New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday cancelled a controversial order that said journalists found guilty of writing or broadcasting “fake news” would lose their government accreditation.
Modi directed that the press release on ‘fake news’ issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) be immediately withdrawn. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the question of checking fake news should be left to media watchdog Press Council of India. “The fake news problem will only be dealt with by the Press Council of India [PCI],” Modi said.
On Monday, the I&B Ministry had said the accreditation of a journalist could be cancelled if the scribe is found generating or propagating fake news. “If the publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, the accreditation of that journalist would be suspended for a period of six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation. In case of a third violation, his accreditation would be cancelled permanently,” I&B Minister Smriti Irani told media.
As per the Ministry’s press note, after immediate suspension of the government accreditation for the journalist, the matter would be referred to the PCI, if it pertains to print media, and to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), if it relates to the electronic media, for determination of the news item being fake or not.
This determination was expected to be completed within 15 days by these agencies.
Irani also said that while examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by PCI and NBA are adhered to by the journalists.
“It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” she said.
Disguised intentions
However, after top editors accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led union government of trying to control the media, Irani tweeted on Monday that she was open to suggestions.
“Noticing the increasing instances of fake news in various mediums, including print and electronic media, the government has amended the Guidelines for Accreditation of Journalists. PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India and News Broadcasters Association to define and act against fake news have generated debate. Several journalists and organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same,” the Minister said in the tweet.
Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury criticised the Ministry’s guidelines regarding fake news.
“We fought for press freedom during the Emergency, then against the Defamation Bill. We condemn this duplicitous move of the Modi government where in the garb of fake news, it will attack all the news it finds uncomfortable. We stand for, and are committed to a free and independent Press,” Yechury told media.
Government accreditation provides a journalist access to government buildings within Delhi. Journalists in other parts of the country have to seek state government-issued accreditation cards.
