ujarat vide his further communication dated 30.8.

2023 while
reiterating his complaint has submitted that the written
T statement filed by the respondent is not true. The complainant
h has stated that the respondent has knowingly tried to misguide
e the PCI by stating that civil and criminal cases are pending in
the several courts stating that they are in connection with the
c present application submitted by him to the PCI. The
o complainant has further stated that none of the case pending in
m lower court relating to defamatory article. The complainant has
p submitted that no civil or criminal case is filed against him by
l any Adivasi person (Scheduled Tribe person) for land grabbing
a or even nobody else has filed any complaint against him. The
i complainant has stated that the respondents ought not to have
n used the word "KAUBHANDI" (Scammer/Fraudster) which
a is derogatory, disrespectful and defamatory for him and his
n family. Such word KAUBHANDI has ruined his prestige and
t hurt feelings of his entire family members, his friends, relatives,
- known persons as well as his large number of local
S customers. The complainant has stated that no court has
h convicted him even for a single petty/minor offence till today.
r Even no criminal case for any kind of scam is pending against
i him in any court. The complainant has further stated that he
has not filed any civil suit or criminal complaint against the
P respondent newspaper in any court with regard to the
a defamatory publications. He hass also stated that no adverse
n order is passed by the Collector/DDO, Tapi district or any other
k authority. He has requested the Council to direct the
a respondents to produce the case papers rather certified copies
j of any pending case in any court which is pertaining to
impugned publications. He has further requested to proceed
J with the matter on merit.
a
y If approved, a copy of the above complainant’s
a communication may be forwarded to the respondent as per fair
n letter placed on the file for signature of SOM please.
t
i
b
h
a
i

P
a
l
a
,

T
a
p
i
,
The complainant-Shri Bhagya MG, Skanary, Mysuru
G
vide his letter dated 5.9.2023 has submitted that the Council
h ology in prominent place but the respondent has failed to abide
a the order passed by the Council. He has requested the Council
d to take appropriate action against the respondent newspaper
for not abiding the order of the Council.
d
i It is submitted that Hon’ble Chairperson has already
r perused the clarification at Flag-B published by the respondent
e and opined that “Direction has been adequately complied with.
c No further action necessary”.
t
It is submitted that the decision of the Council was
e
forwarded to the complainant and respondent on 19.6.2023 for
d
compliance but the direction passed at Page 49/N has been
inadvertently left. The undersigned deeply regrets for the same
t
and will ensure to stay diligent and assures that such mistake
h
do not occur in future.
e
If approved, we may inform the complainant as per draft
r letter placed on the file for approval please.
e
s
p
o
n
d
e
n
t

t
o

p
u
b
l
i
s
h

u
n
c
o
n
d
i
t
i
o F.No.28/ /RTI/23-24-PCI.
n
a
भारतीय प्रेस परिषद्
l

a विषय- सूचना के अधिकार, 2005 के अंतर्गत जानकारी

p
 यत की जांच हेतु दिनांक 1.10.2021 से अब तक कितनी जांच
Page-2- समिति की बैठकों का आयोजन किया गया है, स्पष्ट
1/corr. जानकारी मय दिनांक बैठक तथा उपस्थित सदस्यों नाम
सहित उपलब्ध कराई जायें।
2. भारतीय प्रेस परिषद् पत्र सं.28/126/RTI/21-22 दिनांक
राहुल 7.1.2022 के अनुसार प्रार्थी/शिकायतकर्ता के केस
कुमार सं.399/2021-A को कब तक भारतीय प्रेस परिषद् की जांच
जैन समिति की बैठक के समक्ष प्रस्तुत किया जाएगा, स्पष्ट
मुजफ्फ जानकारी उपलब्ध करायें।
रनगर ने 3. दिनांक 18.8.2021 से केस सं.399/2021-A के संबंध में
अपने संपादक मुजफ्फरनगर बुलेटिन को भारतीय प्रेस परिषद्
पत्र के द्वारा जारी कारण बताओ नोटिस तथा उक्त के संबंध
दिनांक में जारी किये गये अनेक स्मरण पत्रों के अंतर्गत आज
22.9.2023 तक कोई लिखित जबाव संपादक, मुजफ्फरनगर बुलेटिन के
, द्वारा भारतीय प्रेस परिषद् को दिया गया अथवा नहीं,
परिषद् यदि हां तो लिखित जवाब की प्रमाणित प्रति उपलब्ध
में करायें।
दिनांक
25.9.2023 प्रार्थी ने पत्र के साथ रु.10/- नगद सलंग्न किया
तथा है।
अदोहस् सर्वप्रथम फाइल को रोकड विभाग में नगद रु.10/- की
ताक्ष TR के लिए भेजा जा सकता है।
री
द्वारा
दिना्ं
क
3.10.2023
को
प्राप्
त हुई
द्वारा
सूचना
के
अधिकार The complainant-Shri Bhagya MG, Skanary, Mysuru
अधिनिय
vide his letter dated 5.9.2023 has submitted that the Council
म, had directed the respondent to publish unconditional apology in
के prominent place but the respondent has failed to abide the
अंतर्ग
order passed by the Council. He has requested the Council to
त take appropriate action against the respondent newspaper for
निम्न
not abiding the order of the Council.
लिखित
जानका It is submitted that Hon’ble Chairperson has already
री चाही the clarification at Flag-B published by the respondent
perused
है and opined that “Direction has been adequately complied with.
1. No further action necessary” at Page 49/N.
If approved, we may inform the complainant as per fair
letter placed on the file for signature of SOM please.
 2. List of suo-motu matters may be seen at Flag-B
3. List of sine dine cases along with status may be seen at
Flag-C
4. List of adjourned matter pertaining to Inquiry Committee-I
may be seen at Flag-D
5. With regard to the Item No.39 in the Agenda, it is submitted
that the complainant has filed writ petition against the PCI
and respondent newspaper before the Hon’ble Court of
Telangana wherein its interim order dated 21.7.2020 the
court directed the PCI to dispose of the representation
within a period of six weeks. It is further submitted that a
counter affidavit was filed by the PCI in the month of June,
2022. It is submitted that the website of the Hon’ble Court is
showing the status of the case as “Pending”. Keeping in
view the above, orders are sought whether we may await
the final order of the court or list the matter before the IC
taking note of Interim order of the court. (Flag-E)

Referenc
e pre-
page

1.

Ms. Aarti Tripathi, Member, PCI vide her email dated

10.10.2023 has informed that Shri along with Dr. Suman Gupta,
Member, PCI is visiting Pratapgarh on 11.10.2023 to conduct
i ivastava, Journalist. While providing itinerary of their visit, she
n has requested the Council to issue a letter from PCI to the
q District Magistrate, Pratapgarh and the Superintendent of
u Police, Pratapgarh for the said programme.
i
r Accordingly, a draft letter has been prepared and placed
y for approval please.

i
n

t
h
e

m
a
t
t
e
r

o
f

d
e
a
t
h

o
f

S
h
r
i

S
The complainant’s representative, Shri Vikrant Dorkar,
u
who was appeared on behalf of the complainant, vide his email
l dated 20.9.2023 has submitted that during the hearing, he
a requested the Hon’ble Chairperson to go through the papers
b which were submitted by him, the papers were not read by the
h committee at all. Also, he would like to bring this to Inquiry
Committee notice that during the hearing Shri Rajendra Bharud
S (the respondent) told the Hon’ble Chairperson that his father was
booked in many cases and cleared off too because he had
r
managed the judges. His comments were made on Indian
judiciary unilaterally despite his father’s nude photos were circulated by
which Shri Rajendra Bharud (the respondent) and his IPS batch mate
amounte Shri Mahendra Pandit, he felt humiliated by the Council. He has
d to further stated that he approached the Press Council for
contempt reasonable reasons that an editorial would not amount to
of court atrocities act (case filed against his father by Shri Rajendra
but the Bharud’s brother). The Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and
Inquiry Divisional Commissioner, Nasik reprimanded him for his actions
Committ but Press council of India didn’t take cognizance of matter fairly.
ee He has also stated that the respondent-Shri Rajendra Bharud
ignored. submitted wrong documents to Press Council and the Registrar
He has for Newspapers of India. He submitted a bill which didn’t receive
further the assent of the President of India but Press Council and its
stated members didn’t notice it at all, that show’s negligence on
that t Council’s part. He has stated that the Council didn’t take any
Inquiry action in Shri Rajendra Bharud’s explicit statement that his father
Committ must have managed the judges, this is disregard of the
ee constitutional principles and judicial minds of this country. He has
ignored further stated that Council’s order of cancelling the government
the advertisements impacted the lives of around 8 families, the
words Hon’ble Chairperson didn’t give any other chance to hear out, the
which Council too didn’t read the documents provided later by him. He
would be has stated that this is complete failure of the institution and that’s
unaccept one of the reason why press freedom ranking of India is
able to depleting. He has stated that he is sured this mail will be ignored
any and the Council will not review its decision. He has informed the
judge of Council that he had recorded the 52 minutes of meeting in an
India. audio format.
Also, no It is submitted that the Council in its decision dated
abusive 15.11.2022 recommended to censure the complainant for having
language written abusive editorial making insulting comments about the
was Collector’s (the respondent) mother and the Collector. The
used Council also recommended to advise the Collector not to
against precipitate the matters and let the law take its own course. Copy
his of the order be forwarded to the Director General, Central Bureau
(respond of Communication, New Delhi and the Director, Information &
ent’s) Public Relations Officer, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai.
mother in
the
editorial
at all. He
has Since the Council has already taken decision in the
matter on merit, no further action is required in the matter. If
stated
thatapproved,
the the complainant may be informed accordingly.
committe
e didn’t
give
them
second
hearing.
Since,
the
matter
was
decided
 written statement has submitted that the name of the place
about which objected by the complainant is mentioned as Vijay
Mandir in the departmental documents. The respondent has
stated that the complainant has deliberately ignored the
permission letters for the years 2018, 2019 and 2021 of the Sub-
Divisional Magistrate, Nagar Dhar.
Reference pre-page, revised letter is placed on the file for
approval please.

Referenc
e pre-
page

the
meantim
e, the
responde
nt-
Deputy An affidavit filed by the complainant-Shri Manas Ranjan
News Das Pattnaik regarding settlement of the case may be taken on
Editor, record.
Nai
Dunia The respondent vide his email dated 21.8.2023 has
vide his submitted that the matter has been settled with the complainant.
counter The same may be taken on record.
while
reiteratin
g his
 Govt. of Tripura (presently posted as Director, GA (P&S), Govt.
of Tripura) vide his letter dated 26.7.2023 has informed that the
complaint filed by him against the respondent newspaper
“Syandan Patrika” was not a personal issue rather it was lodged
as official capacity as Director, Information & Cultural Affairs
Department, Govt. of Tripura.

Shri Bhattacharya, Addl. Secretary, Information & Cultural

Department, Govt. of Tripura vide his email dated 18.8.2023 has
forwarded a letter dated 18.8.2023 addressed to the Resident
Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan, New Delhi whereby he has
requested to direct Shri Ranjit Das, Joint Resident
Commissioner to appear before the Inquiry Committee.
Above communications may be taken on record.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 273/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Pages 277-274/corr.

Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.

e
complain
ant-Shri
Ratan
Biswas,
former
Director,
Informati
on & The complainant vide his counter comments dated
28.9.2023
Cultural while reiterating his complaint has submitted that the
assertion of the respondent is belief by the fact that in news
Affairs,
i published mentioning him as Neeraj Garg. However, editor,
t printers as well as the directors who get benefit from these
e kinds of report and sen sation were aware that photograph
m which they re publishing is not of Neeraj Garg and infact is the
photograph of Shri Anil Kumar Jainer. According to him, the
p video is of a party and any unauthorized use of a photograph
h taken has nothing to do with marriage bureau where raid was
o conducted. The complainant has submitted that there is nothing
t on record till today, which can show that any police officer told
o to the accused that photograph which they published with the
g news item was of Neeraj Garg and not of advocate Anil Kumar
r Jainer. He has state d that the police did not provide the video
a to the respondent but the video was provided by the person,
p who was in the party on the occasion of Holi and known that
h the complainant is the defending lawyer of the alleged accused
Neeraj Garg. He has further stated that sole purpose of
o publishing the photograph was to demoralize him in the eyes of
f bar, colleagues, clients and family members. He has alleged
that the publication of photograph in middle of the news item
A was deliberate and intentional and pre-planned act. He has
d requested the Council to take necessary action against the
v respondent.
o
c If approved, a copy of the counter comments may be
a forwarded to the respondent as per fair letter placed on the file
t for signature of the SOM please.
e

S
h
r
i

A
n
i
l

K
u
m
a
r

J
a
i
n
e
r The Superintendent of Police, Madhubani vide
letter dated 08.09.2023 has submitted that an FIR
w
a bearing No. 243/2021 dated 11.11.2021 was duly
s registered under sections 363/365/120B of the Indian
Penal Code at Police Station Benipatti on the basis of
a Mr. Chandrashekhar Kumar Jha (brother of the
deceased) who (at the time) alleged various named
w and unnamed persons to have conspired and
r abducted the brother of the complainant, i.e., the
i deceased who had gone missing in the intervening
t night of 09.11.2021 and 10.11.2021. In his complaint,
t the accused named (1) Maa Jaanki Seva Sadan; (2)
e Shifa Poly Clinic; (3) Sudama Health Care; (4) Sonali
n Hospital; (5) Aradhna Health and Dental Care Clinic;
(6) Jai Maa Kali Seva Sadan; (7) R. S. Memorial
a Hospital; (8) Aljeena Health Care; (9) Sakshi Hospital;
p (10) Annya Nursing Home; (11) Anurag Health
p Care and other unknown persons to have conspired
l and abducted the deceased. Pursuant to the
i registration of the subject FIR, the deceased was
c found dead under unnatural circumstances owing to
a which appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code
t were added to the subject FIR. The post-mortem
i examination of the deceased revealed the cause of
o death of Buddhinath Jha alias Avinash Jha to be due
n to asphyxia caused by strangulation with post mortem
burns. During the course of investigation, inter alia,
o
the call data records (CDR) of the mobile numbers of
f
the deceased were obtained that revealed that the last
call from the phone of the deceased was in the night
t
of 09.11.2021 around 10:06 pm to a number that was
h
later found to belong to one Purnkala Devi, who
e
worked at Anurag Health Care nursing home. During
C the course of investigation, Purnkala Devi was called
o to the police station and interrogated regarding the
m incident. Initially, she alleged that though she used to
p talk to the deceased over the phone and had also
l spoken to him on the date of the incident
a (09.11.2021), she had closed the nursing
i
n home (Anurag Health Care) on 09.11.2021 in the
a evening (around sunset) and gone to her parents' home.
n She alleged that she had spoken to the deceased later
t that night while she was at her parents' home. However,
, upon obtaining the CDR details of the phone number
of Purnkala Devi, it was later revealed that Purnkala
Devi's into police custody and interrogated who then stated
statem that on the date of the incident, i.e., 09.11.2021,
ent the deceased had come to Anurag Nursing Home
to around 10:15 pm at night and, when he was leaving
police around 10 to 15 minutes later, five persons were waiting
had for him outside on the side of the road, namely Roshan
been Shah, Bittu Pandit, Deepak Pandit, Pawan Pandit and
false Manish Kumar. She further stated that these five
and, in persons then took the deceased towards Kataiya village
fact, while Purnkala Devi went towards Benipatti and that
the these five persons had murdered the deceased. Upon
mobile the statement of Purnkala Devi, all these five persons
phone's were arrested. Various objectionable photographs were
location found in their mobile phones including photos of these
during persons holding weapons.Thereafter, all five persons
the were sent to judicial custody along with Purnkala
entire Devi.. On the basis of the data found during the course
evenin of examination of the CDR of Purnkala Devi, the brother
g and of Purnkala Devi, i.e., Mahadev Paswan was also
night of arrested. Mahadev Paswan was found to
09.11.2 have continuously spoken to both Purnkala Devi as well
021 as one Anuj Kumar Mahto, Proprietor of Anurag Health
had Care on the date of the incident as well as thereafter
been at and was found to have hidden evidence despite being
Kataiya aware of the incident. In his confessional statement,
Road, Mahadev Paswan admitted to the involvement of his
Benipat sister, Purnkala Devi and Anuj Kumar Mahto, Proprietor
ti, i.c., of Anurag Health Care, in the incident and stated to
where have been informed of the same on the next day of
Anurag
Health
Care
the incident by his sister. On 19.01.2022, Anuj Kumar
nursing
homeMahto surrendered before the Benipatti Court and was
wasremanded to police custody on the same day for
two days. During his interrogation, Anuj Kumar
uated.
revealed that Purnkala Devi was a staff member at
Purnkal
a Anurag
Devi Nursing Home owing to which he was close to
washer. He revealed that the deceased had been
thencrusading against fake nursing homes and had also
been extorting money from the owners of these nursing
taken
h sing homes held a grudge against the deceased.. He
o also stated that the deceased himself had opened a
m health center in his home by the name of Thyrocare
e and was collecting blood samples from different clinics
s in the area and sending them for testing
outside. Owing to the same, the deceased used to visit
o Anurag Health Care frequently during which the
w deceased and Purnkala Devi started getting close to
i each other. He further stated that it was at his
n instance that Purnkala Devi joined the conspiracy to kill
g the deceased along with others.. In order to execute
the plan, on the day prior to the incident, Purnkala Devi
t obtained an iron khal and musal (heavy items used to
o pound wheat) and also arranged for petrol and other
items in advance.. On the day of the incident, as per
w
their plan, Purnkala Devi asked the deceased to meet
h
her at Anurag Health Care where Anuj Kumar Mahto
i
was already present and waiting. Upon the deceased
c
reaching Anurag Health Care, Purnkala Devi threw chili
h
powder in his eyes at which time Anuj Kumar Mahto hit
the deceased on his head with the iron musal and the
o
deceased fell down..At this point, both Purnkala Devi
w
and Anuj Kumar used rope and other surgical
n
equipment to strangulate and kill the deceased.
e
Thereafter, in order to destroy evidence, the body of
r
the deceased was loaded onto a motorcycle, taken to
s
an isolated spot and then set on fire. Accused Purnkala
o Devi, Roshan Kumar Sah, Deepak Kumar Pandit, Bittu
f Pandit, Pawan Kumar and Manish

v
a
r Kumar were arrested on 14.11.2021 and sent to judicial
i custody. Accused Manoj Kumar Choudhary, Proprietor
o of Jai Maa Kaali Seva Sadan was arrested
u on 01.12.2021 and sent to Judicial custody. Saroj
s Yadav, Proprietor of Maa Jaanki Seva Sadan was
arrested on 10.12.2021 and sent to Judicial custody.
n Accused Mahadev Paswan was arrested on 20.12.2021
u and sent to Judicial custody and accused Anuj
r Kumar Mahto, Proprietor of Anurag Health Care
surrend and musal that were procured by Purnkala Devi prior to
ered on the incident, a box of chili powder and other items.
19.01.2 Ultimately, chargesheet bearing No. 15/2022 dated
022. 10.02.2022 has been filed before the concerned Court
uring under sections 364/302/201/120B of the Indian Penal
the Code against the following persons; (1) Purnkala Devi,
course (2) Anuj Kumar Mahto, (3) Mahadev Paswan, (4) Manoj
of the Kumar Choudhary, (5) Saroj Yadav, (6) Roshan Kumar
investig Sah, (7) Deepak Kumar Pandit, (8) Bittu Pandit alias
ation, Shivam, (9) Pawan Kumar Pandit and (10) Manish
various Kumar.
articles
related Shri Azmat H. Amanullah, Advocate for the
to Government of Bihar vide his letter dated 9.10.2023
the has submitted that a detailed has already been
me supplied directly to this Hon'ble Council by the
were Superintendent of Police, Madhubani vide letter dated
also 08.09.2023. While reiterating the report submitted by
seized the Superintendent of Police, Madhubani, he has
by the submitted that the matter is currently pending before
investig the Court of the Ld. District and Sessions Judge,
ating Madhubani as Case No. 236/2022 where the matter is
authorit currently at the stage of examination of witnesses and
ies summons have been issued to certain witnesses on
includin
g 26.06.2023 by the Ld. Court, returnable on
the25.09.2023. As such, the police authorities have acted
with alacrity qua the subject incident, have conducted
orcycle
of aAnuj thorough investigation, have arrested
the perpetrators and have filed a chargesheet in the
Kumar
Court of competent jurisdiction which is seized of the
Mahto
thatmatter and the law is taking its own course. He has
wasrequested the Council to dispose of the complaint.
used to
transpo The replies filed by the respondents have been
rt incorporated
the in the meeting note and the same is
bodyplaced on the file for approval please.
the
deceas
ed, the
khal
 e, Tarapith Police Station (Respdt./O.P No. 5 herein this case no.
13/123/19-20-PCI dated 12/05/2023), I am to address you as
hereunder.- That due to typing mistake there has been written in
the 2nd line of para-1/ column-1 of my previous letter dated
26/05/2023 addressing to you that you are not a statutory body by
using the word 'Not' wrongly and inadvertently there in, which must
be deleted/expunged. It is admitted that you are a statutory body
and though you are a statutory body but you have no Jurisdiction
to compel any person/anybody not attached with professional
Journalism and/or agency to attend the hearing before you. Be it
stated here that nobody/no person is above the law including you
and Hon'ble High Court has the jurisdiction to deal with any illegal
proceeding initiated by you. That you can summon witnesses and
can issue warning for criticize the guilty to the Journalist, Editor,
Newspaper Agency. But my client is neither an Editor nor a
Journalist nor any Newspaper Agency. Though you can summon
witnesses, but my client is not a witness nor you have been
empowered to compel my client who was and/or is a Police Officer
on duty. At best you can censure or criticize any guilty but no
competent court of law has pronounced that my client is guilty. The
power vested in you is that of a civil court. There was no breach of
recognized ethical standards of Journalism by the publication or
non-publication on behalf of my client.

a
bo
ve
na
me
d
cli
en
t
De
b
Pr
as
ad
Mo
nd
al,
AS
I
of In response to Council’s letter dated 21.09.2023 whereby
Po order dated 22.8.2023 of the Inquiry Committee was
lic communicated to the parties, the complainant-Shri A.A.
Karunak daughter, Dr. Yami for her being unwittingly crucified for no fault
aran, of hers.
Kochi In the instant matter, the Inquiry Committee in its meeting
vide his held on 22.8.2023 at New Delhi passed the following direction:
letter
dated “The complainant is not present. Ordinarily the Inquiry
11.10.20 Committee would have recommended dismissal of the complaint
23 while
reiteratin but the matter appears to be very serious. Hence, the Inquiry
g his Committee feels that it needs to give one more chance to the
earlier complainant. Mr. Millu Dandapani is representing the
submissi respondent. In the circumstances, the matter is adjourned. Next
on dated date will be communicated to the parties.”
17.08.20
23 in If approved, above contents may be incorporated in the
which he meeting note.
submitte
d his
inability
to
appear
before
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee owing
to his
advance
age (he
is 86
years
old) and
engaging
a
counsel
for
himself is
also not
affordabl
e for him.
The
plainant
further The Assistant Inspector General of Police (Crime), Tripura
reiterates vide his letter dated 21.8.2023 while reiterating his earlier report
the facts has informed that the Investigating Officer received a copy of the
of the order dated 8.12.2021 passed in connection with case
case and No.WP(Crl) No.504/2021 by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India
requests and on perusal the copy of the order it is found that the Hon’ble
that Court directed in para No.5 “there shall be a stay of further
Inquiry proceedings pursuant to (i) FIR No.39 of 2021 registered on
Committ 14.11.2021 at Fatikroy Police Station, Unakoti, Tripura and (ii)
ee to FIR No.82 oof 2021 registered on 14.11.2021 at Police Station
serve Kakraban Udaipur Gomati Tripura”. He has further informed that
justice to
his
the case
is
pending
for
further
order by
Hon’ble
Supreme
Court of
India.

