Press Council Of India (PCI)

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The Press Council of India (PCI) is an autonomous statutory body established by the Parliament of India on 4 July 1966 under the Press Council Act, 1965. The PCI is a quasi-judicial body that is responsible for maintaining high standards of journalistic ethics and for protecting the freedom of the press in India.

The PCI has a Chairperson and 28 members, including 12 representatives of the press, 12 eminent persons from different walks of life, and 4 members nominated by the government. The PCI has its headquarters in New Delhi.

The PCI has the following functions:

  • To promote the highest standards of journalistic ethics and to ensure that the press functions in the public interest.
  • To protect the freedom of the press and to ensure that the press is not subjected to any undue pressure or interference.
  • To investigate complaints against the press and to take appropriate action, including issuing warnings, reprimands, and imposing fines.
  • To advise the government on matters relating to the press.
  • To undertake studies and research on matters relating to the press.

The PCI has the power to summon witnesses, to take evidence on oath, and to issue commissions of inquiry. The PCI’s decisions are binding on the press.

The PCI has played a significant role in promoting the highest standards of journalistic ethics and in protecting the freedom of the press in India. The PCI has also been instrumental in resolving disputes between the press and the government.

The PCI has been criticized for being too slow and ineffective in dealing with complaints against the press. The PCI has also been criticized for being too close to the government and for not being independent enough.

Despite these criticisms, the PCI remains an important institution in the Indian media landscape. The PCI plays a vital role in promoting the highest standards of journalistic ethics and in protecting the freedom of the press in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Press Council of India (PCI)?
    The Press Council of India (PCI) is an autonomous statutory body established by the Parliament of India on 4 July 1966 under the Press Council Act, 1965. The PCI is a quasi-judicial body that is responsible for maintaining high standards of journalistic ethics and for protecting the freedom of the press in India.

  2. What are the functions of the PCI?
    The PCI has the following functions:

  • To promote the highest standards of journalistic ethics and to ensure that the press functions in the public interest.
  • To protect the freedom of the press and to ensure that the press is not subjected to any undue pressure or interference.
  • To investigate complaints against the press and to take appropriate action, including issuing warnings, reprimands, and imposing fines.
  • To advise the government on matters relating to the press.
  • To undertake studies and research on matters relating to the press.

  1. How is the PCI constituted?
    The PCI has a Chairperson and 28 members, including 12 representatives of the press, 12 eminent persons from different walks of life, and 4 members nominated by the government. The PCI has its headquarters in New Delhi.

  2. What are the powers of the PCI?
    The PCI has the power to summon witnesses, to take evidence on oath, and to issue commissions of inquiry. The PCI’s decisions are binding on the press.

  3. What are the criticisms against the PCI?
    The PCI has been criticized for being too slow and ineffective in dealing with complaints against the press. The PCI has also been criticized for being too close to the government and for not being independent enough.

  4. What is the future of the PCI?
    Despite these criticisms, the PCI remains an important institution in the Indian media landscape. The PCI plays a vital role in promoting the highest standards of journalistic ethics and in protecting the freedom of the press in India.