April 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017

PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA

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

New Delhi Printed at : Chandu Press, D-97, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092 Press Council of India Soochna Bhawan, 8, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110 003 Chairman: Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad

NAME ORGANISATION NOMINATED BY NEWSPAPERS Editors of Indian Languages Newspapers (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5) Shri Ramesh Gupta All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference and Weekly Tej, Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan Urdu New Delhi Shri Bipin Newar All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference and Chaapte Chaapte Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan Hindi Daily, West Bengal Shri Uttam Chandra Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and Muzaffarnagar Bulletin, Sharma All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference Hindi Daily Muzaffarnagar, U.P. Dr. Suman Gupta Hindi Samachar Patra Sammelan and Janmorcha, All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference Hindi Daily, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh Shri Prakash Dubey Editor’s Guild of India Dainik Bhaskar, Hindi Daily Nagpur Editors of English Newspapers (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5) Shri Krishna Prasad Editor’s Guild of India Outlook (English) New Delhi Working Journalists other than Editors (Clause (a) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)

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

Shri S.N. Sinha Indian Journalists Union, Working News Cameramen’s Photo Journalist, Association, National Union of Journalists(I) and Press (Freelancer) Association New Delhi Shri Sondeep Shankar Working News Cameramen’s Association, Indian Photo Journalist, Journalists Union, National Union of Journalists(I) and (Freelancer) Press Association New Delhi Shri C.K. Nayak Press Association, Indian Journalists Union, Working The Shillong Times, News Cameramen’s Association and National Union of Shillong Journalists(I) NAME ORGANISATION NOMINATED BY NEWSPAPERS Owners and Managers of Big, Medium and Small Newspapers (Clause (b) of Sub-Section (3) of Section 5)

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

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

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

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

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

*Membership ceased w.e.f. 9.9.2016 Contents

Foreword

Chapter I General Review 1

Chapter II Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats 48 to Press Freedom

Chapter III Adjudications in Complaints Filed Against the Press 60

Chapter IV Report on Murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, 76 Journalist, Jan Sandesh Times, Sultanpur, U.P.

Chapter V Report on Murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau 78 Chief, Hindustan, Hindi Daily, Siwan, Bihar.

Chapter VI Report on Murder of Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, 88 Journalist, Hindi Television, Chatra, Jharkhand

Chapter VII Report on Obscene/Vulgar Advertisements 93

Chapter VIII Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on 95 Journalists:- Maharashtra legislative Council

Chapter IX Finances of the Council 2016-17 105

Annexures

A Gazette Notification dated 28.4.2016 - Amending 130 Rule 10 of Press Council Rules, 1979

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

C Graph of Adjudications 2016-17 133

D Subject Index of Orders Passed by the Press & 134 Registration Appellate Board (2016-2017)

E Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints 137 Regarding Threats to Press Freedom (2016-2017) F Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints 150 Filed Against the Press (2016-2017)

G Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudications 193 in Complaints Regarding Threats to Press Freedom

H Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudications 194 in Complaints Filed Against the Press

Foreword “Freedom of Press is a privilege that no country can forego”

- Mahatma Gandhi

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

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

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

last year was one of the notable years in the history of Press Council of India as it completed its fifty years of functioning. In golden jubilee celebration the Press Councils of Bangladesh, Sri lanka, Nepal and Maldives participated in the programme of the National Press Day on 16th November 2016, graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister also emphasized on the need for media to self-regulate its coverage and expressed his concern for the media freedom. The subject chosen for deliberation on the Press Day 2016, was related to the safety and security of the media personnel reporting from conflict areas. After a long process of dialogues at national and international level regarding formation of a common platform for the press/media councils of South Asian nations to exchange views, experience and knowledge, to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region through use of media and public diplomacy, the Press Council of India finally held the first meeting of the proposed body – the South Asian Alliance of Press Councils in Delhi. The same was attended by the representative of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan. Further, to preserve the freedom of the press and to promote the standards and ethics in the press, worldwide, a delegation of Press Council of India visited Bangladesh and Nepal. Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the respective nations to promote freedom of press across the borders.

It is essential to have financial autonomy for the Press Council to make the dictums of Council more effective, hence a restructuring of the levy fee was proposed to the Government of India by the Council. The Government of India, through its Gazette Notification dated April 28, 2016, has laid down a revised fees structure to be levied upon the registered newspapers and news agencies and this has definitely led to the financial strengthening of the Press Council. This Report being almost last report of the XIIth Council, I must take the opportunity tothank all the members of the Council for having extended their full support and expertise to enable the Council in credibly discharging its function.

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

New Delhi Chandramauli Kumar Prasad March 31, 2017 Chairman Press Council of India Chapter – I General Review

Introduction The Press Council of India was set up in the year 1966 on the recommendations 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 governments.

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

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

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

Since while enacting the Press Council Act in the year 1978, the Parlia- ment was of the opinion that the Press Council should function as a body independent 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 agencies. Further the Central Government has been enjoined to pay to the Council by way of grants such sums of money as the Central Government may consider necessary for the performance of its functions under the Act. The Press Council combines in itself the independence of a self-regulatory internal mechanism and the mandatory submission of all the newspapers to its jurisdiction.

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

The complaints received by the Council broadly fall into two categories; complaints by the Press and complaints against the Press. Any person feeling 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 considers it necessary, in the course of performance of its functions under the Act.

2 On the other hand, if it finds that a newspaper or a news agency has offended against the standards of journalistic ethics or public taste or that an editor or a working journalist has committed any professional misconduct, it can warn, admonish or censure the newspaper, the news agency, the editor or the journalist 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 decisions are final and cannot be questioned in any court of law. The decisions and directions of the Council have generally been honoured and accepted by the media and the authorities alike.

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

Working of the Council (April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017)

Reconstitution of the Press Council of India

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

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

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

Meetings of the Council and its Committees

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

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

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

Inquiry Committee - I Inquiry Committee - II

1. Shri Ramesh Gupta 1. Shri Bipin Newar 2. Shri Uttam Chandra Sharma 2. Dr. Suman Gupta 3. Shri Prakash Dubey 3. Shri Krishna Prasad 4. Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash 4. Shri Kosuri Amarnath 5. Shri Rajeev Ranjan Nag 5. Shri C.K. Nayak 6. Shri S. N. Sinha 6. Shri Sondeep Shankar 7. Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri 7. Shri Hormusji N. Cama 8. Shri Ravindra Kumar 8. Shri Gurinder Singh 9. Shri Vijay Kumar Chopra 9. Shri Kundan Raman lal Vyas 10. Shri G. Sudhakar Nair 10. Shri Keshav Dutt Chandola 11. Shri Apurba Kumar Sharma 11. Shri Pankaj Vohra 12. Smt. Meenakshi lekhi, M.P. 12. Dr. K. Sreenivasa rao (lok Sabha) 13. Shri Prabhat Jha, M.P. (Rajya Sabha) 13. Vacant 14. *Shri Pratap Simha, M.P. (Lok Sabha) 14. Vacant

*Membership ceased w.e.f 9.9.2016

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

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

1. To enquire into murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief, Hindustan, Hindi Daily, Siwan, Bihar.

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

Brief Note on New Print Media Advertisement Policy-2016

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

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

Clause no. Criteria Recommendation 18(1) Circulation The Council is of the opinion that a newspaper cannot certified by be forced to be member of ABC, a private body, for ABC/RNI getting its circulation certified by it. The Council, therefore, recommends that ABC certification not be made mandatory, which it becomes because of delays in RNI certification.

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

The views of the Council were forwarded to the Ministry on 23.8.2016 calling 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)

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

(iii) Private Member Bill on surrogate advertisements (Prohibition) Bill 2016 by Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, MP ( Rajya Sabha)-reg.

(iv) Communication from Joint Secretary & Protector General of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India regarding Overseas Employment.

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

Brief Note on Maharashtra Government Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on journalists-2016

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

Suo-motu Actions

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

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

The matter was considered by the Inquiry Committee. The Joint Registrar, HCU appearing on behalf of the respondent, referred to University’s

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

The matter was disposed of by the Press Council of India on 9.9.2016. Thereafter however, one specific case of restriction/action against a journalist of Frontline Magazine. Shri Kunal Shanker was brought to the notice. Inquiry in this matter is underway.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to restrictions on media in National Institute of Technology, Srinagar.

Taking note of restriction on media by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar (J&K), Council took suo-motu cognizance of the matter and a reply statement was called for from the Director, NIT, Srinagar on 6.4.2016.

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

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

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

The matter was disposed of by the Press Council on 17.11.2016

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to threats to the journalists by Shri Vijayakanth, President, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK).

It came to the notice of the Council that a prominent politician in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vijayakanth, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) reportedly threatened journalists at Salem on 20.4.2016.

The Inquiry Committee is presently seized of the matter.

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

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

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

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

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to the murder Chhatra based Journalist, Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav.

The Council came across gruesome murder of a TV journalist, Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav @ Indradeo Yadav at Chatra, Jharkhand on 12.5.2016.

9 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.

Detailed report is covered in Chapter- VI

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

The Counsel for the State Government stated before the Inquiry Committee that on the basis of the Report given by the concerned journalist a case No. 136/2016 was registered u/s 387/504/34/120B IPC in laheri Police Station against one known and four unknown persons. The Investigation Officer states that the investigation is going on and Report in terms of section 173 of Cr. P.C. shall be filed within a month. The Inquiry Committee/Council took note of the aforesaid assurance and allowed the matter to rest in its meeting held on 17.11.2016.

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

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

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

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on Shri Dharamveer, TV Journalist and Vice-President of Press Club, Siddarthnagar (U.P.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on Shri Santosh Kumar, Bureau Chief, Dainik Bhaskar by the police in Bokaro (Jharkhand)

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

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

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack on journalists by the CRPF in Jammu & Kashmir.

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

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

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

On receipt of an email of a Member that a local daily journalist of Jai Hind newspaper-Shri Kishore Dave was murdered in his Junagadh office on Monday night, a report on facts of the case was called for from the Government of Gujarat on 26.8.2016. The matter is to be heard by the Inquiry Committee shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance with regard to assault on photo journalists by the guards of Tata Group of Companies in Mumbai.

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

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent, Dainik Bhaskar in Sasaram in Rohtas District of Bihar.

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

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

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

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

Suo-motu inquiry into the murder of Shri Ramchandra Yadav, Journalsit, Dainik Aryavrat, Darbhanga District of Bihar, shot dead by unidentified assailants on 12.11.2016 is underway and will be concluded shortly.

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

Suo-motu inquiry into the murder of Shri Brijkishore Brajesh, journalist of a Hindi daily, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants on 3.1.2017 in Salakhni village in Bibhutipur Police Station area in Samastipur (Bihar) is underway and will be concluded shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri S Karthigai Selvan, Journalist of Tamil Weekly Magazine in Sattur, Tamil Nadu.

Suo-motu inquiry into the reported incident of Shri S. Karthigai Selvan, a journalist working with a Tamil Weekly magazine being hacked to death on 9.1.2017 at Sattur, Tamil Nadu, is underway and will be concluded shortly.

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on a journalist-Shri N. Nagarjuna Reddy in Prakasam District (Andhra Pradesh).

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

Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. killing threat to Shri Manoj Kumar Giri, Journalist, Amar Ujala by U.P. Minister, Shri Radhey Shyam Singh.

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

The matter is pending consideration.

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

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

Report of the Council l Report on murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, Journalist, Jan Sandesh Times, Sultanpur, U.P. The Report has been adopted by the Council on 10.06.2016 and covered in Chapter -IV of this report. l Report on murder of Shri Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief, Hindustan, Hindi Daily, Siwan, Bihar. The Report has been adopted by the Council on 9.9.2016 and covered in Chapter - V of this report. l Report on murder of Shri Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, Journalist, Hindi Television, Chatra, Jharkhand. The Report has been adopted by the Council on 9.9.2016 and covered in Chapter - VI of this report. l Report on obscene/vulgar advertisements. The Report has been adopted by the Council on 9.9.2016 and covered in Chapter - VII of this report.

Complaints before the Council

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

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

Press and Registration Appellate Board

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

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

National Press Day 2016

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

The delegations of Bangladesh Press Council, Sri lankan Press Council, Nepal Press Council and Maldives Council visited India on the occasion led by Justice Muhammed Mamataz Uddin Ahmed, Mr. Koggala Wellala Bandula, Mr. Borna Bahadur Karki, respectively to take part in the National Press Day deliberation and discuss the important issue.

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

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

Interaction with World Press Bodies

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

An eleven member delegation of Press Council of India led by Hon’ble Chairman, Press Council of India Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad visited Bangladesh between September 26-29, 2016 on the invitation of Chairman, Ban- gladesh Press Council.

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

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

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

Memorandum of Understanding was entered into between Press Council of India and Bangladesh Press Council for mutual exchange of information and cooperation.

Promotion of Hindi Language

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

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

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

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

Besides publication of Varshik report (Hindi) on the pattern of Annual report (English), adjudications and other pronouncements were recorded in bilingual form and brought in public domain.

Website of the Council is bilingual. Besides updating website time to time, various Fact Finding Committee Reports, PRAB orders, material relating to PCI was being prepared in Hindi and upload on Council’s website.

Levy of Fee

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

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

The Government of India, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued Gazette of India, Notification dated April 28, 2016 published in Gazette of India (Extraordinary) revising the levy of fee (Annexure - A)

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

Transparency Mechanism

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

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

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

Reservation policy of Government of India for SC/ ST/ OBC/PH etc. is being implemented in the Secretariat of the Council.

Right to Information

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

State of the Press - India

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

Newspapers functions in a very competitive market, in which only the fittest shall survive, therefore, constant efforts are essential to upgrade and adopt technological advancement providing competitive pricing without compromising either on the social responsibilities or corporate profits

Given below are collections of reports that cover important development in the world of the Indian Press during the year under review –

21 Media Round Up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on 16th November, 2016 the need for media to self-regulate its coverage by making appropriate changes in keeping with the times, while adding that any external interference or regulation on press is not called for.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The legion d’Honneur, created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, la légiond’ Honneur (“the legion of Honour”) is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipients.

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

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

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

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

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

“Journalism is not an ordinary work but it is a massive ritual for the truth. The profession does not provide any scope for cheating,” Singh said at the second convocation of the Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Avam Jansanchar Vishwavidyalaya.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renowned cartoonist V T Thomas, also known as Toms, died in Kottayam on 27th April, 2016. He was 86. Toms, creator of popular cartoon series Boban and Molly, had been indisposed for some time. Toms joined Malayala Manorama

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

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

Senior Journalist S V Jayasheela Rao (87) breathed his last at Maiya Multispecialty Hospital in the city on Thursday, reports DHNS from Bengaluru.

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

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

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

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

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

Eminent journalist Inder Malhotra, who helmed a string of top publications and was an accomplished political commentator, passed away on 11th June, 2016 at the age of 86.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari condoled the demise of Malhotra, one of the finest journalists of contemporary times.

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

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

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

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

Malhotra, a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award (lifetime Achievement), also authored few books including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s biography, ‘Indira Gandhi: A Personal & Political Biograpy (1989)’.

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

Senior journalist Devkrishna Vyas passed away on Monday. Devkrishna Vyas was ill for the last couple of days and was being treated in a hospital in Delhi. He was 89 years old.

As a journalist he worked for almost 29 years in a leading Hindi newspaper, ‘Dainik Hindustan’. He got retired from the post of Assistant Editor in year 1989. At that time, he was only 30 years old. He is blessed with a wife, son, daughter and grandchildren in his family. He has been honored by many organizations for his impartial journalism.

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

Journalist and intellectual Dileep Padgaonkar (72) passed away here on Friday morning. He had been ailing for some time.

Mr. Padgaonkar was born in Pune in 1944. He graduated from Ferguwson College, Pune, and got a Doctorate in Humanities from Sorbonne University, France, before commencing an illustrious career in journalism.

Fluent in French, he joined The Times of India as its Paris correspondent, serving the paper in various capacities before he was appointed its Editor in 1988, a post he held for six years. In April 2002, he was honoured with the legion d’Honneur France’s highest civilian distinction for his services to journalism.

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

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

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

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

Election Regulation

“The Election Commission on 2nd April, 2016 directed that no newspaper advertisement be published on April 3 and 4 in poll-bound Assam and West Bengal without prior clearance.”

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

The newspapers, the Commission directed, should also be informed against bringing out advertisements which have not been cleared by the committee.

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

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

The government was also considering a proposal to punish media outlets found guilty of publishing paid news by suspending their publication for 45 to 90 days.