tendance
of the
parties
may be
It is submitted that vide Inquiry Committee
seen at
Page
hearing on 23.08.2023, the Committee took
cognizance of the statement made by respondent no.
68/Corr.
5 and directed his counsel to convey to respondent
no. 5 that he will have to tender apology and withdraw
orderhis of
statement made in his letter dated 26.5.2023.
the In pursuance of the above it is submitted that a
letter was received from Shri Pradip Kumar Ghosh,
Inquiry
Advocate for the respondent No.5 i.e. Shri Deb
Committ
ee Prasad
may Mondal, ASI of Police, Tarapith Police Station
be wherein
seen he had admitted that the word 'not' was
inadvertently typed and must be deleted/expugned
at Pages
and PCI is indeed a statutory body. However, the
69/corr.
counsel on behalf of his client Shri Deb Prasad
Mondal further says that PCI although being a
statutory body does not have any Jurisdiction to
adjudicat
ion compelis any person not attached with professional
Journalism to attend the hearing and nobody is above
placed
on law theincluding PCI and Hon'ble High Court has the
file jurisdiction
for to deal with any illegal proceeding (if
initiated by PCI). The Counsel further argues that his
approval
client Shri Deb Prasad Mondal is neither an Editor nor
please.
a Journalist nor any Newspaper agency and hence
cannot be compelled to summon for hearing.
Submitted for orders please.
 his email dated 20.8.2023 has informed that due to
unavoidable meeting of the Trust on the same day, he cannot
present in person before the Inquiry Committee. He has
requested to exempt him from hearing.

The respondent-Owner/Publisher, Satya Day vide his

email dated 1.9.2023 has informed that he has lost his father
before sometime now as he is only son, he has to look after his
mother, who is aged and quite sick and he cannot leave her for
her medical problems. He has requested to sanction three
weeks time for filing written statement.

c
o Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 71/Corr.
m
p Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
l Pages 72/corr.
a
i Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval
n please.
a
n
t
-
S
h
r
i

J
a
g
d
i
s
h

P
a
t
e
l

v
i
d
e
In pursuance of direction at Page 41/N, the
undersigned submits that since the section was
occupie
d with
the
prepara
tory
k of the
Inquiry
Commit
tee
meeting
in
Septem
ber,
2023,
the
receipt
was
inadvert
ently
left out
as the
prefere
nce
was
being
given to
the
impendi
ng work
of
Inquiry
Commit
tee
meeting
. This The respondent-Chief Executive Editor, Samyukta
lapse is
Karnataka vide his letter dated 18.8.2023 while authorizing Shri
deeply
Satyanarayan Pal for attending the hearing has sought
regrette
adjournment.
d. The
undersi Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 83/Corr.
gned
assures Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
to Pages 82/corr.
remain
diligent Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval
in please.
the
future.
 Press Council of India

Sub: Information under RTI Act, 2005

Placed on the file is an RTI Request

No.PCIND/R/E/23/00048 whereby Shri Biswaranjan
Beura has sought copy of the Council’s order in
F.No.14/413-414/19-20-PCI.

It is submitted that the said matter was placed

before the Inquiry Committee on 26.9.2023 and Inquiry
Committee recommends to Censure the newspapers. It
is further submitted that the required copy of the order
is yet to be ratified by the Council in its forthcoming
meeting.

If approved, the applicant may be informed as per

draft letter placed on the file for approval please.

F.No.28/
/RTI/23-

F.No.28/2
 (Admn.) Part-I dated 12.10.2023 and to say that the meeting section receives
files of ripe cases from complaint section thereafter all files are placed in the
Da cabinet of the Section. Among these files, when the case is listed in the
ted Agenda, the meeting section bases on the facts and records available prepare
: the meeting notes and send it to the competent authority for approval. Once it
25. is approved by the authority, it is placed before Inquiry Committee for
10. consideration.
20 In the instant case of Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Editor, Areraj Darpan,
23. Champaran, Bihar against Shri Dayashankar Singh, Smt.Shail Devi and Shri
Th Ramakant Singh and others since 2021, the undersigned as per past practice
e prepared the meeting note and sent it to the authority for approval. As far as
Un the standing instruction of the Branch Incharge is concerned, it is submitted
der that due to paucity of time the undersigned could not review all these cases
Se before listing in the agenda. The undersigned assures that all the ripe cases
cre available in the Meeting Section will be reviewed. Inconnvencies cause to the
tar office is highly regretted.
y In addition to above submission, the undersigned wants to submit that
(M) all the important task such as preparation of Agenda of IC, Notices for
, Hearing, preparation of meeting note, adjourned order, adjudication order,
Pre letters to the parties, letter of final adjudications to the parties, Sub-Committee
ss work, RTI, receipts from the parties and from the Members are dealt with by
Co the undersigned single handedly, which cause the engagement of the
un undersigned in performing task assigned.
cil In view of the above, it is requested that an official may be deputed in
of the meeting section for smooth functioning.
Ind Yours faithfully,
ia,
Ne
w (Ravinder Kumar)
Del ASO (Meetings)
hi.

Sir,
T
his
is
ref
ere
nc
e
of
Off It is submitted that a show-cause notice dated
ice 10.11.2020 was issued to the respondent. In response
Me thereto, the respondent vide his letters dated
mo
ran 24.11.2020, 7.12.2020 and an undated letter has
du sought copy of the complaint stating that he has not
m received copy of the complaint. After perusal of the
No
.04 records, it appears that copy of the complaint was not
/13 provided to the respondent.
/20
19-
pci
 Joint Director, Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), New
approv Delhi vide his letters dated 14.9.2023 and 20.9.2023 has sent
action taken reports on the cases censured by the Press
ed, a
Council, which are as follows:
copy of S.No. Subject Action Taken Report
the 1 Complaint of Dr. Raju E This newspaper will be
complai Hiwase, Registrar, RTM suspended from CBC panel for
University, Nagpur against 15 days after the approval of
nt may The Times of India, Nagpur Director General, CBC.
be 2 Suo-motu cognizance with This newspaper was suspended
provide regard to publication of for the first 15 days (first
misleading advertisements offence). Now this newspaper
d to the by Dainik Bhaskar will be suspended again from
complai CBC panel for 15 days (second
nant as offence) after the approval of
Director General, CBC.
per fair
3 Complaint of Shri Om This newspaper is not on CBC
letter Prakash Vijayvergaia panel.
placed against Mumbai Mirror
4 Complaint of Shri Khaja This newspaper is not on CBC
on the
Moinuddin, Editor-in-Chief, panel.
file for Qasid-E-Hind, Hyderabad (This newspaper did not
signatur against Information & Public Censure by the PCI. This matter
Relations Department, Govt. was disposed of the Council
e of the of Telangana and CBC and since the CBC was a
SOM respondent party in the matter,
please. the adjudication of the same
was forwarded to the CBC.

5 Complaint of Smt. Seema This newspaper is not on CBC

Chouhan, President, Matra panel.
Shakti Sangthan, Seoni (The adjudication rendered by
against Hind Gazette the Council on 26.9.2018 and
the CBC was requested vide
Council’s letter dated 10.8.2023
to submit Action Taken Report
in the matter. A copy of the
CBC communication is being
dealt with in respective file)

The order passed on pre-page has been complied.

Submitted for information/order please.

hri
Gaurav
Khare,
 Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages
otice for 173/corr.
Hearing
issued to Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.
the
respond
ent-
Editor,
Sajga
Samach
ar
Parivarta
n
received
back
undeliver
ed from
the
postal
authoriti
es with
remarks
“Door
locked”.
However
, the
Notice
was also
emailed
to the
respond
ent.

tendanc
e of the
parties
may be
The Inspector of Police, Law & Order, Somangalam Police
seen at Station, Tambaram City vide his letter dated 22.8.2023 has
Page submitted that the accused Navamani confessed that the
172/Corr deceased Isravel Moses given trouble to them by unravelling their
. illegal activities of grabbing poramboke lands and informing the
police and revenue authorities. As they thought that police may
summon them for subjecting them to enquiry in this connection,
animosity started between them. Further, Venkatesan @ Attai
confessed that Isravel Moses used to abuse him whenever
he spotted him as his mother eloped with another man. Accused
Vignesh @ Eliyappu confessed that the deceased Isravel Moses
used to chide him whenever the accused is under the influence of
ganja. It maintained against the three accused. It has been stated in the
has report that a final report was filed before the Judicial Magistrate
been Court, Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram District on 26.04.2021 and
further taken on file vide PRC No. 23/2022 and stands posted to
reported 22.08.2023 for appearance of the accused. At present all the
that all of three accused were lodged in Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai in
them other cases. It has been stated in the report that efforts are being
joined taken to commit the case to Sessions Court to expedite the court
together proceedings and ensure conviction in this case. Further, as far as
and the the juvenile accused Manoj is concerned, final report is filed
juvenile before the Juvenile court and this case was taken on file in JC No.
accused 60/2023 and stands posted to 15.09.2023 for appearance of the
Manoj is accused and will ensure speedy disposal and successful
joined prosecution as expeditiously as possible.
with
them on
the Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 172/Corr.
pretext
of calling
the Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages
decease 173/corr.
d out
and all of Above contents of the report has been incorporated in the
them Draft adjudication and the same is placed on the file for approval
hatched please.
a
conspira
cy to
eliminate
the
decease
d Isravel
Moses
and Notice for Hearing issued to the complainant-Ms. Saayli
executed
Dhurat, Superintendent of Police, Araria was received back
the
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
conspira
cy. “transferred”. Thereafter the notice was issued to the
complainant on her present address i.e. Central Bureau of
Hence,
the Investigation (CBI), Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
section
in this
case
was
altered
to 120
(B), 341,
302 IPC
r/w. 34
IPC.
History
sheets
were
opened
and
 eet has been filed against Ashish Mishra and others and next
date of hearing is on 8.9.2023. He has informed that a
compensation of Rs.45 lakhs has been given to the families of
every deceased persons.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 111/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

114-113/corr.

Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.

hri
Ganesh
Prasad
Saha,
Superint
endent of
Police,
Khiri vide
his reply
dated
22.8.202
3 while
reiteratin
g earlier
reply has Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 98/Corr.
informed
that in Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
relation
Pages 100-99/corr.
to the
case
Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval
No.219/2
021,please.
a
chargesh
T Officer, Farakka Barrage Project, Ministry of Jal Shakti,
h Government of India, Office of the General Manager,
e Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation, Murshidabad (West Bengal) vide his email/letter
c dated 12.9.2023 has forwarded a copy of the corrigendum for
o publishing by the respondent newspaper as per direction of the
m Inquiry Committee.
p It is submitted that the recommendation of the Inquiry
l Committee is yet to be ratified by the Council. It approved, a
a copy of the complainant’s letter/corrigendum may be forwarded
i to the respondent for compliance.
n
a
n
t
-
S
h
r
i

U
d
a
y

K
u
m
a
r

M
o
Pages 631-626/Corr. (undelivered notices)
n
Notice for Hearing issued to Shri H.R. Pandey (Respondent
d
No.5) received back undelivered from the postal authorities with
a remarks “Unclaimed”.
l Notice for Hearing issued to Shri Rajendra Chaturvedi
, (Respondent No.2) received back undelivered from the postal
authorities with remarks “left”.
S It is submitted that the advocates were appeared before the IC
e for the Respondent No.2 & 5.
c
t FR at Page 632/Corr.
Shri Bhagwati Yadav (Respondent No.6) vide his letter dated
i
17.8.2023 while expressing in attending the hearing due to ill-health has
o
sought next date of hearing.
n
FR at Page 633/Corr.
 (Respondent No.12) vide his letter dated 18.8.2023, handed over at the
ri Manish time of hearing, while reiterating his earlier reply has requested to close
Kumar the case.
Rai The above reply may be taken on record.
(Respond
ent No.3)
vide his FR at Page 664-660/Corr.
email Shri R.D. Kanwa (Respondent No.4) vide his undated letter,
dated handed over at the time of hearing, while reiterating his earlier reply has
22.8.2023 requested to close the case.
has The above reply may be taken on record.
informed
that FR at Page 667-665/Corr.
presently Shri S.K. Tomar (Respondent No.1) vide his letter dated
he is 23.8.2023, handed over at the time of hearing, while reiterating his
posted at earlier reply has requested to close the case.
Embassy The above reply may be taken on record.
of India,
Bangkok. Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 669-668/Corr.
He has
requested Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 672-
to provide 670/Corr.
him some
time for Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.
filing the
reply.
FR at Page 247/Corr.
is The complainant-Shri Bhagwati Yadav vide his letter dated
submitted 17.8.2023 while expressing in attending the hearing due to ill-health has
that the sought next date of hearing.
reply of
the Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 248/Corr.
Respond
ent No.3 Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 250-
is already 249/Corr.
on record
and also Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.
advocate
for him
was
appeared.

633/Corr.

ri
Rajendra
Kumar
Chaturve
di
 lainant-District Information & Public Relations Officer, District
Angul has written a letter dated 17.8.2023 to the Director,
Information & Public Relations Officer, Govt. of Orissa stating
that “we have no role in this matter, still unnecessarily being
dragged into it without any fault”. A copy of the same was
endorsed to the PCI.

FR at Page 110/Corr.

The complainant-District Information & Public Relations

Officer, District Angul vide his email dated 22.8.2023 while
expressing inability in appearing physically before PCI, New
Delhi has stated that this office has no evidence to prove the
allegations brought against IYA NEWS in reference to the
complaint filed by the Ex-DIPRO, Angul. He has further stated
that in these circumstances this office is not inclined to proceed
with the case against the IYA NEWS. He has requested the
Council to close the case and proceedings against the IYA
NEWS forever”.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 111/Corr.

F Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 112/Corr.

R
Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.
a
t

P
a
g
e

1
0
9
/
C
o
r
r
.

T
h
e

c FR at Page 66-65/Corr.
o Notice for Hearing issued to Shri Ram Kumar, Circle Officer,
Ghoghardiha, Madhubani (Respondent No.2) was received back
m
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks “transferred”.
p
 informed that he will not be able to attend the hearing on
Page 69- 22.8.2023 due to financial constraints. While reiterating his
67/Corr. complaint, he has requested to take necessary action against the
respondent.
e
The FR may be taken on record.
Superinte
ndent of
FR at Page 95-93/Corr.
Police,
The Superintendent of Police, Madhubani vide his reply
Madhuba
ni has dated 20.8.2023 has submitted that on the complaint of Shri
addresse Raman Kumar, a case No.189/19 under Section
d a letter 143/341/342/323/353 of IPC for creating hurdle in government
dated duty has been filed by Shri Raman Kumar at Police Station
17.8.2023 Phulparas against (1) Rambabu Saha (2) Saroj Saha (3) Prakash
to Shri Jha and (4) Sushil Kumar Kamat. He has further informed that
Prabhaka during the investigation, it was found that tuh allegations made
r Tiwari, against the complainant are baseless and unsubstantiated. His
Deputy name has been deleted from the case and chargesheet against
Superinte
other accused has been filed.
ndent of
Above reply has been incorporated in the draft
Police,
Madhuba adjudication.
ni for
appearing Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 96/Corr.
before the
Inquiry Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 98-
Committe 97/Corr.
e on
22.8.2023 Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval please.
. A copy
of the
same has
been
emailed
to the
PCI.

Page 92- FR at Page 44/Corr.

70/Corr. The respondent-Editor, Prabhat Khabar vide his letter
dated 21.8.2023 authorised Shri Anjani Singh to represent the
e case.
complain
ant-Shri FR at Page 49-45/Corr.
Sushil The complainant-Shri Amit Kumar vide his letter dated
Kumar 1.8.2023 has requested that he may be allowed to join the
vide his hearing through video conferencing or pay him travel allowance.
letter
dated Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 51-50/Corr.
20.8.202
Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 55-
3 has
52/Corr.
 nant No.1) was received back undelivered from the postal
authorities with remarks “Door Closed”.
adjudicati Notice for Hearing issued to the complainant-Shri Mahesh
on is Hawewala (Complainant No.2) was received back undelivered
placed on
from the postal authorities with remarks “Not known”.
the file for
Notice for Hearing issued to the respondent Editor,
approval
Mumbai Amardeep at their Thane address was received back
please.
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks “left”.
It is submitted that the notices were also emailed to the
complainant and their lawyer as well as to the respondent.

otice for
Hearing
issued to
the
complain The complainant vide his point-wise counter comments
ant-Ms. dated 22.9.2023 while reiterating his complaint has submitted that
Nazia no documentary evidence filed by the respondent in support of
Khan their written statement. He has stated that the no pre-publication
(Complai verification done by the respondents before publishing the
impugne The same may be taken on record.
d news
items.
He has
further
stated
that the
responde
nts have
not
replied
his legal
notices.

e counter
comment
s may be
taken on
record
and
contents
of the
same
may also
incorporat
ed in the
draft
adjudicati
on.

e
complain
ant, Shri Prabhakaran ( the complainant) vide his letter dated
during the
13.9.2023 has submitted that since he is not even a member of
hearing,
IJU he is unable to conduct the case on their behalf anymore.
has However, after receipt of notice of Press Council informing him
produced
about the hearing of the complaint by the Inquiry Committee he
wentofto meet Shri Rasheed who is seriously ill. He is suffering
a copy
the from cancer. Shri Rasheed told him that he does not know
what has happened to the complaint filed by him. He stated
certificate
thatbynobody contacted him about his complaint.
issued Shri
the Prabhakaran has stated that it is necessary to find out what has
happened to Shri Rasheed’s complaint to safeguard freedom of
Directorat
e press. of
Distance Above communication may be taken on record.
Education
, Udaipur,
Rajasthan
.
 ued to the complainant-Shri Sanjay Tiwari was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks “No such person
at this address”.
It is submitted that the notice was also emailed to the
complainant.

In response to Council’s notice for hearing, The Deputy

Commissioner of Police, East District, Delhi vide his letter dated
22.9.2023 has informed that he is engaged in various administrative
and Law and order duties. He has requested to exempt him from
personal appearance. He has further stated that the ACP, Mayur
Vihar and SHO, Pandav Nagar have been authorised to appear
before the IC.
The above communication may be taken on record.

Shri Pankaj Saroha, Inspector, Pandav Nagar, Delhi

addressed a letter dated 15.9.2023 to the Jail Superintendent, Tihar
Jail, Delhi regarding intimating the date of hearing to the
complainant-Shri Sanjay Tiwari.
The above letter may be taken on record.

N
o
t
i
c
e

f
o
r

H
e
a
r
i
n
g

i
s Mr. Bahubali Shah, Director, Gujarat Samachar vide his
s letter undated letter, received in the Secretariat on 25.9.2023,
has article, Smt. Maneka Gandhi was a regular columnist for Gujarat
submitte Samachar and her articles, written in English were translated to
d that the Gujarati for publication in their newspaper. He has stated that
Gujarat the views expressed in the article in question are of the author –
Samach in her personal capacity – as an animal rights activist and a
ar is Member of Parliament and not of the newspaper. He has further
most stated that it has never been against or pro any religion or has
respecte no intent to harm any religious sentiments, collectively or
d individually. They have always maintained the best of the
because editorial standards and neutral views. He has requested the
of its Council to dismiss the complaint. He has also requested to allow
secular, a virtual attendance in the hearing.
unbiased Contents of the reply of the respondent has been
and incorporated in the draft adjudication.
balanced
news
coverage
. He has
further
submitte
d that the
article in
question
is written
by Smt.
Maneka
Gandhi,
who is
Member
of
Parliame
nt for
eight
terms
and has
also
been a
Minister
in the
Union The complainant-Shri B.K. Gupta vide his email dated
Cabinet. 22.9.2023 has expressed inability in attending the hearing due to
Accordin his ill-health.
g to the
responde
nt, at the
time of
p0ublicat
ion of the
 was received back undelivered from the postal authorities
without any remarks.

Notices for Hearing issued to the complainant-Shri Rashid

Ali Siddiquie received back undelivered from the postal
authorities with remarks “Incomplete Address”.

otice for
Hearing
issued to
the
responde
nt-Shri
Dharmen
dra
Raghuva
nshi, The respondent No.1-Shri Ashok Nandu Shetty and Smt.
Inspector Anita Ashok Shetty vide his letter dated 26.9.2023 while
reiterating their earlier reply has submitted that the respondent
,
published false and mischievous news items against them and
Barabani
thereby
defamed
them.
The
responde
nts have
submitte
d that
they
have not
committe
d any
illegal act
but
despite
that the
complain
ant has
filed
complain
t against
them. Notices for Hearing issued to the respondents-S/Shri
They Manoj Singh, Vipin Moral, Dharmendra Kumar, Dheeraj Singh,
have Yogendra Sharma, Rajendra Kauri and Rajesh Kumar received
requeste
back undelivered from the postal authorities.
d the
Council The complainant-Shri B.K. Gupta vide his letter dated
the 22.9.2023 has expressed his inability in attending the hearing
complain
due to his ill-health.
ant’s
newspap The respondent No.5-Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, presently
er should
posted as SDM, Tehsil Dhampur, Bijnor (Respondent No.5)
be vide his letter dated 20.9.2023 has reiterated that the
banned.
complainant in his letter dated 17.6.2021 has clarified that he
no longer has any grudge against him nor is there any threat
from him.
The above communication may be taken on record.

Giving reference to the communication of Crime Branch,

Criminal Investigation Department, Agra, the complainant vide
his letter dated 11.10.2023 addressed to the Crime Branch,
Criminal Investigation Department, Agra stating that the Meerut
Corporation stated that the Meerut Municipal Corporation has
given false and misleading reply in relation to the appointed 23
employees illegally. A copy of the same has been endorsed to
the PCI.
Above communication may be filed being an
endorsement.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 2434-

2431/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Pages 2439-2435/Corr.
 Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval
please.

In compliance of the direction of the Inquiry Committee on

25.9.2023, the respondent-Deputy Director, Information, Govt. of
Jammu & Kashmir vide her letter dated 27.9.2023 has produced
a copy of the WP(C) No.4256/2019 filed by Shri Munish Gupta
(the complainant) against the UT of J&K.
The same may be taken on record.

