured

344. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Nayan Jagriti, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

345. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik Janvaani, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

346. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Vishwa Manavt, Uttar Pradesh

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

347. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Amar Ujala, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

348. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Awam-e-Hind, Delhi

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

349. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, City Times, lucknow

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

350. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Chingari,

Bijnaur, U.P.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

on merit

M

182

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

351. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Karamyug Prakas, Jalaun, U.P.

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

352. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

353. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the Editor, loksatya

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

354. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Kota Bureau, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

355. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, BPN Times, Dholpur, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed on merit

356. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Rajasthan Patrika

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed

357. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Dainik Taj Bharti, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed

358. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Jan Nayak, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Censured

359. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Samachar Jagat, Gujarat

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed

360. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Prakash Kunj, Rajasthant

September 9th, 2016

Dismissed

361. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, Seema Sandesh, Jaipur, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Censured

362. Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against Editor, BadhtiKalam, Rajasthan

September 9th, 2016

Censured

363. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi against Editor, Divya Damak,

Jalore, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

183

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

364. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rajasthan

Punjab Kesari, Jaipur, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

365. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Times

of India, Jaipur, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

366. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Janbaaz

Patrika, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

367. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtra Ka

Vachan, Kota, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

368. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Mevar Times,

Bhilwara, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

369. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Rajasthan

Dasha, Dausa, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

370. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik

Aas Paas, Junjhnoo, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

371. Reference received from , Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Mehkta

Bharat, Jaipur Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

372. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, National

Duniya, Jaipur, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

373. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Seema

Sandesh, Rajasthan.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

374. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Tarun

Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

375. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Morning

News, Jaipur, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

376. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against the editor, Jhalawar

Samachar, Rajasthan

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

184

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

377. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission India,

New Delhi against Dainik Patna Express

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

378. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

New Delhi against Morning News, Jaipur

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

379. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtradoot,

Jaipur

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

380. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Surya

Prabha, Orissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

381. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik

Navbharat, Raipur

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

382. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Samaj,

Bhubaneshwar, Orissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

383. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prajavaadi,

Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

384. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaj,

Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

385. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik

Swaddin, Raipur

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

386. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi against ,Khabar, Bhubaneshwar,

Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

387. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Sambad,

Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

388. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaya,

Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

389. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prameya,

Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

185

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

390. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Navbharat

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

391. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Hamara Mahanagar

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

392. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Inquilab

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

393. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Urdu Times

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

394. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Sahafat

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

395. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Avadhnama

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

396. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Yashobhoomi

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

397. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Navbharat

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

398. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Hamara Mahanagar

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

399. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Gujarat Samachar

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

400. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Inquilab,

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

401. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Sahafat

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

402. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Urdu Times,

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

403. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through advocate Mumbai against Editor, Avadhnama.

November 17th, 2016

Dismissed for non pursuance

M

M

186

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

404. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, National Duniya

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

on merit

405. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Aaj Samaj

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

on merit

406. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Bharat Sameep

March 3,

2017

Censured

407. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Maru lahar

March 3,

2017

Censured

408. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Shah Times

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

on merits

409. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Maru lehar

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

on merits

410. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Desh Ki Dharti

March 3,

2017

Censured

411. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Raj Vaibhav

March 3,

2017

Censured

412. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Paschimi Sandesh

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

M

M

187

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

413. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Krantikari Sandesh

March 3,

2017

Censured

414. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Dainik Metro Bites

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

415. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Dainik Bhaskar

March 3,

2017

Censured

416. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

editor, Dainik Bhaskar

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

on merit

417. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, National Duniya

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

418. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Meri Dilli

March 3,

2017

Censured

419. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma,

Under Secretary, Election Commission of India,

regarding publication of paid news against the

Editor, Awam-E-Hind

March 3,

2017

Censured

420. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Jag

Utthan

March 3,

2017

Censured

421. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General

election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Veer

Arjun

March 3,

2017

Censured

M

188

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

422. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General

election- 2014, UP against the editor, Tarun Mitra,

lucknow

March 3,

2017

Censured

423. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General

election- 2014, UP against the editor, Sachchai

Abhi Tak, UP

March 3,

2017

Censured

424. Reference received from Election Commission of

India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General

election- 2014, UP against the editor, Shah Times,

Muzaffarnagar

March 3,

2017

Censured

425. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

BPN Times

March 3,

2017

Censured

426. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editors

Yash Bharat and Raj Express

March 3,

2017

Censured

427. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editors

Yash Bharat and Raj Express

March 3,

2017

Censured

428. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Dainik Pushp Savera

March 3,

2017

Censured

429. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Muzaffarnagar Ujala

March 3,

2017

Censured

430. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Dainik Hari Bhoomi

March 3,

2017

Censured

431. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Dainik Hindsat

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

M

189

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

432. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Dainik Samay Darshan

March 3,

2017

Censured

433. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Jan Madhyam

March 3,

2017

Censured

434. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Shah Times

March 3,

2017

Disposed

of with

direction

435. Reference received from Election Commission

of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in

General election- 2014, UP against the editor,

Bhartiya Janmanch

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

436. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under

Secretary, Election Commission of India

regarding paid news against the editor, Dainik

Prakash Kunj

March 3,

2017

Censured

437. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under

Secretary, Election Commission of India

regarding paid news against the editor, Raigarh

Sandesh, Raigarh

March 3,

2017

Censured

438. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under

Secretary, Election Commission of India

regarding paid news against the editor, Sanchar,

Bhubaneshwar

March 3,

2017

Dismissed

Press and Morality

439. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub Qureshi, Mumbai

against Shri Syed Zafarul Islam, Chief

Reporter, lahren Fortnightly, Mumbai.