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

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

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

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

But now it has been proposed to empower the council, headed by a former judge of the Supreme Court, to direct the state authorities to suspend/ stop advertisement to erring publications for a period not exceeding a fortnight/ three months for non-compliance of its orders under Section 14 of the PCI Act.

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

Curtailment of Press Freedom

Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on Monday put on hold the one-day ban imposed on NDTV India. The decision was taken following a meeting between I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and NDTV promoter Prannoy Roy.

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

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

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

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

Protesting media persons called it a case of “uncalled for censorship and in utter disregard of already established redressal mechanisms of Press Council of India and National Broadcasting Standards Authority.

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

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

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

A Day after the J&K government banned the publication of Srinagar-based English daily Kashmir Reader, calling it a threat to “public tranquility”, more than 100 journalists in the Valley took the streets 3rdOctober, 2016, seeking immediate revocation of the ban.

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

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

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

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

“I think the journalism fraternity here has realized the consequences of the ban. They know they can be next, “said Mir Mohammad Moazzum, a senior journalist working with Kashmir Reader, also.

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

The Editors Guild of India has condemned the “unwarranted muzzling” of the media in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the state government to “immediately lift the censorship”.

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

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

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

Journalists in Kashmir sought Press Council of India’s intervention for lifting a “gag” imposed by authorities by snapping Internet facilities, saying it was a “serious infringement of freedom expression and right to information.

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

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

Broadband Internet services of BSNl in Kashmir would be restored on 17th Saturday, 20116night after remaining suspended for five days, an official said. The services were snapped on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha on September 12 in view of the apprehensions of law and order problems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A case under Section 505, pertaining to publication or circulation of “statements of conducing public mischief” has been registered against Ishfaq

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

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

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

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

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

The paper continues to remain banned.

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

Attacks on Journalists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strongly condemning the killing of two journalists in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Press Council of India (PCI) today demanded enactment of a special law to ensure safety of scribes even as it set up two fact-finding committees to probe the incidents.

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

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

Earlier, the PCI chief in a statement strongly condemned the killing of the two journalists and demanded that a special law be enacted to ensure safety of scribes and cases of attacks on them be tried by fast-track courts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police intervene

The stand-off snowballed around 4.30 p.m. when hundreds of lawyers rushed towards the journalists and attempted to thrash them. The police resorted to a cane-charge to disperse the advocates. The issue was resolved after M.P. Dinesh, City Police Commissioner, promised action.

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

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

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

In a meeting held on September 9, the PCI, which his headed by Justice (retd) C K Prasad, also expressed concern over spurt in criminal defamation cases against journalists and had decided to call for details from all states and Union territories that registered similar cases. In a statement released here, the PCI said that two separate fact finding reports related to the murder of the two journalists-- Raj Deo Ranjan, bureau chief of Hindustan newspaper, Bihar and Akhilesh Prata Singh, TV journalist, Chhatra, Jharkhand-- have been accepted.

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

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

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

After allegations of clampdown on media in the Kashmir Valley, Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has ordered registration of a complaint and sought a report from the state government on the issue within a week.

“The Chairman took into consideration the communications made by Council members expressing their concern about state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir and prima facie being satisfied sought reports within one week from

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

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

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

A Joint statement signed in Dhaka also said a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the two Press Councils for cooperation in the field of journalism.

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

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

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

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

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

He agreed to a discussion on the issue in the House. Mr. Jaitley said advertisement is a right of everyone but “when governments start excessively advertising, where is the dividing line between advertisement and bribery... we want to get rid of it”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In compliance with Supreme Court directions, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has constituted a three-member Committee to address issues related to content regulation in government advertising.

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

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

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

The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has decided to arrogate to itself the power to suspend a publication for anti-national activities, which was vested in the Press Council of India or the concerned courts.

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

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

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

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

“Our suggestions are not binding on the Government, yet we are a statutory body and our suggestions have a persuasive value,” he clarified.

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

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

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

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

According to an official statement issued by the ministry on 10th June, 2016, the New Print Media Advertisement Policy for Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) aims to promote transparency and accountability in issuing of advertisements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

40 World Media in Indian Press Colombo

Colombo, April 4 (AP). In Maldives, Police allegedly threw chilly powder on the journalists and social workers demonstrating against curtailment of freedom of press and detained 19 journalists.

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

The matter of keeping certain media organizations isolated from reporting in the Court was also raised. Meanwhile, Police said that they disrupted demonstration by media persons because they gathered in the security zone near President’s office and crossed the barricades.

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

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

Bangladesh

Bangladesh police on 18th April, 2016 named a second editor as a suspect in an alleged plot to kill the prime minister’s son, amid fears by rights groups of a crackdown on the press. Mahmudur Rahman already faces 75 cases of sedition and other charges after authorities in 2013 shut down his Amar Desh newspaper for allegedly inciting religious tension.

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

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

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

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

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

Singapore

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

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

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

Turkey

A Turkish court on 28th April, 2016 sentenced two prominent Turkish journalists to two years behind bars for illustrating their columns with a

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

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

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

North Korea

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

Foreign reporters invited to cover specific events in North Korea are subjected to very tight restrictions on access and movement.

Numerous journalists have been prevented from returning because their previous coverage was deemed “inaccurate” or “disrespectful” — but detaining and then expelling a reporter while still in the country is extremely rare.

The BBC journalist, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, was about to board a plane departing from Pyongyang airport with two other BBC staff on Friday when he was stopped and taken into detention, the BBC said.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Wingfield-Hayes emerged from the terminal 3 arrivals area at Beijing International Airport at around 7:20 pm, and did not stop for the dense pack of reporters and cameras waiting for him. — AFP

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

Saudi Arabia

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

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

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

USA

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)- Pakistan’s media regulator – has asked channel in the country to “immediately” stop broadcast of illegal Indian content. It said it has been receiving complaints that channels were showing Indian content without permission.

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

Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission on Tuesday demanded immediate removal of all restrictions on journalist Cyril Almeida who has been barred from leaving the country after reporting on a rift between civilian and military leaderships during a key meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army’s top commanders on Friday expressed serious concern at the publication of a “false and fabricated story” about an important security meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House “in a national English language daily.”

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

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

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

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

The measure goes further than the regulator’s crack-down on Indian media announced this month, when it vowed to enforce an existing law that allows channels to air Indian content for just 86 minutes each day.

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

UNESCO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

47 Chapter-II Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats to Press Freedom

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

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

Adjudications on the complaints under this chapter have been analysed graphically.

48 Categories of Complainants

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

Sou-motu A, 9% D, 15%

C, 19%

B, 57%57%

Categories of Respondents

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

E, 8%

D, 8%

C, 6%

B, 8%

A, 70%

49 Statewise Distribution of the Complainant Publications

55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST

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

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

51 Harassment of Newsmen

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

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

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

52 Harassment of Newsmen Total No. of Cases 53

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

0 A. B. C. D.

53 Facilities to the Press

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

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

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

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

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

0 A. B. C. D.

55 Suo-motu of the Press Freedom

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

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

56 Suo-Motu Total No. of Cases: 16

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

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

57 Curtailment of the Press Freedom

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

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

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

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

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

59 Chapter-III Adjudications in Complaints Filed Against the Press

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

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

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

60 Categories of Complainants

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

E, 22% A, 30%

D, 4%

C, 13%

B, 31%

Categories of Respondents

A. English Press B. Indian languages Press

A, 16%

B, 84%

61 Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publication

Statewise Distribution of the Respondent Publications

160

140

120

100

0 ABCDEFGHI JKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZZ1

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

63 Principles and Publication

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

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

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

64 Principles and Publication Total No. of Cases: 56

Principles and Publication Total No. of Cases: 56

A. Upheld 07 B. Rejected 22 C. Assurance/Settled /Amends 13 D. Dropped for Non Pursuance/Withdrawal/ 14

Sub-Judice/lack of Substance

0 No of Cases ABCD

65 Press and Defamation

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

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

66 Press and Defamation

Total No. of Cases: 242

Press and Defamation Total No. of Cases: 242

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

140

120

100

0 No of Cases ABCD

67 Paid News

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

No hard and fast rule or straight jacket formula is possible to be laid down to determine the issue of paid news and it will depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case.

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

68 Paid News

Total No. of Cases: 140

Paid News Total No. of Cases: 140

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

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 No of Cases ABCD

69 Suo-motu - Against the Press

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

70 Suo – Motu

Total No. of Cases: 15

Suo – Motu Total No. of Cases: 15

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

0 No of ABCD Cases

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

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

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

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

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

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0 No of Cases ABCD

73 Press and Morality

Globalizations and liberalization does not give licence to the media to misuse its freedom and to lower the values of the Society. The media performs a distinct role and has nothing in common with other industries and business. So far as this role is concerned, one of the duties of the media is to preserve and promote our cultural heritage and social values. Certain sections of the press have been imitating western culture by publishing vulgar photographs and columns, which boast of no public interest at all. On the contrary such publications affect the adolescent mind in a negative manner. Whenever the Council comes across such instances, it takes suo-motu actions.

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

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

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

0 No of Cases ABCD

Chapter-IV Report on Murder of Shri Tarun Kumar Mishra, Journalist, Jan Sandesh Times, Sultanpur, U.P.

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

Mr. Tarun Mishra was a journalist and he was associated with many newspapers. Few days prior to his murder, he was deployed in Ambedkaragar Janpad as District Correspondent of Jansandesh Times published from lucknow. Ambedkarangar is Tarun Mishra's hometown too. Before joining Jansandesh Times, he was active against mining mafia throughWhatsaap and journalism. In after having detailed discussions with various sources in Sultanpur, Ambedkarnagar and lucknow regarding the journalist and series of incidents, it is apparent that Mr. Tarun Mishra was journalist and he was associated with many newspapers. Few days prior to his murder, he was deployed in Ambedkarnagar Janpad as District Correspondent of Jansandesh Times published from lucknow. Ambedkarnagar is Tarun Mishra's hometown too. Before joining Journalism in district Sultanpur and he used to force administration regularly to take action against Balu mining mafia. Consequently, many vehicles of mining mafia had been ceased causing troubles for balu mining mafia. Mr Tarun Mishra was deployed in district Ambedkarnagar merely 15 days prior to his murder. As per discussion held with Mr. Subhash Rai, editor of Jansandesh regarding this incident, Mr Tarun Mishra was deployed as District Correspondent in district Ambedkaraanagar few days ago.

Anurag, correspondent of Jansandesh published from Sultanpur stated that Mr. Tarun Mishra used to provide information regarding balu mining not through

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

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

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

It seems that mining mafia killed the journalist as he was an eye-sore in performing their illegal activities.

77 Chapter-V Report on the Murder of Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan at Siwan, Bihar

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

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

Visit to the Family of slain journalist The members of the FFT visited the family of the deceased journalist at his village on the outskirts of the Siwan town. The team met father, brother, son and wife of the slain journalist. After expressing profound grief and extending

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

The slain journalist told her that Shahabuddin wanted him to meet him in the jail to discuss about the report, which created a sensation, not only in the state but also nation-wide. He was tense for a couple of days and later told her that the issue had blown over and he did not need to meet the former MP in jail. Within a few days after the episode, he was killed, she bemoaned.

When asked about their financial position, she said she is a contract teacher at primary school in the village and it would be helpful if she was made regular teacher, which would fetch her more than double the salary she is drawing. They owned a small house in the village but had no worthwhile savings. It would be very difficult for her to provide good education to their two children on her earnings and sought help from the State Government. She mentioned that her son wanted to take National Defense Academy (NDA) examination after completing his 12th standard and it would not (NOT) be within her means to provide him coaching for the NDA exam, a necessary pre-requisite for clearing it. Asked whether the Hindustan, the newspaper the deceased journalist worked for more

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

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

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

The DM said there was no provision to sanction ex-gratia to the family of the deceased journalist from his funds. He suggested that we might approach the Chief Minister to release help from Chief Minister Relief Fund. However, he promised to provide succor to the family from all possible sources including donations from individuals. When asked about the status of the murder case of UNI Reporter Indramani Shankar Singh, who was killed in 1987, the DM and the SP expressed ignorance and said would get back after verifying the old files. Meeting with CS, DGP and Home Secretary The team met the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police and Principal Secretary (Home) at Secretariat in the Chief Secretary’s Chamber on 20th May at 11.00 AM and discussed various aspects of the case. The Chief Secretary said the Government referred the case to the CBI as desired by the close relatives of the deceased journalist. The Government considered that the journalist was killed because of his reportage and asserted that nobody, however powerful or politically connected, would be spared. The police were asked to nab the culprits swiftly and they were given a free hand.

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

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

83 Courtesy Call on the CM The team paid a courtesy call on the Chief Minister at his residence on 20th May evening. During the course of interaction with the team, the Chief Minister categorically stated that he would not tolerate any attack on the journalists in the state and would take stringent action against the culprits. He recalled his earlier statement that any attack on the journalists in the State would be considered to be an attack on him personally. He asserted that political interference would not be allowed in the investigation of the killing of Rajdeo Ranjan and culprits would be brought to book, irrespective of their social standing and political affiliations. He said, he referred the case to CBI as soon as he came to know that the family members of the deceased journalists made such a demand. He said the journalist was killed in line of duty and he would do everything possible to nab the culprits and help the family of the deceased.

When the team members requested him to extend financial help to the family, he said the government was willing but there were legal problems to give ex-gratia as the High Court prohibited it. However, he said he had already instructed the state and district Administration to extend all possible help including free and quality education to the children of the deceased journalist. The team brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, the sense fear prevailing among the journalists in Siwan, he said his Government was doing all that was in its power to instill confidence among the journalists. Meeting with senior Journalists and Editors The team members met several senior journalists, local editors of some national dailies, leaders of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and its affiliated Union Bihar Working Journalists Union (BWJU) and discussed the issue in depth. There is a widespread feeling among the journalists and editors that the former MP in jail is behind the incident. It was pointed out that while all most all major dailies both vernacular and English newspapers and news channels picked up the news and pictures of the a Minister in the State Cabinet met the jailed MP in the prison and partaking lavish lunch in the prison cell from the social media, Rajdeo might have been targeted because of the perception that he was responsible for posting it in social media, which went viral and created widespread outrage. They said politicians, particularly from the ruling coalition, were brazenly threatening journalists who were filing critical reports on their functioning. There is a perception that the police would not act impartially if a complaint was filed against the ruling alliance leaders and workers. Some editors and senior journalists said there was a sense of fear and insecurity among the journalists in the State including Patna. The Government has been armtwisting the managements of media houses by denying advertisements

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

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

Findings of the Team 1. There is prima-facie evidence to believe that Rajdeo Ranjan was killed by the politico-mafia because of his critical reportage.

85 2. It is believed to be executed by hired killers, possibly from across the state border as they asked for the identity of the journalists just before firing at him, as disclosed by an eye witness. 3. The local police are investigating the case reasonably well and they can be expected to nab some of the culprits and get to the root of the men behind them during interrogation. 4. There seems to be no political inference in the police investigation. 5. The journalists in the State in general and local journalists in Siwan are in the grip of fear psychosis.

Recommendations 1. The Chairman may refer the case to one of the regular Inquiry Committees and direct them to list the case in every meeting and call for appearance of CBI representative to explain the progress of the investigation. 2. The Council may recommend to the State Government to sanction adequate ex-gratia to the family of the deceased journalist to mitigate financial problems, they might face due to his death. The wife of the deceased journalist may be promoted from the contract teacher post to regular teacher post, giving her some financial benefit as a special and rarest of the rare cases. 3. The Council may direct the State Administration and the police to take definite measures to allay the fears of the working journalists in the State, particularly in district and rural journalists in the State. The Council may, on its part organize a seminar at Siwan on safety of journalists in rural Bihar as a part of confidence building measures. 4. The Council may direct the State Government to set up committees at State and District levels to discuss cases of attacks and assaults on the journalists and take remedial measures in time. The state-level committee may be headed by Chief Secretary or Director General of Police and district-level committee may be headed by District Magistrate or the Superintendent of Police. Nominees of the representative working journalists unions should be in the committees.

Acknowledgements • The FFT members express gratitude and thanks to the Chief Minister for giving time to the team members at short notice and despite his busy schedule and for interacting with them freely and frankly.

86 • We express our thanks to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Principal Secretary (Home) and Government of Bihar for meeting us and explaining the progress of the investigation.

• We are thankful to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Siwan for giving us the details and progress of the case and their perspective. We also thank them for making excellent arrangements during our brief stay there.

• We are grateful to the editors, senior journalists and leaders of the Bihar Working Journalists Union, an affiliate of Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and NUJ (I) for sharing, their perspective and profound knowledge of the situation in the state with us. We are particularly thankful to Om Gaud, State Editor, Dainik Bhaskar, Patna for giving his insightful analysis of the situation in Bihar.