The complainant-Shri Munish Gupta, Editor, Early Times

vide his communication/email dated 24.9.2023 has submitted
that the respondent in his reply mentioned that his newspaper
was Censured on 29.5.2019 by the Press Council of India for
publishing anti-national news story in April, 2018. In this regard,
the complainant has submitted that the Joint Director,
Information in his letter dated 9.7.2021 clearly mentioned that his
newspaper has not published any kind of anti-national matter.
The complainant has further submitted that the Joint Director,
Press Information Bureau, Jammu vide his letter dated
22.9.2023 has certified that his newspaper disseminates
information in national interest. The complainant has submitted
that after Censuring his newspaper by the Press Council, the
respondent department reduced advertisements for some time
but after a certain period advertisements to his newspaper were
restored, and for nearly a year the newspaper was provided
adequate advertisement support by the department. The
complainant has stated that the respondent by referring to 2019
Censure order of the Press Council of India has made an
attempt to pull out the old skeleton to divert the attention from
the issue of stopping government advertisements to his
newspaper. He has requested to take necessary action in the
matter.
Content of the complainant’s above communication has
been incorporated in the draft adjudication.
 3 while reiterating above report has submitted that the mother of
the deceased, who filed a petition before the Hon'ble High Court
tendance Kerala, has apprehended that somebody intentionally killed
her son by hitting a Tipper lorry. She has further stated that being
of the
a true journalist, her son has so many enemies and he was facing
parties various threats. He has informed that the investigation of the said
may be case is almost completed by enquiring the entire allegation raised
seen at by the petitioner and relatives of the deceased person. He has
Page further informed that a WP(C) No.2078/2021 has been filed by the
136/Corr. mother of the deceased for CBI probe for the death of her son,
which is still under consideration of the Hon’ble High Court of
Kerala.
Contents of the above report have been incorporated in the
order of adjudication.
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee may
be seen
at Pages
143-
137/Corr.

adjudicat
ion is
placed
on the
file for
approval
please.

e
Additiona
l
Secretar
y & Law
Officer,
Governm
ent of
Kerala
vide his Ms. Clara Lewis vide her communication dated
reply
22.9.2023 has informed that by interim order dated 21.09.2023,
dated
the Appeal No.261/2023 filed before the Divisional Joint
22.9.202
Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Mumbai, by Mr. Deepak
D in the case is admitted and the stay application is hereby
i rejected. She has produced a copy of the interim order.
w Content of the respondent’s above communication has
a been incorporated in the adjudication.
t
e
, Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page
836/Corr.
M
r Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
.
Pages 839-837/Corr.
A
j Draft adjudication is placed on the file for approval
i please.
t

J
a
t
h
a
r

a
n
d

M
s
.

S
m
i
t
a

S
h
a
h

s
i
g
n
a
t
o
Spoken. It is submitted that the Inquiry Committee in its
r
meeting held on 18.4.2023 at Mumbai had directed to add the
i
Editor, The Times of India and the Group Editor of The Times of
e
India Group (for Mumbai Mirror as publication is now closed) as
s
party respondents. Accordingly, notices were issued to them and
added
them as
party in
responde
Shri Bipasha Sinha Roy, Sr. Manager, Legal, The
nt’s
Array in Telegraph (Respondent at Item No.17) vide his email dated
the 22.9.2023 has requested to adjourn the matter.
adjudicat
ion. Attendance of the parties of Item Nos.13, 14, 15, 16 & 17
may be seen at Page 62-60/Corr.
evised
draft A common Draft order of the Inquiry Committee with regard
adjudicat to the Item Nos.13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 may be seen at Pages
ion is 63/Corr.
placed
for
approval A common Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for
please. approval please.

Notices for Hearing issued to the respondent-Editor,

Deshonnati, Amrawati received back undelivered from the postal
authoritie reiterating his complaint has submitted that the respondent
s with published the impugned news item without pre-publication
remarks verification and thereby defamed the complainants. He has
“Incompl requested the Council the respondent should be directed to give
ete written apology towards the complainants through their
Address/ newspaper and strict action against them under the provisions of
Insufficie the law should be taken.
nt If approved, above submission may be taken on record.
address”.

submitte Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 259/Corr.

d that on
contacte Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
d, the Pages 260/Corr.
responde
nt has Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
provided please.
his
address
and
email
address
through
WhatsAp
p, which
may be
seen at
Flag-A.

written
submissi
on was
received
in
Secretari
at on
22.9.202
3 from
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Shri
(Government of India)
Dhananj
ay Electronics
Raut, Niketan, 6, CGO Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003
Advocate
for E-mail
the : webmaster[at]meity[dot]gov[dot]in
complain
Phone No : +91-11-24361756
ants
wherein
while
 aring issued to the complainant-Shri Karamveer Singh, Station
House Officer, Police Station Adarsh Mandi, Shamli was
received back undelivered from the postal authorities without
any remarks.
It is submitted that on contacting the mobile number
given by the complainant in his letter (office mobile number), it
has been informed by them that Shri Karamveer (the
complainant) has been shifted/transferred to Muzaffarnagar
and they have not his present address or mobile number.
If is further submitted that the mobile number of the
complainant has been taken from the police helpline but his
phone is not connecting.
If approved, the Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar
may be requested to serve the order of the Inquiry Committee
through their serving agency and also provide the address of
Shri Karamveer Singh (the complainant).

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page

104/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Pages 106-105/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval

please.

N
o
t
i
c
e

f
o
r

H
e
 ant through WhatsApp during the hearing may be taken on
record.

complain Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 53/Corr.

ant vide
his letter Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
dated Pages 54/Corr.
18.9.202
3 vide
Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
his letter
dated please.
18.9.202
3 has
reiterate
d his
grievanc
e
regardin
g change
of
registrati
on of his
newspap
er.

communi
cation
was
shown to
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee. The
same
may be
taken on
record.
Notice for hearing issued to the complainant-Kumari
Akanksha was received back undelivered from the postal
documen authorities without any remarks.
ts
It is submitted that the Section has tried to contact the
relating
to complainant over mobile (on her three given mobile numbers)
registrati but she is not picking up the mobile.
on
certificat
e sought
from the
complain
 produced by the complainant during hearing may be taken on
record.

The respondents-Shri Avnish Dikshit, President and Shri

Manoj Yadav, Secretary, Press Club, Kanpur vide emails dated
25.9.2023 has sought adjournment of the case.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 74/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

75/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval

please.

Affidavits
of
witnesse
s of the
incident
submitte
d by Shri
Qamar
Alam
and and
Muqeem
Ahmed
Quraishi
and the
CD
T ion & Public Relations, Govt. of Punjab has addressed a letter
h dated 22.9.2023 to Shri Puneet Pal Singh Gill, District Public
e Relations Officer, Ludhiana and Shri Jagdeep Singh Gill,
Information & Public Relations Officer, Government of Punjab
S directing them to attend the hearing on behalf of the Chief
u Secretary, Government of Punjab and the Director, Directorate
p of Information & Public Relations.
e
r Shri Bhupinder Singh, Director, Information & Public
i Relation, Punjab vide email dated 18.9.2023 authorised Shri
n Vikas, Assistant Public Relations Officer, Ludhiana to appear
t before the Inquiry Committee instead of Shri Puneet Pal Singh
e Gill, District Public Relation Officer, Ludhiana.
n
d The complainant vide his email/communication dated
e 17.9.2023 while reiterating his grievance has expressed
n inability attending the hearing due to ill-health of his parents. He
t has requested to exempt his personal appearance before the
, Inquiry Committee.

P
Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page
F
207/Corr.
A
,
Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
Pages 209-208/Corr.
D
i
Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
r
please.
e
c
t
o
r
a
t
e

o
f

I
n
f
o
r
m The respondent-Shri Nishu Kumar Sonkar vide his letter dated
a 21.9.2023, while reiterating his earlier reply, has submitted that
t the allegations levelled by the complainant against him are
t he complainant is indulged in illegal activities in the garb of
o journalism and many cases are pending against the
t complainant in court of law. Denying the allegation of
a threatening the complainant, he has requested the Council to
l take necessary action against the complainant.
l A copy of the respondent’s reply may be sent to the
y complainant for information.

f Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 76/Corr.

a
l Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
s Pages 77/Corr.
e
. Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
please.
T
h
e

r
e
s
p
o
n
d
e
n
t

h
a
s

a
l
l
e
g
e
d

Attendance of the parties of Item Nos.9, 11, 12, 18, 19 &

t
21 may be seen at Page 124-122/Corr.
h
a
A common draft order of the Inquiry Committee with
t
regard to the Item Nos.9, 11, 12, 18, 19 & 21 may be seen at
Pages 126-125/Corr.
t
 nt No.3, Shri Ashutosh Chandola, District Information Officer,
Meerut (presently posted at Badaun) vide his email dated
common 26.9.2023 has sought adjournment. He has also produced a copy
Draft of the reply wherein while reiterating his earlier reply has alleged
adjourne that the complaint is totally false and fabricated. He has further
d order is alleged that he is being harassed by the complainant by filing
placed false complaint to the various authorities. He has requested the
on the Council to take necessary action against the complainant.
file for A copy of the above reply may be forwarded to the
approval complainant for information.
please.
Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 169/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

170/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval

please.

The complainant, Shri Ankur Sharma, Editor, Satta Ki

e Parakh vide his email dated 26.9.2023 has sought adjournment of
responde the case.
 by the complainant by filing false complaint to the various
authorities. He has requested the Council to take necessary
e action against the complainant.
responde A copy of the above reply may be forwarded to the
nt No.3, complainant for information.
Shri
Ashutosh Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 194/Corr.
Chandol
a, District Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages
Informati 195/Corr.
on
Officer, Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
Meerut please.
(presentl
y posted
at
Badaun)
vide his
email
dated
26.9.202
3 has
sought
adjournm
ent. He
has also
produced
a copy of
the reply
wherein
while
reiteratin
g his
earlier
reply has
alleged
that the
complain
t is totally
false and
fabricate
d. He
has
further
alleged
that he is
being
harassed
 er was appeared on behalf of the respondent-Government of Jammu &
Kashmir:

Ms. Supriya Kohli,

Deputy Director, Information,
Government of Jammu & Kashmir,
Office of the Resident Commissioner,
New Delhi
Phone-
011-24615475
011-24615421

Intimation regarding nomination of Chairman by the Council was sent to

following officer :

Shri Din Mohammad, JKAS,

Deputy Secretary to Government of Jammu & Kashmir,
Information Department,
Civil Secretariat,

0191-2572733
01912479692 Jammu
01942476816 Srinagar

Email- [email protected]

The
follo
win
g
offic

Notice for Hearing issued to Shri Akhilesh Pandey

(Respondent No.1) was received back undelivered from the
postal authorities without any remarks. However, representatives
of the respondent No.1 were appeared on his behalf.
 letter dated 23.9.2029 has informed that Shri Jitendra Kumar,
Divisiona PFS and Shri Pushpedra Kumar, Stenographer have been
l authorised to attend the hearing.
Director,
Social The Divisional Director, Social Forestry Division, Etah vide
Forestry her/his letter dated 23.9.2029 has informed that the complainant
Division, and Shri Aaftab Ali alias Guddu Abbas misbehaved with Shri
Etah vide Pushpendra Kumar, Stenographer in the office. Therefore, Shri
her/his Pushpenra Kumar lodged an FIR No.23/2020 against them. It has
letter been further informed that now a criminal case No.7582/2021
dated under Section 332/353/323/504/506 of IPC is pending before the
23.9.202 Hon’ble Court, Etah and both the accused are on bail. While
9 has reiterating their earlier replies, the respondent has requested to
forwarde take necessary action in the matter.
d a copy A copy of the reply may be forwarded to the complainant
of the for information.
reply of
Shri
Pushpen Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 386/Corr.
dra
Kumar,
Stenogra Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages
pher, 387/Corr.
Social
Forestry Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
Division, please.
Etah
wherein
while
reiteratin
g his
earlier
reply has
sought
justice in
the
matter.

above Page 180-172/C (undelivered Notices)

reply Notices for Hearing issued to the respondent No.5 & 6 i.e.
may be Shri Dayashankar Singh and Smt. Shail Devi were received
taken on back undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
record. “Refused”.

