Press Council of India

• 31 May 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Lok Sabha Speaker has nominated 3 Members of Parliament (MP) to the Press Council of India (PCI). 

What are the Key Facts Related to the Press Council of India (PCI)? 

• About: PCI is a statutory, quasi-judicial autonomous body, initially established on 16th November 1966 by Parliament under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965 based on the recommendations of the First Press Commission. 
  • It was formally established in 1966, with Justice J.R. Mudholkar, then a judge of the Supreme Court, as chairman. 
  • It was abolished during Emergency (1975) and later reconstituted in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978. 
• Objective: To preserve the freedom of the press and maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India. 
• Composition & Term: It consists of 29 members (1 Chairman + 28 Members). Chairman is  conventionally a retired Supreme Court judge nominated by a committee comprising the Vice President (Rajya Sabha Chairman), Lok Sabha Speaker, and a member elected by the PCI. 
  • The 28 other members include 13 working journalists, 6 newspaper owners/managers, 1 news agency representative, 5 MPs and 3 experts nominated by UGC, Bar Council, and Sahitya Akademi. 
  • The term of the Chairman and other members is 3 years. 
• Funding: Through grants-in-aid from the Central Government (appropriated by Parliament) and graded fees collected from newspapers, and other receipts. 
• Functions: It frames a media code of conduct, ensures ethical and accurate reporting, fosters public responsibility, monitors restrictions on news flow, and oversees foreign media assistance. 
  • It also studies foreign newspapers’ impact, addresses media ownership concerns, promotes industry cooperation, and advises the Central Government to uphold press freedom and accountability. 
• Powers: It can censure, warn, or admonish newspapers, agencies, editors, or journalists for violations of journalistic ethics after a fair inquiry.  
  • It may also require publication of inquiry details in public interest.  
  • Its decisions are final and cannot be appealed before a court of law. 
  • It has power of civil courts, summoning witnesses, examining documents, and conducting inquiries deemed judicial proceedings. 
  • However, it cannot compel disclosure of journalistic sources. 
• Limitations: The powers of the PCI are limited as it cannot enforce penalties for guideline violations and only oversees print media such as newspapers and magazines.  
  • It has no authority over electronic media, including radio, television, and internet platforms. 

Note 

• National Press Day is celebrated annually on 16th November to commemorate the founding of the Press Council of India (PCI). 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

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

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

Ans: (c)