• Last, not the least, we express our sincere thanks to the Director, officers and the staff of Public Relations Department of Bihar Government for making excellent arrangements for carrying out our assigned work and our comfortable stay.

K Amarnath Prajnananda Chaudhuri Prakash Dubey Dated 2nd June 2016.

87 Chapter-VI Report on the Murder of TV Journalist, Mr. Akhilesh Pratap Singh Yadav, Chatra, Jharkhand

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

1. Shri Prabhat Kumar Dash 2. Shri Sondeep Sankar 3. Shri Rajeev Ranjan Nag

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

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

Findings during meeting with media persons:

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

(2) Indradeo Singh Yadav was involved with some part-time contractor work along with his cousin brother named Mr. Ram Vir Singh Yadav. Though the business was registered in the name of Mr. Ram Vir Singh Yadav, everyone in the district was aware that the works were being allotted to the company due to influence of late Mr. Indradeo Yadav. (3) Another aspect of the murder was demand of levy from Mr. Indradeo Yadav, for the contracts awarded to his company, by Tritiya Sammelan

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

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

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

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

According to a report by The Hindu, Singh, who was a district correspondent for regional Hindi news channel Taaza TV, was once a Maoist. He used to be an ‘area commander’ in Barachatti of Bihar. In the evening of 23rd May we met the Dy. Commissioner Mr Amit Kumar along with other officials of Chatra administration. The Superintendent of Police, Mr. Anjani Kumar Jha, informed us that they have made three arrests and all are close associates of Shri Ganesh Ganju, BJP MlA, Simeriya. One Mukesh Ganju, the brother of the MlA is the Chief of TSPC. The SP further informed that they are yet to arrest three other persons involved in the crime, along with the shooter, inspite of 3-4 police raids in different places.

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

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

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

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

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

3. District administration should provide a teaching job to the widow of late MR. Yadav, as she had completed B.Ed. Course.

4. Allotting a Govt. accommodation to the widow.

5. District administration was asked to recommend Mr. Indradeo Yadav’s name to avail the benefit of the scheme announced by the Central Govt. for death due to terrorist/insurgent attack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Findings

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

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

Prabhat Kumar Dash Sondeep Shankar Rajiv Ranjan Nag Convenor Member Member

92 Chapter-VII Report on Vulgar, Obscene and Offensive Advertisements

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

The Sub-Committee comprised the following members: (i) Mr. Ravindra Kumar (ii) Mr. Sondeep Shankar (iii) Dr. Suman Gupta (iv) Mr. V.K. Chopra and (v) Mr. Bipin Newar.

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

The findings of the Sub-Committee are as follows:

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

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

2) Without wishing in any manner to prejudice the course of adjudication, the Sub-Committee is of the view that each advertisement complained about in the cases under reference would have to be examined to see if it fails the obscenity tests prescribed by (a) the Indian Penal Code (S292-294) (b) applicable case law and (c) the Council’s code of professional conduct/ guidelines.

3) The Sub-Committee noted that a person aggrieved by an obscene, vulgar, offensive or misleading advertisements had several avenues for redress open to him/her and these, inter alia, are (a) withdrawal of subscription to the offending newspaper; (b) institution of proceedings under the Penal Code; (c) complaint to the Advertising Standards Council of India tasked specifically with examining such complaints and (d) a complaint o t the Council.

The Sub-Committee therefore recommends as follow:

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

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

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

Sondeep Shankar Ravindra Kumar

6th August 2016

94 Chapter-VIII Draft Bill for Prevention of Violence and Attack on Jounalist: Maharashtra Legislative Council

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

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

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

(h) 'Offender' means any person, who either by himself or as a member or leader of group of persons or organization commits or attempts to commit or abets or instigates or provokes the commission of violence under this Act

(i) 'Property' means any property movable or immovable or equipment or machinery owned by or in possession of, or under the control of any Journalist or newspaper or news channel or news paper establishment or news station; (j) 'Violence' means during the course of duty or work as a journalist, any act of causing any harm, injury or endangering the life or intimidation, obstruction or hindrance to any Newspaper or News channel or News station employees.

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

3. Any wilful act of violence against a Journalist or damage or loss to the property in a Newspaper or News channel or Newspaper Establishment or News station caused by a person or group of person, shall be prohibited.

4. Any offender, who commits or attempts to commit or abets or instigates or provokes the commission of any act of violence in contravention of the provisions of Section 3, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.

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

6. (i) In addition to the punishment specified in Section 4, the offenders shall be liable to compensation twice the amount of damage or loss caused to the property, as determined by the Court referred to in section 5

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

7. Whoever being a journalist as defined in Section 2 (1) (b) wilfully misuses the provisions of this Act for undue benefits or makes a false complaint under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year but which shall be not less than six months, or with fine, which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees, or with both.

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

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

98 Comprehensive DRAFT BILL incorporating Amendments

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

99 (ii) being employed in a supervisory news editor, feature-writer, copy- capacity, performs, either by the nature tester, reporter, correspondent, of the duties attached to his office cartoonist, news-photographer, or by reason of the powers vested in televions cameraman, proof-reader him, functions mainly of a managerial and a person who contributes nature; meaningfully on matters of public interest to the television news channels, newspapers and news agencies, as a freelancer.

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

(d) ‘News based Electronic Media’ means No changes any news based media that uses electronics or electromechanical energy for the lend user to access the content

(e) ‘News channel’ means a television No changes channel dedicated to news often operating continuously which is registered as news channel with Prasar Bharati or as per the directions of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India;

(f) ‘Newspaper Establishments’ means No changes an establishment under the control of any person or body of person, whether incorporated or not for any production or publication of one or more newspaper or for conducting any news agency or syndicate; and includes newspaper establishments specified as one establishment. Explanation:- For the purposes of this clause-

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

(g) ‘News station’ means a television or No changes radio station of the production and transmission of broadcasts which focuses on presenting the news.

(h) ‘Offender’ means any person, who either No changes by himself or as a member or leader of group of persons or organization commits or attempts to commit or abets or instigates or provokes the commission of violence under this Act.

(i) ‘Property’ means any property movable No changes or immovable or equipment or machinery owned by or in possession of or under the control of any journalist or newspaper or news channel or news paper establishment or news station;

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

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

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

3 Any wilful act of violence against Words ‘of journalist or of’ be a Journalist or damage or loss to the inserted after the word ‘property’ property in a Newspaper or News in the second line. channel or Newspaper Establishment or News station caused by a person or After adding this the relevant clause group of person, shall be prohibited. 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 In the last line, the fine amount to commit or abets or instigates or should be One Lakh Rupees provokes the commission of any instead of Fifty thousand rupees. action of violence in contravention of the provisions of Section 3, shall be After adding the above words, this published with imprisonment which clause be read as follows:- may extend to three years, or with fine, which may extend to fifty thousand Any offender, who commits or rupees, or with both. 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 toOne lakh rupees, or with both.

102 5. Any offence committed under this Act, Words ‘and shall be investigated shall be cognizable and non-bailable by an officer not below the rank and triable by the Court of judicial of Deputy Superintendent of Magistrate of the First Class. Police (DSP)’ be inserted after the word ‘cognizable’ in the first line.

Words ‘reported to the Council’ be inserted after the word ‘Class’ in the last line.

After adding the above this clause be read as follows:-

Any offence committed under this Act, shall be cognizable and shall be investigated by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Poli(DSP) and non-bailable and triable by the Court of judicial Magistrate of the First Class such offence should bereported to the Council.

6(1) In addition to the punishment specified No changes in section 4, the offenders shall be liable to pay compensation twice the amount of damage or loss caused to the property, as determined by the Court referred to in section 5.

(2) If the offender has not paid the Words ‘failing which it shall be compensation amount under sub- payable by the state’ be added section(1), the said shall be recovered towards the end of last line. under the Provisions of Maharashtra land Revenue Code, as if it were an After adding the above the this arrears of land revenue due from him. 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.

103 7. Whoever being a journalist as defined No changes in section 2(1)(b) wilfully misuses the provisions of this Act for undue benefits or makes a false complaint under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year but which shall be not less than six months, or with fine, which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees, or with both.

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

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

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

104 Chapter - IX Finances of the Council 2016-2017

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

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

The Council in the year 2016-2017 received total grant-in-aid amounting to Rs.553.50 lakhs from the Central Government, whereas it collected Rs.490.45 lakhs as fees levied upon newspapers/periodicals and news agencies and accounted for other miscellaneous receipts, like interest on bank accounts, interest on F.D.Rs with the Bank, etc. during the year under report. Out of this Rs. 375.61 lakhs pertain to levy of fee and an amount of Rs.114.84 lakhs accounted for other miscellaneous receipts, like interest on bank account, interest on FDRs with the Bank, etc. during the year under report. An amount of Rs.52.25 lakhs carried forward from 2015-16 was refunded to the Ministry vide Cheque No.483755 dated 7/7/2016.

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

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

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

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

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

4. Based on our audit, we report that:

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

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

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

A Balance Sheet

A.1 Liabilities

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

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

B General

The Council is accounting for retirement benefits viz., Gratuity, leave encashment, etc. on cash basis and not on actuarial basis which is in contravention of AS 15.

C Grants-in aid

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

v. Subject to our observations in the preceding paragraph, we report that the Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account and Receipt and Payments Account dealt with by this Report are in agreement with the books of accounts.

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

a. In so far as it relates to the Balance Sheet, of the state of affairs of the Press Council of India as at 31st March 2017; and

b. In so far as it relates to the Income and Expenditure Account of the deficit for the year ended on that date

For and on behalf of the C&AG of India

Place : New Delhi Director General of Audit Date : 31-10-17 (Central Expenditure)

108 Annexure

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

2. Adequacy of Internal Control System The internal control system is inadequate due to:

a) Risk assessment and Management Information System which are necessary for smooth functioning of the Council were not in place in the Council.

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

3. System of physical verification of fixed assets.

The physical verification of fixed assets was conducted upto the year 2016 – 17.

4. System of physical verification of inventory

The physical verification of books and publication and consumables had been conducted upto the year 2015-16.

5. Regularity in payment statutory dues As per accounts, no payment over six months in respect of statutory dues was outstanding as on 31 March, 2017.

109 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017

Schedule Current Year Previous Year LIABILITIES

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

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

CURRENT lIABIlITIES AND 3 27,289,230 7,587,078 PROVISIONS TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

ASSETS

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

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

CURRENT ASSETS, lOANS, 6 121,659,435 110,675,779 ADVANCES ETC.

TOTAL 226,990,136 219,349,432

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 13 POlICIES CONTINGENT lIABIlITIES AND 14 NOTES ON ACCOUNTS

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

110 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31.03.2017

INCOME Schedule Current Year Previous Year

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

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

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

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

EXPENDITURE

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

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

Finance Charges 12 10 -

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

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

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

Balance being excess of Income over (8,882,115) 7,894,627 Expenditure (A-B)

- Transfer to/from General Reserve

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) CARRIED TO (8,882,115) 8,516,774 INCOME & EXPENDITURE A/C

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 13 POlICIES

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

111 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA SCHEDULES FORMING PART OF BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017

SCHEDULE 1 - CAPITAL FUND Current Year Previous Year A. Capital Fund: Balance as at the beginning 15,357,915 15,357,915 of the year Add: Funds Capitalised 601,749 During the Year Add: Amount transferred from Income & Expenditure Account 15,959,664 15,357,915 less: Amount Written Off 55,564 15,904,100 - 15,357,915 on condemned Assets

B. Income & Expenditure Account: Balance as at the beginning 96,993,144 88,476,370 of the year Add/(Deduct): Balance of (8,882,115) 8,516,774 net income/(expenditure) transferred from Income and Expenditure Account Add/(Deduct): Other adjustment 88,111,029 96,993,144 TOTAL 104,015,129 112,351,059

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

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

113 SCHEDULE:4 SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF

PARTICULARS GROSS BLOCK COST AS ON ADDITION DURING SALE/TRF. COST AS THE YEAR

1.4.2016 UPTO AFTER DURING ON 30th SEPT 30th SEPT THE 31.3.2017 YEAR AIR CONDITIONERS & 1,516,233.00 144,579.00 - - 1,660,812.00 COOlERS ATTENDANCE 82,000.00 - - - 82,000.00 RECORDING SYSTEM CARS & BICYClE 2,376,431.00 - - 734,399.00 1,642,032.00 COMPUTER/ 6,329,172.00 68,169.00 - - 6,397,341.00 PERIPHARAlS CONFERENCE HAll - Civil Work 2,132,836.00 - - - 2,132,836.00 - Conference System 300,000.00 - - - 300,000.00 - Electrical Fittings 509,211.00 - - - 509,211.00 & Fixtures - Furniture & 500,000.00 - - - 500,000.00 Fixtures CONFERENCE SYSTEM 27,820.00 - - - 27,820.00 EPABX SYSTEM 541,485.00 - - 541,485.00 FRANKING MACHINE 128,526.00 - - - 128,526.00 FURNITURE & FIXTURE 5,364,064.00 134,446.00 29,479.00 - 5,527,989.00 HEAT CONVERTOR & 67,639.00 2,041.00 6,504.00 - 76,184.00 HEATERS lEASE HOlD lAND 1,563,767.00 - - - 1,563,767.00 lIBRARY BOOKS 899,013.46 1,808.00 4,574.00 - 905,395.46 MOBIlE PHONES 73,801.00 - 20,000.00 - 93,801.00 REFRIGERATOR 91,695.00 - - 91,695.00 SOlAR WATER 110,227.00 - - - 110,227.00 HEATING SYSTEM STABElISERS 75,135.00 3,702.00 - - 78,837.00 TAPE RECORDERS 6,618.00 - - - 6,618.00 TElEVISION 343,016.00 117,800.00 - 460,816.00 TYPEWRITER & 133,029.00 - - - 133,029.00 DUPlICATOR WATER DISPENCER 71,964.00 68,647.00 28,800.00 111,811.00 INVERTER & 30,500.00 - - - 30,500.00 BATTERIES JUICER MIXER 7,000.00 - - - 7,000.00 GRINDER Total 23,281,182.46 423,392.00 178,357.00 763,199.00 23,119,732.46

114 SCHEDULE:4 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.03.2017

RATE OF DEPRECIATION NET BLOCK DEPRICIA- TION UPTO FOR THE WRITTEN TOTAL W.D.V. W.D.V. 31.3.2016 YEAR BACK 31.3.2017 31.3.2016

15.00% 982,052.00 101,814.00 - 1,083,866.00 576,946.00 534,181.00 15.00% 64,431.00 2,635.00 - 67,066.00 14,934.00 17,569.00 15.00% 1,573,850.00 108,191.00 653,088.00 1,028,953.00 613,079.00 802,581.00

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

15.00% 159,963.00 295,931.00 - 455,894.00 1,676,942.00 1,972,873.00 15.00% 45,000.00 38,250.00 - 83,250.00 216,750.00 255,000.00 15.00% 38,191.00 70,653.00 - 108,844.00 400,367.00 471,020.00 10.00% 25,000.00 47,500.00 - 72,500.00 427,500.00 475,000.00 15.00% 27,257.00 84.00 - 27,341.00 479.00 563.00 15.00% 254,123.00 43,104.00 - 297,227.00 244,258.00 287,362.00 15.00% 55,514.00 10,952.00 - 66,466.00 62,060.00 73,012.00 10.00% 3,410,096.00 210,315.00 - 3,620,411.00 1,907,578.00 1,953,968.00 15.00% 34,358.00 5,786.00 - 40,144.00 36,040.00 33,281.00 - - - - - 1,563,767.00 1,563,767.00 60.00% 778,204.46 74,942.00 - 853,146.46 52,249.00 120,809.00 15.00% 31,575.00 7,834.00 - 39,409.00 54,392.00 42,226.00 15.00% 59,924.00 4,766.00 - 64,690.00 27,005.00 31,771.00 15.00% 86,611.00 3,542.00 - 90,153.00 20,074.00 23,616.00 15.00% 72,956.00 882.00 - 73,838.00 4,999.00 2,179.00 15.00% 5,551.00 160.00 - 5,711.00 907.00 1,067.00 15.00% 154,522.00 37,109.00 - 191,631.00 269,185.00 188,494.00 15.00% 127,682.00 802.00 - 128,484.00 4,545.00 5,347.00 15.00% 39,820.00 14,525.00 24,842.00 29,503.00 82,308.00 32,144.00 15.00% 4,575.00 3,889.00 - 8,464.00 22,036.00 25,925.00 15.00% 1,050.00 893.00 - 1,943.00 5,057.00 5,950.00 14,170,013.46 1,240,339.00 677,930.00 14,732,422.46 8,387,310.00 9,111,169.00