FR at Page 182/corr
Vakalatnama submitted by Mr.Azamat Hayat Amanullah,
e
Advocate for the Government of Bihar may be taken on record.
Divisiona
l
FRs at Pages 198-183/corr.
Director,
The complainant vide his email/letters dated 13.9.2023,
Social
21.9.2023 and Nil, while reiterating his complaint has alleged that
Forestry
his only son Shri Manish Kumar Singh was murdered and the
Division,
murderers are not caught even after 25 months and the
Etah vide
conspirators are still not being arrested despite the anticipatory
her/his
bail Officer, Motihari has misled PCI by making false allegations for
being which Police station head, Pahadpur has asked to conduct an
rejected. onsite investigation. Still No FIR is registered. He has stated that
He has he is being threatened by the respondents and the same was
further reported in Pahadpur Police Station. The complainant requests
alleged that PCI gives orders directing the police to lodge an FIR
that all Pahadpur.
conspirat Copies of the FRs may be forwarded to the respondents
ors are for information.
roaming
freely FRs at Pages 200-199/corr.
and Giving reference to Council’s notice for hearing, the
destroyin Special Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of Bihar, Patna
g addressed a letter dated 22.9.2023 to the Director General of
evidence Police, Bihar for taking necessary action in the matter. A copy of
s. The the same was endorsed to the Press Council.
complain
ant has FRs at Pages 201/corr.
also Giving reference to Council’s notice for hearing, the Addl.
alleged Director General of Police, Police Headquarter, Patna vide his
that the letter dated 18.9.2023, while seeking copy of the complaint, has
District sought 15 days time for filing the reply.
Public It is submitted that copies of the three complaints were
Relations handed over to the advocate for the Government of Bihar at the
Officer, time of hearing. However, a copy of the complaint may again be
Motihari forwarded.
and
Pahadpu
r East
Champar
an police FRs at Pages 212-202/corr.
took The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of the
forged
Deputy Inspector General Police, Champaran Range, Bettiah
signature
vide his letter dated 22.9.2023 has forwarded a copy of the
fromreport dated 21.9.2023 of the Superintendent of Police, East
some Champaran, Motihari wherein it has stated that Shri
villagers
Dayashankar has lodged an FIR No.14/2020 under Section
and341/323/379/504/34 of IPC in Paharpur Police Station against
addresse
Shri Sanjay Singh (the complainant) and his wife for
d them
manhandling.
to Thereafter, Shri Sanjay Singh also lodged an FIR
D.M, No.15/2020 under Section 341/323/379/353/504/506/34 of IPC
Motihari.
against (1) Shri Dayashankar (2) Shri Ramakant Singh (3) Smt.
TheShail Devi and other four unknown persons. It has been stated
complain
in the report that there is dispute between both sides going on
ant forhasa long time. The complainant's wife is an Anganwadi
further
worker. During the investigation, it has been found that there
submitte
was an incident happened between both the parties regarding
d verbalthat abuse and pushing up Shri Sanjay Singh. Thereafter,
Shripolice officer settled the matter by convincing both the parties.
Guptesh
It has further reported that the witnesses informed that the
warallegations of manhandling and obstruction in government duty
Kumar,
levelled by the complainant's wife and allegation of snatching
District
mobile and gold chain levelled by Shri Dayashankar Singh are
Public
false. It has been stated that both the parties are levelling
Relations
exaggerated allegations against each other.
 34 of IPC (in Case No.14/2020) against the complainant-Shri
I Sanjay Singh and his wife and Section 341/323/504/34 of IPC
t (in case No.15/2020) against Shri Dayashankar and Shri
Ramakant Singh found true in the investigation. After
h investigation, chargesheet No.87/20 in case No.14/2020 dated
a 31.3.2020 under Section 341/323/504/34 of IPC against Shri
s Sanjay Singh and his wife has been filed before the court of
law.
b It has been stated in the report that earlier the
e complainant also misbehaved with one Dalit lady officer and
e created hurdle in government duty and in this regard, a
n chargesheet No.235/18 dated 31.8.2018 was filed against him.
In addition, in connection with the complaint filed by the
f complainant against District Public Relation Officer, East
u Champaran, Motihari (F.No.39/2023B, file is yet to be ripe), the
r District Public Relation Officer, East Champaran, Motihari in his
t reply dated 3.8.2023 has mentioned the letter dated 2.8.2018 of
h the Director, Information & Public Relations Officer,
e Government of Bihar, Patna wherein it was referred that the
r complainant press card has been cancelled in the matter of
मुजफ्फरनगर बालिका गह कांड. Presently, Dr. Sanjay Kumar
r Singh has is running his newspaper in the name of Sanjay
e Kumar Singh by hiding the evidence. After investigation, the
p District Magistrate, Motihari vide his letter dated 25.8.2022 has
o sent a letter to the Press Council of India with recommendation
r to cancel the registration of the complainant's newspaper. It
t has been alleged in the report that the complainant is indulged
e in illegal activities in the garb of journalism.
d
A copy of the report may be forwarded to the complainant
t for information/counter comments, if any.
h
a
Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page
t
214-213/Corr.
S
e Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages
c 217-215/Corr.
t
i Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
o
please.
n

3
4
1
/
3
2
3
/
5
0
4
/
 Notice for Hearing issued to the respondent No.7, Shri
Neeraj Jha, Clerk, O/o District Information & Public Relations
Office, East Champaran was received back undelivered from the
postal authorities with remarks “Left”.
The complainant may be asked to provide present
addresses of the above respondents.

The complainant vide his letter dated 18.9.2023 while

reiterating his complaint, has alleged that the respondent has
misled the Council by writing that to increase the headlines and
TRP of the newspaper, dharna and procession are sponsored.
He has further stated that the East Champaran block
headquarters is failing to provide water facility in 08 wards. The
construction of boring has been done by the junior engineer,
PHED department. The complainant has stated that the
respondent Shri Gupteshwar Kumar, District Public Relations
officer, East Champaran prepared a fake application without
investigation given consent to shut down the newspaper illegally.
The complainant requests to order the evidences to be
presented at the time of hearing and to register a criminal case
against the respondents and Press Release be issued.
A copy of the complainant’s above reply may be forwarded
to the respondents.
for
Hearing Shri Amit Kumar, Director, Information & Public Relations
issued to Department, Government of Bihar, Patna vide his letter dated
the
25.9.2023 has submitted that the grievance of the complainant
responde
nt No.3, regarding non-issuance of press release is baseless as the
Shri adding or removing in the WhatsApp Group is not violation of any
Surendra journalist’s rights. He has further submitted that a case
Prasad No.45/2018 is registered against the complainant for Dalit lady
Singh, harassment. District Magistrate, Motihari vide his letter dated
Executiv 25.8.2022 has recommended to cancel the registration of the
e
complainant's newspaper. He has further stated that the District
Engineer
, Public Relations Officer, East Champaran, Motihari informed that
P.H.E.D., no Declaration regarding title authentication of the newspaper
Motihar has been received from the complainant. In this regard, the
was District Public Relations Officer, East Champaran, Motihari vide
received his letters dated 19.5.2023 and 16.6.2023 has asked/demanded
back
for Declaration from the complainant, which is still awaited. The
undeliver
ed from respondent has submitted that the complainant vide his
the agreement dated 18.12.2021 has stated that there is no dispute
postal between him and the District Public Relations Officer, Motihari
authoritie and the Clerk.
s with A copy of the respondent’s communication may be
remarks
forwarded to the complainant for information/counter
“Transfer
comments, if any.
red”.
T Junior Engineer, PH Section Areraj and Mohd. Zubair Alam,
h Assistant Engineer, PH Sub-Division, Banmankhi vide their
e emails dated 25.9.2023 and 26.9.2023 respectively while
seeking adjournment of the case has stated that they do not
r know the specific nature of complaint for which thie enquiry is
e being conducted. They have stated that they have neither
s interfered or commented for any of the editorial of the said
p newspaper in person or as a assistant engineer, Areraj nor
o have given any report against it.
n A copy of the complaint may be forwarded to the
d respondent No.5 & 6.
e
n
t Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page
190/Corr.
N
o Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at
. Pages 193-191/Corr.
5
Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
& please.

i
.
e
.

M
o
h
d
.

N
e
m
a
t

K
a Notice for Hearing issued to the respondent No.4, Shri
r Neeraj Jha, Clerk, O/o District Information & Public Relations
i Office, East Champaran was received back undelivered from the
postal authorities with remarks “Left”.
m
The complainant may be asked to provide present
, addresses of the above respondents.
T letter dated 18.9.2023, while reiterating his complaint, has
h alleged that the respondent having shown negligence and being
e ignorant has deliberately kept his newspaper’s manifesto file
pending for 6 months and has stopped giving the press release
c of the District Administration to his newspaper after he had
o complained about presenting it before the District Magistrate. A
m letter no. 150 dated 16.06.2023 from Shri Gupteshwar Kumar,
p District Public Relations Officer, Motihari was received in which
l the manifesto was not received whereas it was directed to give
a second manifesto within 03 days on which departmental action
i was registered but not taken. He has stated that the Bihar State
n Election Commission had directed the District Election Officer
a cum District Magistrate to take action. Sub-Divisional Public
n Grievance Redressal Officer had submitted a report to D.M but
t action is taken. The complainant requests to take action against
- the respondent and direct them to issue regular Press Releases
S and issue press certificates immediately.
h A copy of the complainant’s above reply may be
r forwarded to the respondents.
i
Shri Amit Kumar, Director, Information & Public Relations
S Department, Government of Bihar, Patna vide his letter dated
a 25.9.2023 has submitted that the grievance of the complainant
n regarding non-issuance of press release is baseless as the
j adding or removing in the WhatsApp Group is not violation of
a any journalist’s rights. He has further submitted that a case
y No.45/2018 is registered against the complainant for Dalit lady
harassment. District Magistrate, Motihari vide his letter dated
K 25.8.2022 has recommended to cancel the registration of the
u complainant's newspaper. He has further stated that the District
m Public Relations Officer, East Champaran, Motihari informed that
a no Declaration regarding title authentication of the newspaper
r has been received from the complainant. In this regard, the
District Public Relations Officer, East Champaran, Motihari vide
S his letters dated 19.5.2023 and 16.6.2023 has asked/demanded
i for Declaration from the complainant, which is still awaited. The
n respondent has submitted that the complainant vide his
g agreement dated 18.12.2021 has stated that there is no dispute
h between him and the District Public Relations Officer, Motihari
and the Clerk.
v
i A copy of the respondent’s communication may be
d forwarded to the complainant for information/counter comments, if
e any.

h
i Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page
s 179-178/Corr.
order of
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee may
be seen
at Pages
182-
180/Corr.