June 10th,

2016

Dismissed

440. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate, Hon.

Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the editor,

Dainik Bhaskar, Gwalior

September

9th, 2016

Disposed of

441. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate,

Hon. Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the

editor, Nai Dunia, Gwalior

September

9th, 2016

Disposed of

M

M

M

190

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

442. Complaint of Dr. Rajendra Singh Jadeja, General

Secretary, Rajkot District Consumers Protection

Council, Rajkot against Divya Bhaskar, Rajkot.

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

with

observation

443. Complaint of Prof. K.V. Thomas, Ernakulam

against Editor, Times of India, Mumbai

September

9th, 2016

Dismissed

444. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil

Nadu (through Registrar, NCPCR), New

Delhi against the Editor, Kalai Kathir

November

17th, 2016

Disposed

of with

observation

445. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu

(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi

against the Editor, Dinamalar

November

17th, 2016

Disposed

of with

observation

446. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu

(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi

against the Editor, Daily Thanthi

November

17th, 2016

Disposed

of with

observation

447. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu

(through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi against

the Editor, Daily Thanthi.

November

17th, 2016

Disposed

of with

observation

448. Complaint of Shri Suryakant Sharma, Jharkhand

against the Editor, Hindustan.

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed

for non

pursuance

449. Complaint of Shri Sunjjoy Manohar Dahake,

Publisher/Editor, Pune Mirror against BCCl

November

17th, 2016

Disposed

off with

observation

Suo-Motu

450. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on lokmat

Officer in Maharashtra & Complaint of ShriKareem Chand Sheikh against Editor, lokmat.

June 10th,

2016

Disposed

off apology

published

451. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Dainik Bhaskar

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

452. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Rashtirya Sahara

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

453. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Navbharat Times

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

M

M

191

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

454. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Jansatta

November

17th,

2016

Dropped

455. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in The

Mail Today

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

456. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

The Pioneer

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

457. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Times of India

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

458. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted

version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in

Dainik Tribune

November

17th, 2016

Dropped

459. ComplaintofShriArvindKumar,CircleOfficer(III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officer Line,Aligarh against Editor, Dainik Jagran

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed for

being non -

pursuance

460. Complaint of Shri Arvind Kumar, Circle

Officer(III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officerline, Aligarh against Editor, Dainik

Jagran

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed for

being non -

pursuance

461. Deliberations on objectionable contents of cover

story published in Outlook.

November

17th, 2016

Warned

462. Suo-motu action on reference received from

Election Commission of India against “Dainik

Jagran” for publication of alleged ‘PaidNews’during General Elections to legislative Assembly

of Rajasthan - 2013 in the garb of news

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed

with

observation

463. Suo-motu action on reference received from

Election Commission of India against “Rahat

Times” for allegedly publishing ‘Paid News’during General Elections to the lok Sabha-2014

in the garb of news

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

464. 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

November

17th, 2016

Censured

M

192

Sl. No.

Parties Date of

Decision

Category

Communal, Casteist, Anti National and Anti Religious Writing465. Complaint of Shri Kuldip Singh Bawa,

Representative, Shiromani Gurudwara

Prabhandhak Committee, Amritsar against

Editor, Rozana Spokesman, Mohali, Punjab

September

9th, 2016

Disposal of

Sub-Judice

466. Complaint of Smt. Meena through Delhi

Commission for Women against Ashoka

Express

November

17th, 2016

Censured

467. Complaint of Shri Saji lal, Trivandrum against

the Editor, Mathrubhoomi

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

468. Complaint of Shri Ashish Gupta, Gwalior,

M.P. against the Editor, Hindustan Times, New

Delhi

November

17th, 2016

Dismissed on

merits

193

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 tobe supervisedby anofficial, higher than theofficer againstwhomcomplaint is made.

(Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi, Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP

against the Police Authorities, Adjudication dated March 3, 2017)

l ActionofDistrictMagistrateinnotallowingjournalistsintheofficefor 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)

194

Annexure - H

Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudication in

Complaints Filed Against the Press

Principle and Publication

l Personalanimosityshouldnotbereflectedinanewsitem (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 Editormayhavearighttoedita‘lettertoeditor’butsucheditingshouldnotdeviate 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

actuatedbymalafide,simplybecausesomeoftheeditorsandscholarshavecommended 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)

195

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)

196

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 Projectingacandidate’ssuccessinElectionwhoisyettofileanominationis 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 NewsReportsonCampaignmeetingandstatesenthusiasmbecausefilmstar 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)