115 SCHEDULE- 5 INVESTMENTS FROM EARMARKED FUNDS

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

: Interest 6,788,159 99,562,484 11,255,892 96,054,245 Accrued Add : Additions of FDR 107,795,256 100,979,456 during the year : Interest received during 2,245,222 1,781,408 the year

: Interest accrued during 5,801,919 8,047,141 6,788,159 8,569,567 the year less: FDR encashed or matured (118,461,490) during the year (106,040,784) - FDR Interest Accrued thereon

TOTAL 96,943,391 99,562,484

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

Current Year Previous Year A. CURRENT ASSETS: 1. Sundry Debtors: - On Account of levy Fees 98,192,880 98,192,880 88,074,774 88,074,774 2. Cash balances in hand (including Postage in Hands and imprest) Imprest Account Balance 33,127 50,000 Postage Stamps in Hands 18,945 52,072 1,226 51,226 3. Bank Balances: - With Scheduled Banks: Saving Accounts - State Bank of Hyderabad 4,705,818 5,175,007 - General Account - State Bank of Hyderabad 723,522 489,903 - Revolving Account - State Bank of Hyderabad 2,984,162 (1) - levy Fee Account - State Bank of Hyderabad 7,006,114 15,419,615.89 8,057,513 13,722,421.53 - C.P.F. Account Deposit Accounts - State Bank of Hyderabad 4,753,671 4,203,733 - - Revolving Account F.D.R for Ex-employee Beneficieries - State Bank of Hyderabad 290,775 275,542 - Shashi Tandon - State Bank of Hyderabad 165,504 152,305 - Ramesh Goel - State Bank of Hyderabad 46,305 42,885 - Sangeeta Malik - State Bank of Hyderabad - Ajay Madan 57,908 5,314,163 53,367 4,727,832 TOTAL (A) 118,978,731 106,576,254

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

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

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

- Others 126,298 217,538 263,124 275,496 TOTAL 46,353,038 17,242,846

119 SCHEDULE 8 - GRANTS Current Year Previous Year (Irrevocable Grants & Subsidies Received) - Central Government (Ministry of I & B) - Grant Received During the Year 55,350,000 64,700,000 - Add: Unspent Grant for the Previous Year 5,225,006 68,380 60,575,006 64,768,380 - less: Grant Utilised for Interest 7,812,592 7,936,091 on C.P.F. Funds - less: Grant Utilised for Fixed 601,749 - Assets - less: Unspent Grant related to 5,225,006 68,380 previous year returned - less: Unspent Grant for the 7,746,662 39,188,997 5,225,006 51,538,903 Current Year TOTAL 39,188,997 51,538,903

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

120 SCHEDULE 10 - ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES

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

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

SCHEDULE 12 - FINANCE CHARGES Current Year Previous Year a) On Fixed loans b) On Other loans (including Bank Charges) 10 - TOTAL 10 -

122 PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA SCHEDULE FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2017

SCHEDULE 13- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

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

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

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

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

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

125 PRESS COUNCIL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR

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

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

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

126 OF INDIA THE YEAR ENDED ON 31.03.2017

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

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

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

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

TOTAL 286,422,547 154,899,608

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

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

129 Annexure - A

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

130 (i) Rs. 12,000/- per annum from each daily; (ii) Rs. 8,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly; (iii) Rs. 6,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly; (iv) Rs. 3,000/- per annum from all other categories; (d) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above 75,000 and upto 1,50,000 – (i) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from each daily; (ii) Rs. 7,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly; (iii) Rs. 5,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly; (iv) Rs. 2,500/- per annum from all other categories; (e) registered newspapers and periodicals with a circulation range of above 25,000 and upto 75,000 –

(i) Rs.6,000/- per annum from each daily; (ii) Rs.4,000/- per annum from each bi-weekly or weekly; (iii) Rs.3,000/- per annum from each fortnightly or monthly; (iv) Rs.2,000/- per annum from all other categories; (f) Rs. 25,000/- per annum from each Class-I news agency; (g) Rs. 15,000/- per annum from Class II news agency; (h) Rs. 10,000/- per annum from all other news agencies.

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

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

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

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

1. Cases pending as on 31.3.2016 143 1108 1251

2. Cases filed between 260 588 848 April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

3. Cases adjudicated between April 1, 117 468 585 2016 to March 31, 2017

4. Cases directly reported to the 2 - 2 Council

5. Cases decided under the proviso 167 813 980 to Regulation 5(1) of the Inquiry Regulations, 1979 between April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017

6. Cases under process as on March 117 415 532 31, 2017

132 Annexure - C

Graph of Adjudications 2016-2017

Againt the Authorities 20%

Against the Press 80%

Against the authorities *Against the Press

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

Foot Note:

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

*Including two matters directly placed before the Council

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

S. No. Parties Date of Category Order

1. Appeal of Shri Dnayaneshwar Sitaram 3/5/2016 Dismissed Karale, Editor, Swarvihar Weekly, Pune, Maharashtra against an Order dated 21.3.2014 passed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Haveli Sub-Division, Pune, Maharashtra

2. Appeal of Shri Sanjay Aggarwal and 3/5/2016 Decided others, Owner & Printer, Dainik Bhaskar, Dehradun, Uttrakhand against the Order dated 27.5.2009 passed by District Magistrate Dehradun.

3. Appeal of Ajay Pahariya, Printer an Publisher, 3/5/2016 Dismissed Janhit Darshan, Jhansi, U.P. against Order dated 05.01.2016 passed by Collector, Chhatapur, Madhya Pradesh.

4. Shri Narinder Pal Singh, Publisher/Printer 24/8/2016 Decided “The Sikh Review” Kolkatta against the Registrar of Newspaper and the Chief Metro Politian Magistrate for not authenticate new declaration

5. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Mishra, Journalist 20/10/2016 Dismissed & Owner, Daily Sabhar Darshan and Smt. Ranjan Mishra, Journalist & Owner, Daily Ratlam Darshan, Ratlam against the Order dated 09.07.2016 passed by the District Magistrate, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

6. Appeal of Shri Ramesh Joshi, Journalist/ 20/10/2016 Dismissed Editor, Printer/Publisher, Daily Sabhar Darshan and Ratlam Darshan, Ratlam, M.P. against the District Magistrate, M.P. Order dated 09.07.2016

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

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

136 Annexure - E

Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints Regarding Threats to Press Freedom (2016-2017)

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Complaint of Shri Anil Kumar September Disposed off Sub Kushwaha, Correspondent, Daily News 9th, 2016 Judice Activist, District Behraich against Shri Khalid Naseen, SHO, Matipur and Shri Shailender Shrivastava, Zonal Officer, Nanpara

21. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar, September Dismissed on merits Journalist, Navkarmyug Prakashan, 9th, 2016 Banda (U.P.) against Shri Ranvir Singh, Station In-charge, Banda (U.P.)

22. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Itoriya, September Dismissed on merits Bureau Chief, Raj Express, Sagar 9th, 2016 against Shri Sachin Atulkar, S.P. Sagar, Shri GautamSolankiCSP, Sagar and Shri ArunSoni, T.I.

23. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar September Disposed off with Raina, Editor/Publisher, “The Northern 9th, 2016 Assurance Times”, Jammu against Information Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu.

24. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Verma, September Disposed off with Journalist TarunMitra, Shri Santsoh 9th, 2016 Assurance Kumar Dixit, Journalist, Amar Ujala, Shri Santosh Kumar Pandey, Journalist DainikJagran and Shri Kamlesh Kumar Tripathi, Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara, Jaunpur against Police Authorities, Jaunpur, U.P.

139 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision

25. Complaint of Shri Ramcharan Mali September Disposed off – No Chief Editor, Vanvasi Express, Banda, 9th, 2016 action Rajasthan against Police Authorities

26. Complaint of Shri Krishna Prasad, September Disposed off with Editor-in-Chief, Outlook, New Delhi 9th, 2016 observation against anti-social elements

27. Complaint of Shri Awnideep Shukla, September Disposed off with – Social Worker, Journalist, Behraich 9th, 2016 no action against District School Inspector, Behraich, U.P.

28. Complaint of Shri Sharad Khare, Editor, September Disposed off – No Dainik Hind Gazette, Siwani, M.P. 9th, 2016 action against Police Authorities, Government of M.P.

29. Complaint of Shri P. Sentamizhselven, September Disposed off – No President, Puducherry & Tamilnadu 9th, 2016 Action Press & Media Association, Puducherry against Shri S. Saravanan of latchiya Tamilan Magazine and the police authorities

30. Complaint of Shri K.M. Babu, Chief September Dismissed with Editor, Samarpan Bhoomi, Korba, 9th, 2016 observation Chhattisgarh against Police Authorities

31. Complaint of Shri Shailendra Mishra, September Upheld Reporter, Dainik Raj Express, Bhind, 9th, 2016 Madhya Pradesh against Collector, Bhind

32. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Raikwar, September Dismissed Sub - Chief Editor, SagarKe Moti, District 9th, 2016 Judice Sidhi, M.P. against Public Relation Office, Madhya Pradesh.

33. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar, November Disposed off with General Secretary, Tripura Journalists 11, 2016 Sub - Judice Union against Shri Pankaj Chakraborty, Deputy Magistrate, Tripupra

140 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 34. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra November Disposed off with Mishra, Editor, Prahlad Nagar, Hardoi, 17th, 2016 Assurance U.P. against Government of Uttar Pradesh

35. Complaint of Shri Umesh Sharma, November Disposed off with Managing Editor, Dainik Jan Express, 17, 2016 direction Kanpur against Government of U.P.

36. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Gupta, November Dismissed with Correspondent, Dainik Samarth Sahara, 17th, 2016 direction Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Block Medical Officer, Sagar, M.P

37. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan November Dismissed with Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar) 17th, 2016 assurance against Block Development Officer, Khagria

38. Complaint of Shri Jyotindra Narayan November Disposed off with Singh, Journalist, Khagria (Bihar) 17th, 2016 assurance against Block Development Officer, Khagria

39. Complaint of Shri Afroj Ali, Journalist, November Disposed off with Dainik Aaj, Shahjahanpur against 17th, 2016 observation President, Nagar Panchayat, Meeranpur, Katra., Shahjahanpur

40. Complaint of Shri Vishnuchand Gupta, November Disposed off with Journalist/RTI Activist, Bijnour against 17th, 2016 observation Shri Ashok Sharma, Sangrah Ameen, Najibabad, UP

41. Complaint of Shri Vireshpal Singh, November Dismissed on merits Journalist, Brave News, Shahjahanpur, 17, 2016 UP against the Police Authorities

42. Complaint of Shri Anurag Kumar, November Dismissed - no Editor, Sri Ramjanki Times, Fatehpur, 17th, 2016 merits UP against the Owner, Bindki Gas Agency and Police Authorities

141 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 43. Complaint of Shri Jitendera Singh, November Dismissed on merits Journalist against Police authorities. 17th, 2016

44. Complaint of Shri Ravi Kumar Agrawal, March 3, Disposed off with Correspondent, Salam Chhatisgarh, 2017 direction Raipur against the Land Mafia and Government of Chhattisgarh

45. Complaint of Shri Ghanshyam Pandey, March 3, Dismissed – Sub- Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara and Shri 2017 Judice Rajesh Tiwari, Journalist, Daily News, Chitrakoot, UP against Railway Police Force.

46. Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi, March 3, Disposed off with Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP against 2017 direction the Police Authorities

47. Complaint of Shri Prabhat Chandra March 3, Dismissed – Sub - Sharma, Journalist/Media Incharge, 2017 Judice Journalist Union of Bihar, Patna against Police Department and others

48. Complaint of Shri Om prakash Baghel, March 3, Dismissed no case Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Mei, 2017 Aligarh, UP against District Aapurti Karyalaya, Aligarh, UP

49. Complaint of Shri Pappu Yadav, March 3, Disposed off with Journalist, ShaharDayra Times against 2017 direction anti-social elements and police authorities

50. Complaint of Shri Sandeep Agarwal, March 3, Dismissed on merits Editor, Mid-night Express against the 2017 Police authorities

51. Complaint of Shri Ravi Chamadiya, March 3, Dismissed on merits Publisher/Editor, Sadhya Border Times, 2017 Shriganganagar, Rajasthan against Shri Banshidhar Jindal

52. Complaint of Shri Kashmir Singh, March 3, Dismissed on merits Correspondent, Crime line, Rajasthan 2017 against the Police Authorities

142 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 53. Complaint of Shri Pranab Sarkar, General March 3, Disposed with Sub Secretary, Tripura Journalists Union against 2017 - Judice Anti-Social Elements and Government of Tripura Facilities to the Press 54. Complaint of Shri Sarvesh Kumar Suyash, June 10th, Disposed of with Freelance Journalist/Managing Editor, 2016 Observation Kanpur and National President Akhil Bhartiya Swatantra Patrakar Mahasangh against District Magistrate. 55. Orders/Instructions issued by the Union June 10th, Closed Home Ministry restraining the bureaucrats 2016 from sharing information with journalists 56. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Shukla, June 10th, Disposed with District Correspondent, Pragya Times, 2016 direction Barabanki against Director, I&PRD, Govt. of U.P. 57. Complaint of Shri Kumar Dev, Sub- June 10th, Dismissed the Editor, Yug Bandhu, Mooradabad against 2016 matter with Mooradabad Development Authority default 58. Complaint of Shri Kamlesh Kumar, Editor/ June 10th, Dismissed the Publisher, Yug Bandhu, Moradabad against 2016 matter with Government of U.P. default 59. Complaint of Shri Ram Kumar Sharma June 10th, Dismissed the (Mulle), Editor/Publisher, Janoriya Weekly, 2016 matter with Bhind (M.P.) against Public Relations direction Directorate, Advertisement Branch, Bhopal (M.P.) 60. Complaint of Shri Aravinth Kumar, Tirupur, June 10th, Dismissed the Tamil Nadu and Shri K. Nagaimugan, 2016 matter with President, Citizen for Rule of law and default Centre for Protection of Freedom of Press, Chennai, Tamil Nadu against Andhra Pradesh Police 61. Complaint of Shri C.S. Kalra, Editor/ September Dismissed with Publisher, University Today against the 9th, 2016 direction Chief Post Master General, Delhi Circle

143 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 62. Complaint of Shri Awadesh Kumar Singh, September Disposed off with Publisher and Printer, Fast News Activist, 9th, 2016 observation Mau (U.P.) against District Magistrate, Mau, U.P. 63. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member, September Disposed off with PCI and National President, Association 9th, 2016 direction of Small and Medium Newspaper against District Information Officer, Kanpur 64. Complaint of Shri K.D. Chandola, Member, September Disposed off with PCI and National President, Association of 9th, 2016 direction Small and Medium Newspaper against the Government of U.P. 65. Complaint of Shri Sayed Mohd. Taj September Disposed off with Alam, Editor, Jail Diary, lucknow, U.P. 9th, 2016 direction against Information & Public Relations Department, Government of U.P. 66. Complaint of Shri V. Murali,, Editor, September Disposed off with Sakshi, Hyderabad against Telugu Desam 9th, 2016 Assurance Party 67. Complaint of Shri Mahavir Jain, Journalist, September Disposed off – No Jodhpur against Police Commissioner, 9th, 2016 Action Jodhur and RNI 68. Complaint of Shri Keshavdutt Chandola, September Censured National President, Association of Small 9th, 2016 and Medium Newspapers of India against Public Relations Department, Northern Railway 69. Complaint of Shri Sunil Kumar Rai, Editor, November Dismissed on Najar Ki Najar, Delhi against Directorate 17th, 2016 merits of Information & Publicity, Government of NCT of Delhi 70. Complaint of Shri Sayed Naeem, Chief November Disposed off with Editor, Samadhan Samachar against 17th, 2016 observation I&PRD, lucknow 71. Complaint of Shri Basant Kumar, Owner/ November Disposed off with Printer, Prakash Bulletin against Shiv 17th, 2016 observation Kutiya Samiti and RNI

144 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 72. Complaint of Shri Raghunath Singh, Dy. November Disposed off – General Manager, Rajasthan Patrika, Jaipur 17, 2016 Sub-Judice against Government of Rajasthan 73. Complaint of Shri Pushpendra Bhardwaj, March 3, Disposed with Journalist, Dainik Purab Pashim Jyoti, 2017 direction Muzaffarnagar against Information & Public Relations Department, Government of U.P. 74. Complaint of Mohd. Aaftab Alam, Editor, March 3, Disposed with Van Diary, lucknow, UP against Department 2017 direction of Information and Public Relations, Government of UP, lucknow, U.P. 75. Complaint of Shri Pramod Kumar Srivastav, March 3, Disposal with SaurabhaDarpan, lucknow, UP against 2017 direction Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of UP, lucknow, U.P. 76. Complaint of Managing Editor, Dainik March 3, No merits -– Hind Gazette, Siwni, M.P. against District 2017 dismissed Administration, Government of M.P. 77. Communication received from Shri Prakash March 3, Disposed of with Dubey, Member, Press Council of India 2017 assurance regarding non-release of advertisement Bills to the newspapers by the Government of Meghalaya Suo-Motu 78. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on June 10th, Disposed of Lokmat Officer in Maharashtra & Complaint 2016 of Shri Kareem Chand Sheikh against Editor, lokmat 79. Suo-motu cognizance regarding controversy June 10th, Dismissed – being surrounding the circular issued by the 2016 infructuous Government of Maharashtra on sedition in the wake of the ruling of Bombay High Court 80. Communication received from Delhi Union June 10th, Dismissed of Journalist with regard to attack on a lady 2016 –pending trial in journalist Ms. Revati Paul in Ahmedabad court 81. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to attack September Dropped on a lady journalist at Osmania University 9th, 2016 by the Police

145 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 82. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to September Disposed off safety intimidation and threats to Shri Siddharth 9th, 2016 of journalists Varadaran, Editor of the Wire by student ensure members of ABVP in Allaabad University

83. Suo-motu action regarding attack on September Sub Judice journalists in Patiala House Court premises 9th, 2016

84. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to September Dropped murder of Shri Mithlesh Pandey, Reporter, 9th, 2016 Dainik Jagran

85. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on September Disposed off with Media in the Hyderabad Central University 9th, 2016 Assurance

86. Suo-motu cognizance with regard to sedition September Disposed off with case against Tamil Weekly Namadhu 9th, 2016 Observation Manasatchi, Puducherry

87. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri November Dropped – Sub- Dharamveer, T.V. Journalist and Vice 17th, 2016 Judice President of Press Club in Siddarthnagar (U.P.)

88. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on Shri November Dropped – Sub- Abhinav Rajan Chaturvedi, Photo Journalist 17th, 2016 Judice of Dainik Jagran in Ghaziabad (13/52/16- 17)

89. Suo- motu cognizance with regard to assault November Dismissed – Sub - on Smt. Rashmi Patil, Editor of Karnataka 17th, 2016 Judice Kahale (Kannada daily) by miscreants at Bijapur.

90. Suo- motu cognizance w.r.t. attack on the November Dropped – No office and printing press and Media persons 17, 2016 Action of Mathrumbhumi, Kerala on 31.5.16

91. Suomotu cognizance w.r.t. killing threat to November Disposed off with Shri Rajesh Singh, Journalist, Dainik Jagran 17, 2016 assurance in Bihar

92. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. restriction on November Disposed off with media in National Institute of Technology, 17th, 2016 observation Srinagar

146 93. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. murder of Shri March 3, Disposed off - no Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent, Dainik 2017 action Bhaskar in Sasaram in Rohtas District of Bihar. (13/174/16-17) Curtailment to the Press 94. Complaint of Shri S. Navamani, Convenor, September Disposed off with Federation of All News and Media 9th, 2016 Assurance Personnel Association, Tiruvarur (Tamil Nadu) against Police Personnel regarding attack on a reporter of Dinamalar (Chennai Edition), Tamil Nadu. 95. Complaint of Shri Mahipal Singh, Journalist, September Dismissed - regrets UNI, Amroha against Police Authorities 9th, 2016 by respondent 96. Complaint of Shri Kamalkant Upmanyu, September Disposed off - State Vice-President U.P. Journalist 9th, 2016 investigation Association and President, Brij Press Club, pending Mathura against attack on Amar Ujala Office, Agra 97. Complaint of Shri Manish Tripathi, September Withdrawn Editor/Printer/Publisher/Owner, Janam 9th, 2016 Prasaram Times, lucknow against Shri Janendra Singh, O.S.D. to Chief Minister, Government of U.P. 98. Complaint of Shri Sharad Katiyar, Publisher/ September Dismissed on Editor, Youth India, Farukhabad(U.P.) 9th, 2016 merits against Police Authorities, Government of U.P. 99. Complaint of Shri Shajeb Khan, Journalist/ September No merits - President, GraminPatrakar Association, 9th, 2016 Dismissed Badaun against Shri Nooruddin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Badayun& Government of U.P. 100. Complaint of Shri Ramesh Chandra, Editor, September Dismissed on Vashisht Times, Chhattisgarh against 9th, 2016 merits Government of Chhattisgarh. 101. Complaint of President, UP Press Club, September Disposed off with Balrampur against Government of UP 9th, 2016 observation 102. Complaint of Shri Naved Akhtar, November Disposed off with Correspondent, Dainik Shah Times, 17th, 2016 observation Haridwar, against Government of Uttrakhand

147 103. Complaint of Shri B.K. Awasthi, Staff November Disposed off with Reporter, Rashtriya Sahara and President, 17th, 2016 observation Patrakar Press Parishad, Noida against Shri Naresh Yadav, Pradhan, Sorkhaand Government of Uttar Pradesh 104. Complaint of Ms. Rukhsar, Special November Dismissed on Correspondent, Dainik Hakumat Express 17th, 2016 merits and Zone Officer, GCB Focus Web News Channel, Shahjahanpur against Government of U.P. 105. Complaint of Shri Mohan Sharma, Senior November Disposed off with Journalist, Editor, Dainik Rajasthani Chirag 17, 2016 direction and Saptahik Kranti Bigul and Shri Manoj Sharma, Editor, Dainik Rajasthan Pradeep, Bikaner Rajasthan 106. Complaint of Shri Mahendra Agarwal, November Dismissed on Editor/Printer, Kootchakra, lucknow 17, 2016 merits against Shri Atul Shah, Correspondent, DainikJagran and Anti-social elements 107. Complaint of Shri Om Prakash Baghel, November Disposed off - Chief Editor, Duniya Ek Nazar Main, 17, 2016 Settled Aligarh, UP against Anti-social elements

108. Complaint of Shri Anurag Mishra, Journalist, November Disposed off with UP against the Police authorities 17, 2016 direction 109. Complaint of Shramjivi Patrakar Union, November Disposed off with Bahraich, UP against the District Magistrate 17th, 2016 observation and Police authorities 110. Complaint of Shri Pawan Kumar Sharma, March 3, Dismissed on Bureau Chief, National Human Rights, 2017 merits Hindi weekly, Bulandshahar, UP against Shri Irfan Tyagi, Clerk, Municipal Corporation, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, UP and Police Authorities 111 Complaint of Shri Viresh Kumar Shukla, March 3, No merits - Correspondent, Pioneer and Rupma Media 2017 Dismissed Approach, Sitapur, UP against Shri Atul Prakash Srivastava, Sub-Divisional, Tehsil, Sitapur, UP, and others 112. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Jain, March 3, Withdrawn - Correspondent, APNS News Agency and 2017 Dismissed Navbharat, Shivpuri, MP against Police Authorities

148 113. Complaint of Shri Veerbhan Singh, March 3, Disposed off – Sub Correspondent and Shri Mukesh Kumar, 2017 - Judice Mainpuri, Photographer, Dainik Jagran, UP against Shri Deepak Das, School Sanchalak, Shri Shivprakash, Senior Engineer, Nahar Vibhag and Police authorities 114. Complaint of Shri Nand lal Singh March 3, Dismissed on Chauhan, Editor, Ashtavakra, Hindi Weekly, 2017 merits Mirzapur, UP, New Delhi against District Administration, Mirzapur, UP 115. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sharma, March 3, Disposed off with Correspondent, Jawab Hum Denge, 2017 assurance Sultanpur, UP against Railway Security Force and others 116. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Gupta, Chairman, March 3, Disposed off with Press Club of Shahjahanpur& District 2017 Sub-Judice Correspondent, DianikSwatantraChetna, Shahjahanpur, UP against the District Administration and Police Authorities 117. Complaint of Shri Satyaprakash, Office March 3, Upheld Incharge, Dainik Hindustan, Banka, Bihar, 2017 against District Collector, Banka, Bihar

149 Annexure - F

Subject Index of Adjudications in Complaints filed Against the Press (2016-2017) Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision Principles and Publication

1. Complaint of Shri Abdul Hameed, S.P., June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Barabanki, U.P. against Editor, Hindustan, with direction lucknow 2. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney, June 10th, 2016 Censured Chandigarh against Punjab DiiAwazAjit, Jalandhar M 3. Complaint of Ms. Anshu Sawhney, June 10th, 2016 Censured Chandigarh against Dainik Bhaskar, Chandigarh. 4. Complaint of Shri OkramPrasantaSingha, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Rajgarh, Guwahati against Assam Tribune. 5. Complaint of Shri A. Biswas, Kolkata June 10th, 2016 Dismissed against Times of India, Kolkata 6. Complaint of Mr. Abhram Samson June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Mhedekar Mr. Jonathan Samuel Soloman, with direction Mumbai against Editor, Mumbai Mirror, Mumbai 7. Complaint of Shri Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai June 10th, 2016 Dismissed being against The Editor, Times of India, New devoid of merit Delhi 8. Complaint of Mrs. Nandini Charles, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Principal, VikhePatil Memorial School, Pune against the editor, Pune Mirror 9. Complaint of Sh. Babusaheb Narsingrao June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Patil, Omanabad trough Ms. Madhuri U. Kakde, advocate, Bombay Bench, Aurangabad High Court against the editor Dainik Maharashtra Times 10. Complaint of Shri Mahant Dharamnath, Jogi June 10th, Dismissed Ashram, Rajgarh, Churu, Rajasthan against 2016 Editor, Churu Seven Star, Churu, Rajasthan

150 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 11. Complaint of M/s Pudhari Publications, September 9th, Disposed of with Kolhapur against the Editor, The Times of 2016 direction India, Kolhapur (Mah.) 12. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Arora, September 9th, Disposed of Private Secretary to Minister of Women & 2016 - clarification Child Development, Delhi against Editor, published Reuters India News Agency, New Delhi 13. Complaint of Shri Pashupati Nath Gupt, September 9th, Settled District President, Akhil Bhartiya Udyog 2016 Vyapar Mandal, Complaint of Shri Gopal Arya, Rashtirya Swayamsevak Sangh, New Delhi against The Hindu 14. Complaint of Shri Himanshu Tiwari, September 9th, Dismissed Advocate, lucknow against Editor, Pardafas 2016 Today, lucknow. 15. Complaint of Shri Harinarayan Dubey, September 9th, Dismissed Superintendent, Vaishya College of law, 2016 complaint Rohtak against Hari Bhoomi withdrawn 16. Complaint of Shri Shatrujeet Kapur, IPS, September 9th, Disposed of with CID, Haryana, Panchkula against the editor, 2016 direction Tribune, Chandigarh 17. Complaint of Dr. R. Mohan, General September Disposed of with Manager (law-II) & Joint Head of 9th, 2016 direction law Department, State Bank of India, Mumbai against the Editor, Deshabhimani, Thiruvananthapuram 18. Complaint of Shri Hormuz P. Mama, September 9th, Disposed of with Mumbai against the Editor, Economic 2016 direction Times. 19. Complaint of Shri Chinmay Biswal, IPS, September 9th, Dismissed on S.P. , South Andaman District, Port Blair 2016 merit against The Andaman Chronicle 20. Complaint of Ms. Jyoti Sabharwal, Author September 9th, Dismissed on & Publisher, Stellar, New Delhi against the 2016 merit editor, India Today, New Delhi 21. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh Deo, September 9th, Disposed of with President of Vigilance Committee, Gondpur, 2016 direction Jharkhand against Editor, Hindustan, Jamshedpur

151 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 22. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Singh September 9th, Disposed of with Deo, President of Vigilance Committee, 2016 direction Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar 23. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on M the editor, Dainik Jagran, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit 24. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on the Editor, Hindustan, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit 25. Complaint of Shri Singh, Patna against September 9th, Dismissed on the Editor, PrabhatKhabar, Patna, Bihar 2016 merit 26. Complaint of Shri Nidhesh P. New Delhi September 9th, Dismissed on against Editor, M/s Bharat Prakashan 2016 merit (Delhi) limited, New Delhi 27. Complaint of Dr. Sureshan V, President, September 9th, Disposed of with KGMOA, Kasaragod, District Nileshwar 2016 Observation against the editor latest Kerala, Kerala. 28. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty, September 9th, Dismissed Mallapuram District against the editors, M 2016 Mathrubhumi Daily Kerala 29. Complaint of Shri Moideen Kutty, September 9th, Dismissed Mallapuram District against the editor, 2016 Malayala Manorama Daily, Kerala. 30. Complaint of Tony Chammany, Mayor September 9th, Dismissed Kochi Municipal Corporation, Kerala 2016 against Times of India, Kochi 31. Complaint of Shri C. Srikantiah, Karnataka September 9th, Dismissed on against Editor, Veda Taranga 2016 merit 32. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram against the September 9th, Disposed of with Editor, The Hindu 2016 direction 33. Complaint of Shri Pradeep Budania, September 9th, Dismissed Gurukripa Career Institute, Sikar, 2016 Rajasthan against Dainik Bhaskar, Sikar 34. Complaint of Shri S.K. Malhotra, Head September 9th, Disposed of Public Awareness Division, Department of 2016 Atomic Energy, Mumbai against the Editor, Times of India, Mumbai

152 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 35. Complaint of Shri Rajesh S. Naik, President, September 9th, Disposed of with Paranpai Citizen Forum, Madkai against 2016 direction Tarun Bharat, Goa 36. Complaint of Shri P.M. Kamath, Hon. September 9th, Disposed of with Director, VidyaPrasarak Mandal’s Centre for 2016 direction International Studies, Mumbai against the Chief Editor, New Indian Express 37. Complaint of Shri Rajender Jain, Delhi November 17th, Dismissed against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar 2016 38. Complaint of Shri Kanhaiyalal Vishwakarma, November 17th, Dismissed Chief Editor, Bundelkhand Chetna, lalitpur 2016 against Editor, Saptahik Pichda Bundel Khand. 39. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi 40. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of M Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi 41. Complaint of S/Shri Ved Prakash, Sunny November 17th, Disposed of Kumar and Vicky Kumar, Delhi against 2016 being sub-judice the Editor, Public Ki Shatabdi, Delhi 42. Complaint of Shri M. Vasudeva Raju and November 17th, Dismissed others, Deputy Commercial Tax Officer, 2016 Ananthapupram against Editor, Eenadu, Hyderabad 43. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy, November 17th, Disposed of with General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min 2016 direction Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam, Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar, Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily M 44. Complaint of Shri S. Rathinasabapathy, November 17th, Disposed of with General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Min 2016 direction Kazhaga Thozhilalar Munnetra Sangam, Chennai against Editor, Dina Malar, Chennai Kalaikadir, Tamil Daily

153 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 45. Complaint of Smt. SushilaBele, November 17th, Dismissed Bhopal against Editor, Dainik Jagran, 2016 Bhopal 46. Complaint of Shri Sudeep Kumar November 17th, Disposed of with Saha, Mumbai against Sunday Express, 2016 direction Mumbai 47. Complaint of Shri Rajesh Yashpal November 17th, Dismissed on Aggarwal, Vashi against Eenadu Newspaper, 2016 merits Hayathnagar, Telangana 48. Complaint of Shri M.S. Rathore, Advocate, November 17th, Dismissed on Surat, Gujarat against the editor, Gujarat 2016 merits Samachar, Gujarat 49. Complaint of Ms. Minakshi Maheshwari, November 17th, Disposed of – Mumbai against the Editor, Indian 2016 with direction Express 50. Complaint of Shri Ram Dayal, Anoopur, November 17th, Dismissed MP against Haribhoomi, Madhya 2016 Pradesh 51. Complaint of Shri Chandra Prakash Yadav, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on SantKabir Nagar, UP against the Editor, merit Dainik Jagran 52. Complaint of S/Shri Rajinder Singh and March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Darshan Singh, Punjab against the Editor, merit Daily Ajit, Punjab 53. Complaint of Shri Mukesh Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Uttarakhand against the Editor, Amar merit Ujala 54. Complaint of Shri Arun Kumar Bhattacharya, March 3, 2017 Disposed of with Kolkata against the Editor, Anand Bazar assurance Patrika, Kolkata 55. Complaint of Shri Ashok Kumar Datta, March 3, 2017 Disposed of with West Bengal against the Editor, Ananda assurance Bazar Patrika for publishing advertisements in contravention of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) 56. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer, March 3, 2017 Dismissed Municipal Corporation, Gwalior, MP against the Dainik Bhaskar