adjourne
d order is
placed
on the
file for
approval
please.
 in its issue dated 07.03.2022 and thereby breached terms and conditions
contained in the O.M. No. Z-11025/11/2015-O/o SO(ES) Government of India
dated 07th March 2022, Ministry of External Affairs without the approval of the
Sho
Protector General of Emigrants which is an act of corruption and willful misuse
rt of The Emigration Act, 1983. The translation of the impugned advertisement
reads as:
Not
e Wanted for Saudi Arabia Labours
Office and Coffee Shop
100 Nos
by M/S SIBA TOURS and TRAVELS
Pre
Kaaval Kinaru Vilaku
ss
Kaaval Kinaru Nellai District.
Cou
CONTACT # 9487149895
ncil
M/s MOWLA INTERNATIONAL
of
Zaitun Apt Office #05
Indi
10/14 SVS Road (Cadel Road) Mahim (West)
a
LIC/No. B-0186/MUM/PER/1000+/8825/2012”
took
Suo
- Such advertisements tend to mislead the job seekers, and appear to be
mot in gross violation of provision of aforesaid O.M. and Council's "Model
u Guidelines for publishing Overseas Advertisements in accordance with
cog Emigration Act, 1983"
niza
nce In response to Show Cause Notice dated 20.03.2023 issued by the
on Press Council of India, the respondent vide his written statement dated
31.0 08.04.2023 had submitted that the advertisement in question was published in
1.20 Daily Thanthi (Madurai edition) on 07.03.2022 based on the Registration
23 Certificate issued by the Protector General of Emigrants, Ministry of External
agai Affairs. Government of India to M/s. Mowla International, Zaitun Apt. Office
nst No.5,10/14, SVS Road(Cadel Road), Mahim (West), Mumbai originally given
“Din on 21.01.2013, the Registration Certificate validity of which was extended up
a to14.10.2022 by Protector General of Registration Ministry of External Affairs,
Tha Government of India and also permission to Mowla International to conduct
nthi” interview for deployment of Indian workers with ABDULLAH AL MUTAIRI
new SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED BRANCH (SAUDI ARABIA) by
spa communication dated 02.03.2022 (copy enclosed). The copies of the
per Registration Certificate given to M/s. Mowla International by Protector General
(Ma of Emigrants and the permission letter given by Ministry of External Affairs
dura Overseas Employment Division to conduct interview by the said company were
i enclosed in the said written statement. He further states that the interview
Editi Advertisement Acknowledgement Letter dated 02.03.2022 mentioned the full
on) details about the Address of the interview and other details of Foreign
for Employer. The respondent newspaper accepted the advertisement and
publ published the same in Daily Thanthi on 07.03.2022 in Madurai Edition with all
icati the relevant details.
on
of
over
sea Shri Prashant Singh Kaurav, Council for the Respondent
s No.1, Shri Ganesh Prasad Verma, Constable (Retd.), Transport,
adv Gwalior vide his reply dated 8.9.2023 has submitted that Shri
ertis Ganesh Prasad Verma has been retired employee of M.P.
eme Transport Department on 31/08/2020, after providing services
nts
with nt has requested to not to publish false news, if there is any
utmost evidence then proper action be taken and then alleged that
evotion Complainant demanded money and when the respondent has
and denied to pay any money then complainant on the other hand
sincerity. threatened to publish false news in his newspaper and entangle
The him in false case. Thus, the allegation that the respondent
responde threatened the complainant is not tenable in absence of any
nt has documentary proof or evidence of any threat given by the
stated respondent to complainant. Also, issuance of Legal Notice in no
that in way can be said to be threatening neither the language nor
the nature of notice is such, so merely to implicate respondent
complain falsely as respondent denied to surrendered to the unwarranted
t demands of complainant said complaint has been filed before
nowhere the Hon'ble Council. The respondent has stated that the
reflect complaint further state that false complaint dated 15/10/2019
that what before Police Station Ajak (SC/ST), Bhind has been filed by him,
threats said allegation of the complainant is denied in toto. While,
has been complaint has been filed by the respondent against the
issued complainant as when respondent did not succumbed to the
by the illegal demand of complainant, complainant tried to threaten him
responde further and raised demand of Rs. 50,000/-, to which respondent
nt to the again denied to give money, so caste based abuses and threats
complain has been given of which complaint has been filed before the
ant, Police Authority which was within the right of respondent. Thus,
neither mere filing of complaint before Police Authorities cannot be said
any to be an action of threatening a journalist, as every citizen of oth
specific country has right to inform/report the any illegal action before the
date, Law and Order authority i.e. Police Authorities. The respondent
time has stated that the said complaint was also submitted before the
or Superintendent of Police, Chambal Zone to which same has
ce has been marked to Sub-Divisional Officer (Police), Gohad, Bhind
been (M.P.) on 06/11/2019, so as per document provided to the
provided. respondent by the complainant, Notice dated 13.11.2019 has
Further, been issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Police), Gohad, Bhind
He has (M.P.) seeking presence of complainant for recording statement
further and doing preliminary enquiry on 20/11/2019 at 11:00 AM, while
stated said notice is issued as per procedure and in similar manner as
that by issued to other citizens. While, thereafter as per the document
the annexed with the complaint, SDO, Bhind has submitted the
um of report to the Superintendent of Police, Chambal Zone. The
Legal respondent has stated that a letter dated 29/11/2019 has been
Notice submitted by the complainant before Police Station Madhoganj,
complain
ant Gwalior
has (M.P.) alleging that someone is doing prank calls to
been him and threatening him, but the complete letter dated
threaten
29/11/2019 nowhere provide that the respondent has made the
ed, calls
whileor threatened him. So, the said document has been filed
bareby the complainant along with questioned complaint in a
usaltwisted
of manner and to falsely implicate the respondent. The
Legalrespondent has stated that the query raised by the complainant
Notice
in regard to number of FIR filed by the Post Officer from
will 01/08/2019 to 31/10/2019, to which it has been informed that 4
reflect
FIR has been filed. Thus, said document is also not having any
thatrelation
the with the present complaint. According to the
responde
r evidence in support of the allegations levelled by the
e complainant in his news reports nor in support of allegation that
s respondent has threatened him. The respondent has stated
p that defamatory and derogatory word and remarks has been
o made against the respondent, merely because he was not
n ready to fulfill the illegal demands of the complainant, such plea
d has been raised by the respondent from the time when first
e news was published by the complainant. Further, only because
n the respondent has not paid any money to the complainant
t he continued making false allegations without there being any
, proof. The respondent has stated that there is telephonic
conversation dated 24/09/2019 between one Sonu Bhadoriya
t and Pramod Goswami (Complainant) wherein they are
h discussing about the demand of money raised from the
e respondent and asking to mount pressure on him for payment
of money. He has produced a copy of the typed
c audio recording. The respondent has alleged that the
o complainant has published many false news items, which are
m derogatory and defamatory in nature, against him merely to
p settle the vengeance against the respondent as he didn't
l succumbed to the illegal demand of the complainant. While
e alleging that the complainant breached Norms of Journalistic
t Ethics, the respondent has stated that he has neither hindered
e nor will ever hinder the Freedom of Press, as all the
actions taken by him are within his rights and as a
c citizen similar laws will be applicable for him so legal notice and
o complaint has been filed by the him, which cannot be said to be
m a threat or an action which are against the object of Hon'ble
p Council. According to the respondent, without their being any
l evidence or documentary proof any direction by the Hon'ble
a Council to the employer of the respondent will be prejudicial to
i his interest, as present inquiry is a judicial proceedings as per
n Clause 15 of the Press Council Act so without their being any
t evidence or documentary proof against him, no observation,
decision, report or finding can be recorded against the
n applicant. He has stated that the other reply/application may
e kindly be read as part and parcel of the present reply, as same
i has not been reiterated for the sake of brevity. He has
t requested to dispose of the case.
h If approved, a copy of the reply of the respondent may be
e forwarded to the complainant as per fair letter placed on the file
r for signature of the SOM please.

p
r F.No.28/ /RTI/23-24-PCI.
o F.No.28/270/RTI/23-24-PCI.
v
i
d Press Council of India
e
Sub: Information under RTI Act, 2005
a
n
y Placed on the file is an RTI Request
No.PCIND/R/E/23/00050 dated 23.10.2023 whereby
Shri on 31.10.2023 and thereafter the application has been
Mohd. transferred to the Meeting Section on 28.11.2023 and
Khan, received by the undersigned on same date.
Ratlam
has It is submitted that there is total 25 pages in the
sought file, therefore, if approved, the applicant may be asked
entire to submit total Rs.50/- @ Rs.2/- per page as per draft
certified letter placed on the file for approval please.
copies
of the
case
No.845/
2020-A-
PCI i.e.
complai
nt of
Shri
Zulfikar
Pathan,
Dhar
against
Nai
Dunia.

Shri Julfikar Pathan (the complainant) vide his letter dated

5.8.2023 while seeking status of his cases has stated that a
submitt
satisfactory reply should be given within ten days from the date
ed ofthat
receipt this letter, failing which he will approach the court of
thelaw.
above It is submitted that the instant complaint dated 9.10.2022
has been filed by Shri Julfikar Pathan, Dhar (M.P.) against the
RTIEditor, Nai Dunia for allegedly publishing misleading news item
applicat
under the caption “धार व धरा जिसने पूरे भारत को संघर्ष करना
ionसिखाया- पटेल” with sub-heading “हिंदु उत्सव समिति ने विजय
कीर्ति मंदिर में दशहरा मिलन समारोह का आयोजन किया, एक-
dated
दूसरे के गले मिल दी शुभकामनाएं” in its issue dated 7.10.2022.
23.10.2 The complainant has said that as per the records of the
023Archeology Department, the correct name of Vijay Kirti Mandir
monument is Lat Masjid, where the Muslim community has been
wasoffering Namaz for centuries.
marked In response to show-cause notice dated 12.4.2023, the
to Deputy
the News Editor, Nai Dunia vide his written statement dated
28.4.2023, while denying the allegation, has submitted that after
Compla
perusing the available documents, it was found that the name of
int that place has been mentioned as Vijay Mandir in the permission
letter issued by the district administration and Dussehra
Section
c has further said that the readers of Dhar city are fully aware of
e this event.
l A copy of the written statement of the respondent was
e forwarded to the complainant on 31.5.2023 for
b information/counter comments.
r The complainant in his counter comments dated
a 22.5.2023 while reiterating his complaint has stated that writing
t the name of the place wrongly in the permission letter, press
i note, invitation letter etc. does not change the name of the said
o monument, whereas the said monument has been declared a
n national monument and its name in the government records is
s Lat Masjid.
A copy of the counter comments of the complainant was
h forwarded to the respondent on 28.6.2023 for
a information/counter.
v The complainant vide his further letter dated 12.6.2023
e while forwarding a copy of his counter comments has requested
the Council to take necessary action in the matter.
b The complainant vide his further letter dated 5.8.2023
e while seeking status of his cases has stated that a satisfactory
e reply should be given within ten days from the date of receipt this
n letter, failing which he will approach the court of law.
In the meantime, the respondent-Deputy News Editor, Nai
o Dunia vide his counter dated 11.9.2023 while reiterating his
r written statement has submitted that the name of the place about
g which objected by the complainant is mentioned as Vijay Mandir
a in the departmental documents. The respondent has stated that
n the complainant has deliberately ignored the permission letters
i for the years 2018, 2019 and 2021 of the Sub-Divisional
z Magistrate, Nagar Dhar.
e
d It is submitted that the statement of the complainant
seems to be threatening in nature. While the complainant is free
t to approach court of law, he cannot direct a statutory body to
h furnish reply within a specified period.
e Keeping in view the above, if approved, while informing
r the complainant as per draft letter, it is proposed that he may be
e asked to withdraw his statement and tender apology.

f
o
r

d
e
c
a
d
e
s
.

H
e
 lainant-Dr. Siddarth Shankar Sharma (RJS), Additional Chief
Metropolitan Magistrate, Amer Jaipur Metro Second vide his
undated letter has submitted that vide Council adjudication
dated 15.11.2022 the respondent newspaper “Dainik Bhaskar”
was directed to issue corrigendum but the newspaper has not
complied the said order as yet. He has requested the Council to
compel the respondent to execute the direction given by the
Council and also impose penalty for not compliance of
Council’s order.

It is submitted that the Council in its decision dated

15.11.2022 (Flag-A) severely Censure Dainik Bhaskar with
direction to issue a corrigendum that the Judicial Magistrate did
not make any statement that he would suspend the radiologist,
Dr. Chandraveer or take cognizance of the matter within three
weeks from the date of the receipt of the order of the Council.
A copy of the order was forwarded to the parties concerned
vide Council’s letter dated 14.12.2022.