154 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision Press and Defamation 57. Complaint of Ms. Nidhi Yadav, Haridwar- June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Roorkee, Development Authority, Haridwar against the editor, Mid Day 58. Complaint of Shri Hazi Samad, Meerut against June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Dainik Jagran 59. Complaint of Dr. S.S. lohchab, Senior June 10th, 2016 Warned Professor & Head Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rohtak against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar, Rohtak, Haryana 60. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Programme and Research Manager, Right livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden against Editor, Punjab Kesari 61. Complaint of Shri Sharan Sriniwas, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Programme and Research Manager, Right livelihood Award Foundation, Sweden against Editor, Dainik Jagran 62. Complaint of Dr. Saleem Ur Rehman, Director June 10th, 2016 Dismissed for Health Servies, Kashmir against the editor, Early Times, Jammu 63. Complaint of Ms. Birendra Kaur, President, June 10th, 2016 Regret Institute of Sikh Studies, Chandigarh against published – Chandigarh Tribune, Chandigarh Disposed off 64. Complaint of Dr. A.P. Sanwaria against June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Hindustan Times, Chandigarh with direction 65. Complaint of Shri Gyasuddin Ansari, June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Bhilwara against Dainik Rashtradoot with direction

66. Complaint of Mrs. Francina Nelson, June 10th, 2016 Censured General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Domestic Workers Trade Union, Indore (M.P.) against the Editor, News City live, Indore, M.P. M 67. Complaint of Shri Mayur Aggarwal, C.A. June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Partner Aggarwal Mittal and Company direction against Editor, Nav Duniya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

155 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 68. Complaint of Shri Arvind Jain, Mantri and Shri June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Jai Kumar Jain Dayoday Gaushala, Chhattarpur, being deviod of M.P. against the Editor, Hum Paanch merit 69. Complaint of Shri Amar Singh, Neemauch, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed M.P. against DainikSwarnim Hindustan 70. Complaint of Shri Manoj Rathai, Ujjain, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Raj Express, direction Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 71. Complaint of Shri Bhagwandin Sahu, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Spokesperson, Shri Yog Vedant Sewa Samiti, Chindwada against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar. 72. Complaint of Shri Temsunaro Jamir, Deputy June 10th, 2016 Disposed off Commissioner, Guwahati Customs Division, being settled Guwahati against the Editor, Asomiya Khabar, Guwahati. 73. Complaint of Shri Raj Kumar Agarwal, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Jharkhand against the editor, Uditvani, being devoid of Jharkhand merit 74. Complaint of M/s. Indian Metals E Ferro June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Alloys ltd., Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) against being devoid of the editor, Sambad, Bhubaneshwar merit 75. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor, DainikJagran, Patna, Bihar 76. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor, M DainikBhaskar, Patna, Bihar 77. Complaint of Shri Hariram Singh June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Kushwaha, Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Rashtriya Sahara, Patna, Bihar 78. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at Present, Additional Block Development Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against the Editor, Sambad, Odisha M 79. Complaint of Sri Prasanta Kumar Jena, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Ex-BDO In-charge of laikera, Block at Present, Additional Block Development Officer, Lakhanpur (Odisha) against the Editor, Dharitri, Odisha

156 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 80. Complaint of Shri Gyan Prakash Jha, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Samastipur(Bihar) against Editor, Hindustan 81. Complaint of Shri Narendra Mohanty, Cuttack, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Odisha against the editor, Sambad 82. Complaint of Shri V. Murugan, SHO, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Puducherry against the Editor, Namadhu being Sub- Manasatchi, Puducherry. Judice 83. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Hissar, Haryana against the Editor, being devoid of DainikBhaskar, Chandigarh merits M 84. Complaint of Shri Manoj Kumar Kanwasra, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Hissar, Haryana against the Editor, being devoid of DainikJagran, Noida, U.P. merits 85. Complaint of Shri Vasudev Vyas, Jodhpur June 10th, 2016 Dismissed (Raj.) against the Editor, ‘DainikBhaskar’, being Jodhpur (Raj.) withdrawn 86. Complaint of Shri ChandrashekhjarSahu, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Agriculture Minister, Raipur against the Editor, Patrika , (M.P.) 87. Complaint of Shri PukhrajBothra, Bastar& June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Shri Santosh Bafna, MlA, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh against the Editor, Chhattisgarh Post, District Bastar, Chhattisgarh 88. Complaint of Mrs. Kokilaben V. Vaghela, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Ahmedabad against the Editor, Ahmedabad being Sub- Mirror, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Judice 89. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben K. Jain, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Ahmedabad against the Editor, The World Net Work, Gujarat 90. Complaint of Shri Udai Singh, Nasik, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Maharashtra against the Editor, The Indian for non - Express, Mumbai pursuance 91. Complaint of Shri S. Swaminathan, Senior June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Vice President, legal and Company Secretary, for non - TATA AIG life Insurance Company ltd., pursuance Mumbai against the Editor, Ganadoot, Agartala

157 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 92. Complaint of Shri Vijay Kumar Digambar June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Potdar, Solapur against the Editor, Dainik Surajya, Solapur 93. Complaint of Shri Vishal Kumar Mathura June 10th, 2016 Censured Gupta, Thane (Maharashtra) against the Editor, UT Mirror, New Delhi 94. Complaint of Shri Ashish Modi, Surta June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with (Gujrat) against the Editor, Atal Savera, Surat caution (Gujarat). 95. Complaint of Shri Venkat R. Chary, IAS June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with (Retd.), Mumbai against the Editor, ‘Mint’, direction New Delhi 96. Complaint of Ms. Hansaben Jain, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Ahmedabad (Gujarat) against the Editor, direction Abhiyan, Ahmedabad 97. Complaint of Shri Suresh A. Gadge, Kohlapur June 10th, 2016 Censured against the Editor, Daily Pudhari, Kolhapur. 98. Complaint of Shri Devesh Bhatt, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Ahmedabad (Guj.) against the Editor, Divya being devoid of Bhaskar, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) merits 99. Complaint of Shri Triratan laxmanrao June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the caution Editor, Daily City News Superfast, Maharashtra M 100. Complaint of Shri Triratanlaxmanrao June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Ingle, Akola, Maharashtra against the caution Editor, Daily Deshonnati, Maharashtra 101. Complaint of Shri Rajesh B. Shah, Advocate, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Aurangabad against the editor, Times of India, being devoid of Aurangabad merit 102. Complaint of Shri Mohan Krishnan, All June 10th 2016 Dismissed India President, Anti Corruption & Crime Prevention Council, Mumbai against Editor, Manavta Bharat 103. Complaint of Dr. (Capt.) RituBiyani, June 10th 2016 Disposed off Pune against the Editor, Times of India with caution regarding publication of personal court case proceedings

158 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 104. Complaint of Shri Prakash P.Kukreja, June 10th, 2016 Censured Ulhasnagar against Maharashtra Shaktishali Express, Ulhasnagar 105. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Nambiar, Group June 10th, 2016 Dismissed as President & General Counsel, Yes Bank withdrawn ltd., Mumbai against Economic Times 106. Complaint of Dr. Jyotsna D. Kitukille, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Government General Hospital, Amravati against Deshonnati 107. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Secretary, Shree Awdhoot Education Society, Saket Public School, Gondia, Nagpur against the Editor, Yugdharm Daily, Nagpur 108. Complaint of Mrs. Renuka Nagesh Devsani, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed with Ahmednagar, Maharashtra against the Editor, reprimand Sarvamat, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 109 Complaint of Shri liyakat Sharafat Qureshi, June 10th, 2016 Dismissed Thane against Editor, DabangKhabrein. 110 Complaint of Mrs. Shamima Kauser, District September 9th, Disposed of - Thane, Maharashtra against the Editor, 2016 with direction Hindustan Times, New Delhi. 111. Complaint of M/s India Technomac Co. ltd., September 9th, Dismissed District Simrour (H.P.) against the Editor, 2016 Him Himwanti (H.P.) 112. Complaint of Shri Mritunjay Singh, September 9th, Disposal of lakhisarai, Bihar against the editor, Dainik 2016 Sub-Judice Jagran, Bhagalpur, Bihar 113. Complaint of Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bakshi, September 9th, Censured Department of Chemistry, University of 2016 Delhi against Times of India 114. Complaint of Mohd. Nasir Kamal, Hony. September 9th, Dismissed Convenor, District Football Sangh, 2016 - lack of Moradabad against Editor, Dainik Jagran substance 115. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub, Roorkee, September 9th, Disposed off District Haridwar against Dainik Jagran, 2016 with direction Dehradoon.

159 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 116. Complaint of Shri Amrik Singh, Major September 9th, Dismissed on General, Director General Resettlement, 2016 merit Ministry of Defence, New Delhi against The Indian Express, New Delhi 117. Complaint of Shri Prem Kumar Singh, Delhi September 9th, Dismissed on against Editor, Times of India, New Delhi 2016 merit 118. Complaint of Maharajganj, U.P. against September 9th, Reprimanded Editor, Voice of lucknow, U.P. 2016 119. Complaint of Major Farah Diba, Allahabad September 9th, Dismissed on against Hindustan, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 2016 merit 120. Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma, September 9th, Censured Chandigarh against the Editor, Dainik 2016 Jagran, New Delhi M 121 Complaint of Shri Yogesh Chand Sharma, September 9th, Censured Chandigarh against the Editor, AajSamaj, 2016 New Delhi 122. Complaint of GVK Emergency Management September 9th, Dismissed & Research Institute, Ahmedabad against 2016 being Sub- editor, Abhivyakthi Gujarat Judice 123. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing September 9th, Dismissed Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd., 2016 Mumbai against the Editor, Times of India, Mumbai 124. Compliant of Shri Rajesh Himatlal, Managing September 9th, Dismissed Director, Nahalchand laloochand Pvt. ltd., 2016 Mumbai against the Editor, Mumbai Mirror, Mumbai 125. Complaint of Shri Banwari lal Singhal, September 9th, Dismissed Member of legislative Assembly, Alwar City, 2016 Alwar against the Editor Dainik Bhaskar, Alwar (Raj.) 126. Complaint of Swami RamkrishnaShivanand, September 9th, Dismissed on Sanatan Dharm, Shiv Mandir, New Delhi 2016 merit against the Editor, National Mission, Hindi Monthly Magazine, U.P. 127. Complaint of Assistant General Manager, September 9th, Reprimanded State Bank of Patiala, New Delhi against 2016 the editor, Halla-Bol times, Delhi

160 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 128. Complaint of Shri Dharmendra Singh September 9th, Dismissed on Sanger, librarian, Indira Gandhi University, 2016 merit Delhi against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar 129. Complaint of Shri Mohan lal, Ujjain September 9th, Censured against Editor, Raj Express, Ujjain, Madhya 2016 Pradesh 130. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on Satna, M.P. against Editor, Star Samachar, 2016 merit M.P. 131 Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on Satna, M.P. against the Editor, Patrika, M 2016 merit M.P. 132. Complaint of Shri Anup Shukla, Advocate, September 9th, Dismissed on Satna, M.P. against Editor, DainikBhaskar, 2016 merit M.P. 133. Complaint of Dr. Brijamani Singh,Former September 9th, Dismissed on Spokesperson, Hindu Mahasabha, Uttar 2016 merit Pradesh against Dainik Jagran, Uttar Pradesh. 134. Complaint of Shri Vijay Aggarwal, Madhya September 9th, Censured Pradesh against Sameria Express, Satna, 2016 Madhya Pradesh 135. Complaint of Shri l.P. Sinha, Patna against September 9th, Disposed of Dainik Hindustan, Patna, Bihar 2016 with direction 136. Complaint of Mohd. Ansari, Secretary, September 9th, Dismissed Intezamia Committee, Patna against Inquilab 2016 –E-Jadid, Patna 137. Complaint of Shri Umesh Mishra, September 9th, Disposed of Principal,Vanijya Mahavidyalaya, Patna 2016 with direction against Dainik Jagran, Patna 138. Complaint of Dr. Shankar Kumar, Patna September 9th, Disposed of against Prabhat Khabar, Patna 2016 with direction 139. Complaint of Shri Jnyana Ranjan Behera, September 9th, Censured M.D., Balasor, Odisha against Odisha 2016 Khabar, Odisha

161 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 140. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed All India True Christian Council, Chennai 2016 against the editor, The Hindu 141 Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed All India True Christian Council, Chennai M 2016 against the editor, The Times of India 142. Complaint of Shri E.Vijay Paul, President, September 9th, Dismissed All India True Christian Council, Chennai 2016 against the editor, Eenadu 143. Complaint of Shri P.P. Bhaskaran, Prabha, September 9th, Disposed of - Kerala against Editor, Malayala Manorama, 2016 Advised Ernakulam 144. Complaint of Shri S. Sainadh, Project September 9th, Dismissed Director, APS Housing Corporation, Kadapa 2016 against the editor, Vartha, 145. Complaint of Shri Dhanapal, Former September 9th, Dismissed Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable 2016 Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu against the editor, Dinakaran Daily, Chennai 146. Complaint of President, Daivagna Brahman September 9th, Disposed of Sangha, Shimoga, Karnataka against the 2016 being Sub- editor, Daivaigna Kirana, Kannada monthly. Judice 147. Complaint of Dr. Remani K. Asvini Hospital, September 9th, Dismissed Kerala against the editor, MalayalaManorama 2016 Daily 148. Complaint of Shri Shaji M. V. P.D. Teacher, September 9th, Dismissed Government UP School Kalikkadavu, 2016 Karimbam, Kannur against Chief Editor, Chandrika Daily, Kannur, Kerala 149. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore September 9th, Dismissed against the editor, Dainik Dabang Duniya, 2016 Indore, Madhya Pradesh M 150. Complaint of Shri Rajendra Pandey, Indore September 9th, Dismissed against the editor, Dainik Agnibaan, Indore, 2016 Madhya Pradesh

151. Complaint of Shri Purushaindra Kaurav, September 9th, Dismissed Jabalpur against Editor, Patrika, Jabalpur 2016

162 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 152.. Complaint of Shri Naveen K. litoria, September 9th, Censure Divisional Secretary, West Central Railway, 2016 Jabalpur against Editor, Railwarta 153. Complaint of Shri Chetan Brijmohan Bajaj, September 9th, Disposed of Director, Shree Awdhoot Education Society, 2016 with direction Saket Public School, Gondia against Editor, The Hitavada, Nagpur 154. Complaint of Shri Prakash Chand Chaudhary, September 9th, Caution Jaipur, Rajasthan against Editor, Kalwad Times. 2016 155. Complaint of Dr. Shantilal Kothari, President, September 9th, Disposed of Soghurt Food Products & Co., Nagpur against 2016 Editor, Dainik Bhaskar, Nagpur 156. Complaint of Smt. Tara Kerkar, President September 9th, Dismissed Savera Trust & Savera Association, Goa 2016 against Editor, Tarun Bharat, Goa 157. Complaint of Shri Nawaz Hafiz Khan against September 9th, Disposed of Editor, Khabere Aaj Tak 2016 being sub- judice 158. Complaint of Shri Ravi Shankar, Executive September 9th, Dismissed Magistrate, Gumla against the Editor, 2016 Hindustan, Ranchi 159. Complaint of Shri Birobrata Acharjee, Assam September 9th, Dismissed against Editor, Dainik Jugosankho, Assam. 2016 160. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verma, Joint General September 9th, Dismissed Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory, 2016 Kanpur against Dainik Jagran, Kanpur 161. Complaint of Shri A.K. Verrma, Joint General September 9th, Disposed of Manager, Ordinance Parachute Factory, 2016 with direction Kanpur against Hindustan, Kanpur. 162. Complaint of Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha, September 9th, Dismissed lucknow against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida 2016 163. Complaint of Shri Rahul Kumar Singh, September 9th, Dismissed Varanasi against Dainik Jagran 2016 164. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur Punjab September 9th Dismissed against Editor, Sangrur Barnala Kesari 165. Complaint of Shri Madan lal, Sangrur M September 9th, Dismissed (Punjab) against Editor, Sangrur Barnala 2016 Kesari

163 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 166. Complaint of Shri Gurnam Singh, PPS, Deputy September 9th, Dismissed Superintendent of Police, Sub Division, GRP 2016 Jalandhar against Editor, Dainik Bhaskar and Reporter Shri Akhand Parasad 167. Complaint of Shri Jitender Rana, Himachal September 9th, Disposed of Pradesh against Editor, Divya Himachal, 2016 with direction Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 168. Complaint of Shri Anand Mohan Khare, September 9th, Disposed of as Branch Manager, ZilaSahkari Bank, 2016 settled Chatarpur, Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Dainik Parihar Garjana, Madhya Pradesh 169. Complaint of Shri Gurkripal Singh, Hoshiarpur September 9th, Disposed of against Editor, Punjabi Tribune Chandigarh 2016 with direction 170. Complaint of Shri S.P. Yadav, IOFS (Retd.) September 9th, Censured Jabalpur against Pradesh Today 2016 171. Complaint of Shri D.K. Chopra, November 17th, Dismissed New Delhi against Samvada, New 2016 being devoid of Delhi. merit 172. Complaint of Shri Neeraj Saxena, Advocate November 17th, Dismissed with against Hindustan Times, New Delhi 2016 direction 173. Complaint of Shri Jalaj Srivastava, Additional November 17th, Dismissed Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers 2016 Welfare, New Delhi against Editor, Times of India, New Delhi 174. Complaint of Shri Siddharth Sanwaria, November 17th, Dismissed Chandigarh against Indian Express, Haryana. 2016 175. Complaint of Shri Sunkari Janardhan Goud, November 17th, Disposed of Advocate, Hyderabad against Editor, 2016 being sub- Outlook, New Delhi judice 176. Complaint of Shri Ashwin Hirani, Mumbai November 17th, Disposed of against Editor, Sandesh, Mumbai. 2016 with direction 177. Complaint of Aamani Group, Ahmedabad, November 17th, Censured Gujarat against Editor, the Sandesh. 2016 178. Complaint of Shri Kailash Kumar Agarwal, November 17th, Disposed Dhanbad, Jharkhand against Editor, Dainik 2016 of with Jagran, Hindustan. observation

164 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 179. Complaint of Shri Gajendra Singh, Siligudi, November 17th, Withdrawn West Bengal against Aapka Teesta Himalaya, 2016 Siligudi, West Bengal 180. Complaint of Shri Vidyanand, Hajipur, November 17th, Dismissed Vaishali, Bihar against Editor, Prabhat 2016 being Sub- Khabar Judice 181. Complaint of Shri Rajan Puzari, Ex-Founder November 17th, Dismissed Secretary, Dergaon Journalists Association, 2016 Golaghat, Assam against Editor, Asomia Pratidin 182. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Bhadauria, November 17th, Censured Authorized Representative, Jindal Steel & 2016 Power ltd., Hissar, Haryana against the Editor, DNA, Mumbai 183. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balram, Kerala Pranth November 17th, Caution Saha Sangh, Vrindavan, Kannur against 2016 Editor, Deshabhimani 184. Complaint of Shri K.K. Balaram, November 17th, Censured Kerala, Kannur against the Editor, 2016 Deshabhimani 185. Complaint of Shri Ambris Gaud, Senior November 17th, Dismissed for Superintendent, Central Jail, Naini, Allahabad 2016 non-pursuance against Dainik Jagran 186. Complaint of Shri Shamim Uddin, Additional November 17th, Dismissed on Secretary, Government of Madhya 2016 merits Pradesh, Bhopal against editor, Nav Dunia, Bhopal 187. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports, November 17th, Dismissed Chennai against the editor, Surya Daily, 2016 Vijayawada M 188. Complaint of Asvini Agro Exports, Chennai November 17th, Dismissed against the editor, Akshara Spandana 2016 newspaper, Vijayawada 189. Complaint of Jethanand Tarachand November 17th, Censured Karamchandani against the editor, Crime Aur 2016 Kalam, Ulhasnagar 190. Complaint of Shri U.K. Pal, Freelance November 17th, Disposed Journalist, Rourkela, Odisha against the 2016 of with the Editor, Samaja direction

165 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 191. Complaint of Kothari Medical & Research November 17th, Dismissed Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan against the 2016 Editor, Dainik Bhaskar 192. Complaint of Shri. N.l. Singh, lucknow, November 17th, Disposed of UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran. 2016 with caution

193. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against November 17th, Dismissed on the editors, Dainik Jagran 2016 merits M 194. Complaint Shri B. Arya, Agra, UP against November 17th, Dismissed on the editor, Hindustan 2016 merits 195. Complaint of Shri Umesh Kumar Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on Delhi against the Editor, Times of India, 2016 merits New Delhi 196. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits Mumbai Mirror 197. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits Ahmedabad Mirror 198. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, Pune 2016 merits Mirror M 199. Complaint of Shri Nitya Nand Sinha, November 17th, Dismissed on Gurgaon Haryana against the editor, 2016 merits Navbharat Times 200. Complaint of Shri B.R. Prasad, Former November 17th, Dismissed on Commissioner, Allahabad, UP against 2016 merits United Bharat 201 Complaint of Shri Gajendra Pandey, Bhimpur, November 17th, Disposed of Deoria, U.P against the editor, Dainik Jagran, 2016 with direction Gorakhpur, U.P. 202. Complaint of Shri Surendra Tripathi against November 17th , Dismissed on the editor, United Bharat Akhbar 2016 merit

203. Complaint of Shri Haridasan Mathilakath, November 17th, Regret Mumbai against Editor, Hindustan 2016 expressed – proceeding dropped

166 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 204. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, merits (a) Dainik Bhaskar, (Gwalior& Shivpuri Edition) 205. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (b) Nav merits Duniya, Bhopal Edition 206. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (c) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Bhopal Edition 207. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (d) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Ujjain Edition 208. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (e) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Sagar Edition M 209. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (f) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Indore Edition 210 Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (g) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Satna Edition 211. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (h) Dainik merits Bhaskar, Raipur Edition 212. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief Forest March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Officer, Bhopal against Editor, (i) Nai merits Duniya, Indore Edition 213. Complaint of Shri P.K. Singh, Chief March 3rd, 2017 Dismissed on Forest Officer, Bhopal against Editor, merits (j) Danik Bhaskar, Jabalpur Edition, M.P 214. Complaint of Mahant Gyan Das, Disciple of March 3, 2017 Disposed of late Shri Shayamdas, Akhil Bhartiya Panch with direction Ramanandiya, Faizabad, Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya, U.P. against the Editor, Dainik Zimmedar 215. Complaint of Shri Kamal Sharma, OSD, March 3, 2017 Dismissed Tirthankar Mahavir University, Muradabad, being – Sub - UP against the Editor, Parivartanka Daur Judice

167 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 216. Complaint of Dr. K.S. Gupta, Senior March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Consultant, District Hospital, Bareilly, merit UP against the Editor, Dainik Jagran. 217. Complaint of Shri A.K. Singh, lieutenant March 3, 2017 Dismissed Colonel, Officer Commanding, Supply as rebuttal Depot Bareilly, UP against the Editor, published Dainik Jagran, Bareilly, UP

218. Complaint of Smt. Yamini Krishana March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Chhattar, Assistant Operator, Jawaharlal merit Nehru Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Jabalpur, MP against the Editor, Nai Duniya 219. Complaint of Shri Parisdeshmukh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Badmer, Rajasthan against the Editor, merit Dainik Bhaskar 220. Complaint of Senior Superintendent of March 3, 2017 Dismissed Prisons, Moradabad, UP against the Editor, Amar Ujala, UP 221. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against Dainik Jagran, (Satya Katha), of – with Bhopal Edition observation 222. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against the Editor, Haribhumi, Bhopal of – with Edition observation 223. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against the Editor, The Pioneer, Bhopal of – with Edition M observation

224. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against the Editor, Hindustan Times, of – with Bhopal Edition observation 225. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against the Editor, Agniban, Bhopal of – with Edition observation 226. Complaint of Smt. Sushila Belle, Bhopal, March 3, 2017 Disposed MP against the Editor, Navbharat of – with observation

168 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision

227. Complaint of Shri Ramsagar, Begusarai, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Bihar against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan, merit Bihar

228. Complaint of Shri Amrendra Kumar, March 3, 2017 Disposed of Bhagalpur against the Editor, Dainik with direction Jagran and Shri lalan Rai, Journalist

229. Complaint of Ms. Nargis Khan, Former, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on SHO, Meerut, UP against the Editor Dainik merit Jagran

230. Complaint of Shri Sanjay Kumar Jain, UP March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the Editor, Amar Ujala merit

231. Complaint of Shri Rajeev Kaushik, Chief March 3, 2017 Censured Manager, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur against the Editor, Burean Times

232. Complaint of Smt. Javitri Devi, Counsellor, March 3, 2017 Censured Malkhan Singh District Hospital, Aligarh, UP against the Editor, Amar Ujala, Aligarh, UP

233. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Jansatta merit

234. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Punjab Kesari merit

235. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Rajasthan Patrika merit

236. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar merit

237. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Sanjeevni Today merit

238. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Deshbandhu merit

169 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 239. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, Chakravyuh India merit

240. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, Dehradun March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the editor, The Goan merit 241. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Dehradun against the editor, Indian merit Express 242. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Dehradun against the editor, Gomantak merit Times 243. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Dehradun against the editor, Times of M merit India 244. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Dehradun against the editor, Goa merit Herald 245. Complaint of Shri Sameer Sardana, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Dehradun against the editor, Nav Hind merit Times 246. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Kalptaru Express 247. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Punjab Kesari M 248. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Rajasthan Patrika 249. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Asian Age

170 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 250. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Mail Today 251. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Aas Pass, Rajasthan 252. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran 253. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative M Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Navjyoti 254. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Rajasthan Patrika 255. Reference received from Shri Rahul Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission March 3, 2017 of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Samachar Jagar, Rajasthan 256. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Bhaskar

171 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 257. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Bureau Sandesh, Rajasthan 258. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Punjab Kesari 259. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Bhor 260. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission M of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Rashtradoot Rajasthan 261. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Naya India 262. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Mahanagar Mail 263. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Kelo Pravah

172 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 264. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Jankarm

265. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Royal Bulletin 266. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Prayan

267. Reference received from Shri Rahul M March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Rashtriya Sahara 268. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Aaj 269. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Sachchai Ka Khulasa 270. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Mudgal Times

173 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 271. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Hindustan 272. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Royal Bulletin 273. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Chaugamaki Awaz 274. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission M of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Jan Sandesh 275. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Hindustan 276. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Ratnagiri Times 277. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Dainik Jagran

174 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 278. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Various Newspapers

279. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, 2017 Dismissed U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Hindustan M 280. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The Editor, Indian Express

281. Reference received from Shri Rahul March 3, 2017 Dismissed Sharma, U.S. to Election Commission of India regarding legislative Assembly of Delhi and Rajasthan, 2013 against the editor, The editor, Dausa Gazette

282. Complaint of Shri Saurabh Swami, Regional March 3, 2017 Censured P.F. Commissioner, Grade II, EPFO, Haryana against the Editor, Times of India, New Delhi.

283. Complaint of Shri Krishan Kumar, President, March 3, 2017 Censured SirsaBardana Manufacturer, Haryana against the Editor, Total Haryana News

284. Complaint of Shri Harish Sharma, Counsellor, March 3, 2017 Censured Panipat, Haryana against the Editor, Sughav Vani, Panipat, Haryana

285. Complaint of Shri Ashok Singh, Jalore, March 3, 2017 Disposed of Rajasthan against the Editor, MarwadPrahari, with direction Jalore, Rajasthan

286. Complaint of Shri Kiran Singh, New Delhi March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the Editor, Punjab Kesari merit

287. Complaint of The Kalgidhar Trust, New Delhi March 3, 2017 Dismissed on against the Editor Amar Ujala merit

175 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 288. Complaint of Shri Alok Bhatnagar & March 3, 2017 Disposed off Mukesh Babu, New Delhi against the Editor, Inderprastha News

289. Complaint of Shri Kedarnath Saini, Incharge, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Rajkiya Krishi Beej Bhandar, Hilauli, UP merit against the Editor, Dainik Jagran

290. Complaint of Ms. Jasneet Kaur, Janakpuri, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan merit

291. Complaint of Col. Shivraj, Convenor, Poster March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Hatao Campaign, New Delhi against the Editor, merit Times of India, Delhi

292. Complaint of Dr.Dipyendu K. Roy, Kolkata March 3, 2017 Disposed of against the Editor, Anand Bazar Patrika with direction

293. Complaint of Shri Yunus Patel, Indore, March 3, 2017 Censured Madhya Pradesh against the Editor, Prabhat Kiran

294. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik merit Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar. M 295. Complaint of Shri Aditya Narayan Singh, March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Patna, Bihar against the Editor, Dainik merit Jagran and Hindustan, Patna, Bihar

296. Complaint of Smt, Usha, Ratlam, Madhya March 3, 2017 Dismissed on Pradesh against the Editor, Shabd merit Exclusive

297. Complaint of the Public Relations Officer, March 3, 2017 Dismissed Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, MP against the Editor, Nai Duniya

298. Complaint of Dr. Chandra Mohan Jha, Vice March 3, 2017 Dismissed Chancellor, Meghalaya against the Editor, Shillong Times

176 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision Paid News 299. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Jag Utthan, Delhi 300. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Punjab Kesari, Delhi 301. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, June 10th, Dismissed U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of 2016 India, New Delhi against the Editor, Nayak Bharti, Delhi 302. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Jagrook Times, Jaipur (Raj.) 303. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, June 10th, Dismissed U.S. Govt. of India, Election Commission of 2016 India, New Delhi against the Editor, Naya India, Bhilwada (Raj.). 304. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Rashtradoot, Jaipur. 305. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Metro Bites, Jaipur (Raj.) 306. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Navjyoti, Ajmer (Raj.) 307. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Angad, Bundi (Raj) 308. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Pratahkaal, Udaipur (Raj.)

177 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 309. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Ambar, Jhunjhunu (Raj.) 310. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Nagaur Ki Awaz, Nagaur (Raj.) 311. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Jalte Deep, Jodhpur (Raj.) 312. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Hindustan Border, Pali (Raj.) 313. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Marudhar Bhoomi, Tonk (Raj.) 314. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 New Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Sarwan Khabar, Tonk (Raj.) 315. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, 2016 Delhi against the Editor, Hindustan, New Delhi 316. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, U.S. June 10th, Dismissed Govt. of India, Election Commission of India, New 2016 Delhi against the Editor, Sandhya JyotiDarpan, Jaipur (Raj.) 317. Reference received from the Collector, District June 10th, Dismissed Election Officer and President, District Level 2016 MCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh regarding publication of an alleged ‘Paid News’ in Swadesh newspapers M 318. Reference received from the Collector, District June 10th, Dismissed Election Officer and President, District Level 2016 MCMC, District Dhamtari, Chhatisgarh regarding publication of an alleged ‘Paid News’ in rakhar newspapers

178 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 319. Reference received from the Collector and June 10th, Dismissed President, District Level MCMC, Office of the 2016 Collector/District Election Officer, Sivani, M.P. regarding publication of allegedly ‘Paid News’ in Samvad Kunj newspaper 320. Reference received from Shri A.S. June 10th, Dismissed Mawkhiew, Under Secretary to the 2016 for non - Government of Meghalaya, Elections pursuance Department and Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, Shillong regarding publication of allegely ‘Paid News’ in U-Rupang, Shillongnewspaper M 321. Reference received from Shri A.S. Mawkhiew, June 10th, Dismissed Under Secretary to the Government of 2016 for non - Meghalaya, Elections Department and pursuance Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, Shillong regarding publication of allegely ‘Paid News’ in U-Kynjastshai, Shillong newspaper 322. Suo-motu action on reference received from September Dismissed Election Commission of India against “Amrit 9th, 2016 on merit India” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during General Elections to legislative Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news 323. Suo-motu action on reference received from September Dismissed Election Commission of India against “Inquilab” 9th, 2016 on merit for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during General Elections to legislative Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news 324. Suo-motu action on reference received September Dismissed from Election Commission of India against 9th, 2016 “SidhiKhabar” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during General Elections to legislative Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news 325. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 9th, 2016 on merit General Election-2014 against Dainik Rajasthan Statement 326. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Dainik Janvani

179 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 327. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Muzaffarnagar Bulletin, Muzaffarnagar 328. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Dainik Shram Bindu, Raipur 329. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Amar Ujala, Noida 330. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Bijnore Times, Bijnore. 331. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Jhansi Vaarta, Jhansi 332. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Rashtriya Swaroop, lucknow 333. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 9th, 2016 on merit Election-2014 against Editor, Surya Prabha, Odishaa 334. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 9th, 2016 on merit General Election-2014 against Editor, Janvani, Bhubaneshwar 335. Shri Ramesh Kumar, Returning Officer & September Dismissed Collector, Daman & Diu, Daman against the 9th, 2016 Editor, Asli Azadi, Nani Daman. 336. Complaint of Collector and District Election September Censured Officer, District Dhar, M.P. against the Editor, 9th, 2016 Dainik Balwas Times, Indore M 337. Complaint of Collector and District Election September Censured Officer, District Dhar, M.P. against the Editor, 9th, 2016 Raj Express, Indore

180 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 338. Complaint received from the Collector & D.M. September Censured Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Pravesh 9th, 2016 Samvad, Sagar 339. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 on merit New Delhi against Editor, Daudti Dilli, Delhi 340. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 New Delhi against Editor, Chambhal Surkhee, Morena, M.P. 341. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against the editor, Shah Alert, 9th, 2016 on merit Muzaffarnagar 342. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured of India, New Delhi against the editor, Shri 9th, 2016 India, Banda Uttar Pradesh M 343. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured of India, New Delhi against the editor, 9th, 2016 Bundelkhand live, Banda Uttar Pradesh 344. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against the editor, Nayan Jagriti, 9th, 2016 on merit Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. 345. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 on merit Janvaani, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. 346. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Vishwa 9th, 2016 on merit Manavt, Uttar Pradesh 347. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against the editor, Amar Ujala, 9th, 2016 on merit Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh 348. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Awam-e- 9th, 2016 on merit Hind, Delhi 349. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against the editor, City Times, 9th, 2016 on merit lucknow 350. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Chingari, 9th, 2016 on merit Bijnaur, U.P.

181 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 351. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, 9th, 2016 on merit Karamyug Prakas, Jalaun, U.P. 352. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Roznama 9th, 2016 on merit Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi 353. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Secretary, Election Commission of India, New 9th, 2016 on merit Delhi against the Editor, loksatya 354. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Secretary, Election Commission of India, New 9th, 2016 on merit Delhi against the Editor, Dainik Kota Bureau, Rajasthan 355. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 on merit New Delhi against Editor, BPN Times, Dholpur, Rajasthan 356. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Rajasthan Patrika 9th, 2016 357. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Dainik Taj Bharti, 9th, 2016 Rajasthan 358. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured of India, New Delhi against Editor, Jan Nayak, 9th, 2016 Rajasthan 359. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 Samachar Jagat, Gujarat 360. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Prakash 9th, 2016 Kunj, Rajasthant 361. Reference received from Election Commission of September Censured India, New Delhi against Editor, Seema Sandesh, 9th, 2016 Jaipur, Rajasthan 362. Reference received from Election Commission September Censured of India, New Delhi against Editor, BadhtiKalam, 9th, 2016 Rajasthan 363. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against Editor, Divya Damak, 9th, 2016 Jalore, Rajasthan

182 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 364. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rajasthan 9th, 2016 Punjab Kesari, Jaipur, Rajasthan 365. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Times 9th, 2016 of India, Jaipur, Rajasthan 366. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik Janbaaz 9th, 2016 Patrika, Rajasthan 367. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtra Ka 9th, 2016 Vachan, Kota, Rajasthan 368. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Mevar Times, 9th, 2016 Bhilwara, Rajasthan 369. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Rajasthan 9th, 2016 Dasha, Dausa, Rajasthan 370. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 Aas Paas, Junjhnoo, Rajasthan 371. Reference received from , Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Mehkta 9th, 2016 Bharat, Jaipur Rajasthan 372. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, National 9th, 2016 Duniya, Jaipur, Rajasthan 373. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Seema 9th, 2016 Sandesh, Rajasthan. 374. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Tarun 9th, 2016 Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 375. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Morning 9th, 2016 News, Jaipur, Rajasthan 376. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against the editor, Jhalawar 9th, 2016 Samachar, Rajasthan

183 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 377. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission India, 9th, 2016 New Delhi against Dainik Patna Express 378. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, September Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 9th, 2016 New Delhi against Morning News, Jaipur 379. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Rashtradoot, 9th, 2016 Jaipur 380. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Surya 9th, 2016 Prabha, Orissa 381. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 Navbharat, Raipur 382. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, The Samaj, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Orissa 383. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prajavaadi, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Odissa 384. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaj, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Odissa 385. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Dainik 9th, 2016 Swaddin, Raipur 386. Reference received from Election Commission of September Dismissed India, New Delhi against ,Khabar, Bhubaneshwar, 9th, 2016 Odissa 387. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Sambad, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Odissa 388. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Samaya, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Odissa 389. Reference received from Election Commission September Dismissed of India, New Delhi against Editor, Prameya, 9th, 2016 Bhubaneshwar, Odissa

184 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 390. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non Navbharat pursuance 391. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Hamara 17th, 2016 for non Mahanagar pursuance 392. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non Inquilab pursuance 393. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Urdu M 17th, 2016 for non Times pursuance 394. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, Sahafat 17th, 2016 for non pursuance 395. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non Avadhnama pursuance 396. Complaint of Shri Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, November Dismissed Advocate, Mumbai against the Editor, 17th, 2016 for non Yashobhoomi pursuance 397. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, 17th, 2016 for non Navbharat pursuance 398. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Hamara 17th, 2016 for non Mahanagar pursuance 399. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Gujarat 17th, 2016 for non Samachar pursuance 400. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Inquilab, M 17th, 2016 for non pursuance 401. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Sahafat 17th, 2016 for non pursuance 402. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Urdu Times, 17th, 2016 for non pursuance 403. Complaint of Aam Aadmi Party through November Dismissed advocate Mumbai against Editor, Avadhnama. 17th, 2016 for non pursuance

185 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 404. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merit regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, National Duniya M 405. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merit regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Aaj Samaj 406. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Bharat Sameep 407. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Maru lahar 408. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merits regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Shah Times 409. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 on merits regarding publication of paid news against the M Editor, Maru lehar 410. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission 2017 of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Desh Ki Dharti 411. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Raj Vaibhav 412. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Paschimi Sandesh

186 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 413. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission 2017 of India, regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Krantikari Sandesh 414. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Metro Bites 415. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Dainik Bhaskar 416. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, M 2017 on merit regarding publication of paid news against the editor, Dainik Bhaskar 417. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Dismissed Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, National Duniya 418. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Meri Dilli 419. Reference received from Shri Rahul Sharma, March 3, Censured Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, 2017 regarding publication of paid news against the Editor, Awam-E-Hind 420. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Jag Utthan 421. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017 election- 2014, UP against the Editor, Veer Arjun

187 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 422. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017 election- 2014, UP against the editor, Tarun Mitra, lucknow 423. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017 election- 2014, UP against the editor, Sachchai Abhi Tak, UP

424. Reference received from Election Commission of March 3, Censured India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in General 2017 election- 2014, UP against the editor, Shah Times, Muzaffarnagar 425. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, BPN Times 426. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editors Yash Bharat and Raj Express 427. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editors Yash Bharat and Raj Express 428. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in M 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Dainik Pushp Savera 429. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Muzaffarnagar Ujala 430. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Dainik Hari Bhoomi 431. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Dismissed of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Dainik Hindsat

188 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 432. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Dainik Samay Darshan 433. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Censured of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Jan Madhyam M 434. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Disposed of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 of with General election- 2014, UP against the editor, direction Shah Times 435. Reference received from Election Commission March 3, Dismissed of India, New Delhi regarding Paid News in 2017 General election- 2014, UP against the editor, Bhartiya Janmanch 436. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Censured Secretary, Election Commission of India 2017 regarding paid news against the editor, Dainik Prakash Kunj 437. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Censured 2017 Secretary, Election Commission of India M regarding paid news against the editor, Raigarh Sandesh, Raigarh 438. Reference received from Shri S.K. Das, Under March 3, Dismissed Secretary, Election Commission of India 2017 regarding paid news against the editor, Sanchar, Bhubaneshwar Press and Morality 439. Complaint of Mohd. Ayub Qureshi, Mumbai June 10th, Dismissed against Shri Syed Zafarul Islam, Chief 2016 Reporter, lahren Fortnightly, Mumbai. 440. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate, Hon. September Disposed of Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the editor, 9th, 2016 Dainik Bhaskar, Gwalior M 441. Complaint of Ms. Rachna Sharma, Advocate, September Disposed of Hon. Secretary, SSKS Foundation, against the 9th, 2016 editor, Nai Dunia, Gwalior

189 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 442. Complaint of Dr. Rajendra Singh Jadeja, General September Dismissed Secretary, Rajkot District Consumers Protection 9th, 2016 with Council, Rajkot against Divya Bhaskar, Rajkot. observation 443. Complaint of Prof. K.V. Thomas, Ernakulam September Dismissed against Editor, Times of India, Mumbai 9th, 2016 444. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil November Disposed Nadu (through Registrar, NCPCR), New 17th, 2016 of with Delhi against the Editor, Kalai Kathir observation 445. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed (through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi 17th, 2016 of with against the Editor, Dinamalar observation M 446. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed (through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi 17th, 2016 of with against the Editor, Daily Thanthi observation 447. Complaint of Shri A. Devaneyan, Tamil Nadu November Disposed (through Registrar, NCPCR), New Delhi against 17th, 2016 of with the Editor, Daily Thanthi. observation 448. Complaint of Shri Suryakant Sharma, Jharkhand November Dismissed against the Editor, Hindustan. 17th, 2016 for non pursuance 449. Complaint of Shri Sunjjoy Manohar Dahake, November Disposed Publisher/Editor, Pune Mirror against BCCl 17th, 2016 off with observation Suo-Motu 450. Suo-motu cognizance w.r.t. attacks on lokmat June 10th, Disposed Officer in Maharashtra & Complaint of Shri 2016 off apology Kareem Chand Sheikh against Editor, lokmat. published 451. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th, 2016 Dainik Bhaskar 452. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in M 17th, 2016 Rashtirya Sahara 453. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th, 2016 Navbharat Times

190 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision 454. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted November Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in 17th, Jansatta 2016 455. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in The November Mail Today 17th, 2016 456. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in M November The Pioneer 17th, 2016 457. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in November Times of India 17th, 2016 458. Suomotu cognizance for publishing distorted Dropped version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in November Dainik Tribune 17th, 2016 459. Complaint of Shri Arvind Kumar, Circle Officer November Dismissed for (III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officer Line, 17th, 2016 being non - Aligarh against Editor, Dainik Jagran pursuance 460. Complaint of Shri Arvind Kumar, Circle November Dismissed for Officer(III) and Ms. Shikha, Circle Officer 17th, 2016 being non - line, Aligarh against Editor, Dainik pursuance Jagran 461. Deliberations on objectionable contents of cover November Warned story published in Outlook. 17th, 2016 462. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Dismissed Election Commission of India against “Dainik 17th, 2016 with Jagran” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ observation during General Elections to legislative Assembly of Rajasthan - 2013 in the garb of news 463. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Dismissed on Election Commission of India against “Rahat 17th, 2016 merits Times” for allegedly publishing ‘Paid News’ during General Elections to the lok Sabha-2014 in the garb of news 464. Suo-motu action on reference received from November Censured Election Commission of India against the Editor, 17th, 2016 Janta Union for publication of an alleged “Paid News” during General Elections 2014 in the garb of news

191 Sl. Parties Date of Category No. Decision Communal, Casteist, Anti National and Anti Religious Writing 465. Complaint of Shri Kuldip Singh Bawa, September Disposal of Representative, Shiromani Gurudwara 9th, 2016 Sub-Judice Prabhandhak Committee, Amritsar against Editor, Rozana Spokesman, Mohali, Punjab 466. Complaint of Smt. Meena through Delhi November Censured Commission for Women against Ashoka 17th, 2016 Express 467. Complaint of Shri Saji lal, Trivandrum against November Dismissed on the Editor, Mathrubhoomi 17th, 2016 merits

468. Complaint of Shri Ashish Gupta, Gwalior, November Dismissed on M.P. against the Editor, Hindustan Times, New 17th, 2016 merits Delhi

192 Annexure - G

Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudication in Complaints Regarding Threats to Press Freedom Harassment of Newsmen l Conversation over telephone having tone and toner of intimidation and threatening language by the authorities with the journalists amounts to threat to press freedom (Complaint of Shri Shailendra Mishra, Reporter, Dainik Raj Express, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh against Collector, Bhind, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l Any Complaint of a journalist against police official(s) ought to be supervised by an official, higher than the officer against whom complaint is made. (Complaint of Shri Habeeb Quraishi, Editor, Yash Express, Seoni, MP against the Police Authorities, Adjudication dated March 3, 2017) l Action of District Magistrate in not allowing journalists in the office for collecting news amounts to curtailment of press freedom (Complaint of Shri Satyaprakash, Office Incharge, Dainik Hindustan, Banka, Bihar, against District Collector, Banka, Bihar, Adjudication dated March 3, 2017)

193 Annexure - H

Index of Principles Enunciated in Adjudication in Complaints Filed Against the Press

Principle and Publication ฀ l Personal animosity should not be reflected in a news item (Complaint of Shri Pashupati Nath Gupt, District President, Akhil Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, Complaint of Shri Gopal Arya, Rashtirya Swayamsevak Sangh, New Delhi against The Hindu, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l The newspaper should give due credit to the Photographer whose photo work has been published by the newspaper

(Complaint of Shri U.K. Pal, Freelance Journalist, Rourkela, Odisha against the Editor, Samaja, Adjudication dated November 17 , 2016) l Editor may have a right to edit a ‘letter to editor’ but such editing should not deviate from the intended view

(Complaint of Shri Haridasan Mathilakath, Mumbai against Editor, Hindustan, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016) l Bearing in mind the clear distinction between a ‘news report’ and an ‘ opinion article’, the Editor has a liberty to edit an article but this liberty cannot be extended so as to delete the vital part or core contents of the article without seeking permission of the author, which may distort the intent, purpose and meaning behind the article.

(Complaint of Shri Hormuz P. Mama, Mumbai against the Editor, Economic Times, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l An author cannot question the critical review of a book, unless it is actuated by malafide, simply because some of the editors and scholars have commended the book, would not mean thatother critiques have no right to express a contrary view

(Complaint of Ms. Jyoti Sabharwal, Author & Publisher, Stellar, New Delhi against the editor, India Today, New Delhi, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

194 l A news item published on the basis of book may not be in tune with general belief of the members of religious organization but on this ground alone the news item cannot be termed as illegal and unethical.

(Complaints of Shri E. Vijay Paul, President, All India True Christian Council, Chennai against the editor, The Hindu, The Times of India, Eanad, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l Newspapers are required to give the context in which the statement is made by a political leader, but this does not extend to the liberty of giving it a meaning of their own. l Newspaper should bear in mind that their duty is to collect the news and place it in perspective but not to create news.

Suo-motu cognizance for publishing distorted version of Shri V.K. Singh’s statement in various newspapers, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016) l Wrongly attributing historically incorrect remarks of grave nature to a political leader, which have far reaching repercussions without applying due diligence calls for severe action. The publication ought to verify the source of such statement at pre-publication stage.

(Suo-motu congnizance on objectionable contents of cover story published in Outlook, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

Paid News l Columns of news items which largely indicate name of voters on Caste basis and supporters of the candidate of particular political party, such tenor and manner of presentation of news establish the report to be paid news. (Suo-motu action on reference received from Election Commission of India against the Editor, Janta Union for publication of an alleged “Paid News” during General Elections 2014 in the garb of news, Adjudication dated November 17, 2016) l Two newspapers publishing same news item verbatim during election days is not accidental and it is evident that such news items have been published for consideration. (Complaint of Collector and District Election Officer, District Dhar, M.P. against the Editor, Dainik Balwas Times, Indore, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

195 l Manner of presentation of a news item that too in favour of a particular party as also the appeal for voting in favour of a particular party is suggestive of paid news.

(Complaint received from the Collector & D.M. Sagar, Madhya Pradesh against Editor, Pravesh Samvad, Sagar, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l Projecting a candidate’s success in Election who is yet to file a nomination is suggestive of paid news.

(Suo-motu action on reference received from Election Commission of India against “Sidhi Khabar” for publication of alleged ‘Paid News’ during General Elections to Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan-2013 in the garb of news, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016) l News Reports on Campaign meeting and states enthusiasm because film star were present cannot be termed as paid news.

(Reference received from Election Commission of India, New Delhi against the editor, Rajasthan Dasha, Dausa, Rajasthan, Adjudication dated September 9, 2016)

Communal, Casteist l Caricature of a deity to depict a political scenario at relevant time cannot be said to be objectionable.

(Complaint of Shri Saji Lal, Trivandrum against the Editor, Mathrubhoomi Adjudication dated November 17, 2016)

196