It is submitted that the Central Bureau of

Communication (CBC) has suspended respondent
newspaper “Dainik Bhaskar” for issuance of
advertisements for 15 days w.e.f. 4.1.2023.

It is submitted that the Press Council does not have any

provision for ensuring compliance of its order by the parties.
I
t It is further submitted that with regard to non-compliance
of Council’s direction by the Punjab Government in a suo-motu
i matter i.e. (Shri Major Singh, Journalist), the matter was listed
s before the Council and it was decided to take up the matter
afresh. Recently in another case i.e. (Vishambhari Dham)
s regarding non-compliance of the Council’s order by the
u respondent newspaper, the Council has decided to refer back
b the case to Inquiry Committee.
m
i Keeping in view the above, a final reminder may be
t issued to the respondent asking him to publish the corrigendum
t at the earliest and furnish a copy of the same to the
e complainant’s as well PCI failing which stern action will be
d taken against them.

t
h
a
t

t
h
e

c
o
m
p
T ubmitted that it has consistently adhered to the norms of Journalists
h conduct and has never violated any of the norms of journalistic
e conduct specifically with regard to the publication of advertisement.
He has further stated that the impugned advertisements impugned
r advertisements has not been published in violation the provisions of
e the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act
s as amended in 2002 and they do not contain anything unlawful or
p illegal, contrary to public decency and/or has anything obscene,
o vulgar or offensive to public good taste. The respondent has clarified
n that the Editor or Editorial Staff of answering Respondent takes due
d care while publishing the advertisements in classified and has been
e diligent in ensuring compliance of the relevant norms/rules. He has
n further stated that the change in the regulation with regard to the
t prohibition of advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani in May
2022, whereby the Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945
v was recommended to be omitted with regard to the prohibition of
i advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani. Though this was a
d crucial rule in the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, which was specially
e introduced to prevent misleading advertisements of Ayush medicines
but it is recommended to be abolished to promote the ease of doing
h business. According to the respondent, they have developed the
i screening mechanism to ensure that the Advertisements published
s are not misleading and accordingly has instructed the Agency to
obtain credentials/Know your customer (KYC) details of the
f advertisers. Further the inhouse legal department scrutinises such
u and allow to publish on only if found to be fit, authentic and in
r conformity with applicable regulations. He has further stated that the
t impugned advertisements are of Dr. Sheikh and the other from
h Bengali Dawakhana. Both these entity are using their name as their
e trade name to provide Ayurvedic medical services, specializing in
r treatment of diseases relating to sexual health. Just like any other
diseases sexual health has been prevalent and providing medical
r services awareness of diseases or disorders which are important for
e the public at large to take informed decision. Such advertisement
p cannot be put in straight jacket formula of being vulgar or offensive to
l public good taste. The respondent has submitted that upon enquiry, it
y was found that the Dr. Sheikh operates offices at multiple locations
across India, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Palwal, Agra, Mumbai
d and at various other places. Similarly is Bengali Dawakhana has
a clinics at various locations and deals with ayurvedic medicine. Both
t Dr. Sheikh and Bengali Dawakhana has official websites, apart from
e presence in the web world they are also registered in other website
d such as sulekha.com, justdial.com etc. so that it is convenient for
their customer to access. He has further submitted that Dr. Sheikh
2 holds qualifications such as GAMS (Ayurvedic acharya) & MD (TCM)
8 while DUM is Unani Physician Dr. Sheikh also operates research
. institute, Sarah Herbal Pharmacy, which is recognised by
1 Department of AYUSH, Haryana, Government of India. Sahar Herbal
0 Pharmacy is GMP and ISO certified company, specializing in
. manufacturing of pure Ayurvedic medicine. As of present date,
2 regulation related to the Ayurvedic practitioners are primary focus on
0 qualifications, with no specific prohibition on advertising their
2 services. Since the advertisement in question did not claim to offer a
3 magical remedy and was published following scrutiny by otheir
internal department, they submitted it for publication, believing it to be
h inoffensive to public good taste. He has stated that the respondent
a newspaper hereby committed to comply with the Journalistic norms
s and emphasize the Hon'ble Council that it has ceased accepting the
misleading advertisements
s
and has ments has been addressed and rectified. He has requested the
implemen Council that the suo-motu cognizance taken by this Hon'ble Council of
ted the above reports may kindly be recalled/closed.
screening
mechanis In the instant matters, the Press Council has taken suo-motu
m for the cognizance against Dainik Jagran for publishing misleading
advertise advertisements.
ments in
classified These matters are adjourned and are to be listed before the
division Inquiry Committee in its meeting scheduled to be held in December,
before 2023.
publicatio
n to
The contents of the reply of the respondent have been
ensure
incorporated in the draft meeting note and same is placed on the file
complianc
for approval please.
e with the
law and
norms of
journalisti
c
conducts
issued by
this
Hon'ble
Council.
urthermor
e, the
responde
nt
newspap
er's Editor
and
Editorial
staff
strictly
adhere to
and are
bound by
norms on
Journalisti
c conduct
2020
edition.
Any
deviations
on the
part of the
Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to the complainant
advertise
ment was received back undelivered from the postal authorities “No
agencies such person at this address”.
that may Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to the advocate for
lead to the complainant was also received back undelivered from the
the postal authorities with remarks “Insufficient address”.
procurem
ent of On contacting the complainant-Ms. Namita Tiwari over
incomplet mobile, she has informed that the address is correct and she has
e and provided her email address and the Council’s letter dated
misleadin 21.9.2023 has been emailed to her on 1.12.2023.
g
advertise Draft Meeting note is placed for approval please.
 the respondent-Editor, The Telegraph through the
Supplementary Show-Cause Notice dated 20.9.2023 (Flag-A). It
is further submitted that the respondent has already filed their
reply in response to the Supplementary Show-Cause Notice in
accordance with the order passed by the Inquiry Committee
(Flag-B).

is
submitte
d that the
order of
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee
passed
on
22.8.202
3 was Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to S/Shri Rajendra
communi Singh Thakur, Shailendra Singh Sengar, Chandra Pratap Singh
cated to Rajput, Mahendra Singh Verma, Sunil Prajapat (Respondent
No.2 to 6) have been received back undelivered from the postal
authoritie endent of Police, Vidisha has also addressed letters to the
s. above respondent for appearing before the Inquiry Committee
on 22.8.2023. Accordingly, letter has been prepared and placed
for signature of the SOM please.
is
submitte
d that on
earlier
occasion
on
2.8.2023,
the
complain
ant was
requeste
d over
mobile to
provide
the
addresse
s of the
above
responde
nts but
received
no reply.
Again on
contactin
g him
today, he
stated
that he
will
provide Reference pre-page
their
address 1. Draft Meeting Note of the adjourned matter is placed for
till approval please.
Monday. 2. A draft letter addressed to Ms. Madhumita Bhattacharjee,
counsel for the Government of West Bengal is also placed for
approval please.
perusal 3. It is submitted that the Inquiry Committee in its meeting held
of the on 23.8.2023 had allowed Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri,
record, it Member, PCI to participate in the Inquiry, which will be
has been conducted by the Divisional Commissioner. Detail of contacts
found of Shri Chaudhuri was provided to Ms. Madhumita
that the Bhattacharjee, counsel for the Government of West Bengal.
Superint It is further submitted that Shri Chaudhuri was requested vide
 for Hearing be served to Shri Prajananda Chaudhri as he was
allowed by the Inquiry Committee to participate in the Inquiry.

Reference pre-page

1. Fair letter to all the parties are placed for signature of USM
please.
2. It is submitted that it the instant suo-motu matters, the
attention of the Council was drawn by the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting, therefore, a line i.e. “A copy of
the reference dated 19.4.2023 received from the Deputy
Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,
Government of India, New Delhi.....” has been added in the
letter addressed to the Ministry of Electronics Information
Technology and the same is also placed for
approval/signature of the Secretary please.

ng in
view the
above,
order are
sought
as to
whether
Notice
 held on December 28th & 29th , 2023 are placed for approval
please.

Notices for Hearing to the parties regarding meeting of

the Inquiry Committee scheduled to be held on December 27 th,
2023 relating to Ministry of Ayush are being prepared separately.

2124PCI.

Press
Council
of India

Notices
for
Hearing
to the
parties
regardin
g
Reference pre-page
meeting
of the It is submitted that the Clause 3(1)(c) of the Press
Inquiry Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations, 1979
Committ empower the Hon’ble Chairman/Chairperson to waive
ee of the condition of “Letter to Editor” by using his/her
schedule discretion.
d to be It is further submitted that the Clause 3(1)(f)(ii) of
the Press Council (Procedure for Inquiry) Regulations,
1979 ng waiving of the condition of filing the “Declaration”
provide and to proceed without this requirement.
d the Submitted please.
power
to
Hon’ble
Chairm
an/Chai
rperson
to
condon
e the
delay in
the
filing of
the
complai
nt,
subject
to
approv
al of the
Council
.

submitt
ed that
in both
the
Press
Council
Act, The Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to Shri
1978 Rajendra Singh Thakur (Respondent No.2) has been received
and back undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
Press “Transferred”.
Council
The Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to Shri
(Proced Shailendra Singh Sainger (Respondent No.3) has been received
ure for back undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
Inquiry) “Unkown”.
Regulat
ions, The Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to Shri
1979, Chnadra Pratap Singh (Respondent No.4) has been received
back undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks “left”.
there is
no The Council’s letter dated 21.9.2023 issued to Shri
provisio Mahendra Singh Verma (Respondent No.5) has been received
n back undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
regardi “Unknown”.
 Draft meeting note is placed for approval please.

e
Council’s
letter
dated
21.9.202
3 issued
to Shri
Sunil
Prajapati
(Respon
dent
No.6)
has been
received
back
undeliver
ed from
the
postal
authoritie
s with
remarks
“Unknow
n”.

is
submitte
d that on 13/196/19-20
contacte
d the Shri Shailendra Singh Sainger,
complain S/o Shri Pratap Singh Sainger,
ant over Jhulelal Colony, Haripura,
mobile Vidisha (M.P.)
various
times
requestin Shri Mahendra Singh Verma,
g him to S/o Shri Badelal Verma,
provide Dandapura,
the Vidisha (M.P.).
present
addresse
s of the
above
responde
nts, he
did not
furnish
the
same.
 of 2021 (Flag-C) for wilful disobedience of the orders
passed by Hon’ble High Court of Telangana in WP
No.7773/2020 dated 8.6.2020 (Flag-D). In reply
thereto, a Counter Affidavit dated 7.4.2021 (Flag-A)
was filed on behalf of the Press Council of India stating
that the matter will now be listed before the Inquiry
Committee on 22.4.2021 and there is no will and
deliberate violation of the orders of the Hon’ble Court
dated 8.6.2020.
Accordingly, the matter was listed on 22.4.2021
and Notice for Hearing dated 1.4.2021 was sent to the
complainant but the same was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
“party suspended – hence returned to the sender”.
However, the said meeting of the Inquiry Committee
was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic and no
meeting of the Inquiry Committee was convened about
one and half year thereafter due to COVID and
Referen nomination of Hon’ble Chairman/Chairperson.
ce Thereafter, cases are being listed before the Inquiry
USM’s Committee in chronological order and preference was
query also given to suo-motu matters.
at Page It is pertinent to mention here that since Notice for
66/N Hearing sent to the complainant was received back
is undelivered from the postal department, therefore, Mr.
submitt Ashwani Bhatti, ASO called the complainant on
09.12.2023 on the mobile number as available on
ed that
record. The complainant initially picked the phone and
Hon’ble confirmed the address and case number. When asked
High about the email-id, the complainant asked to call back
Court of again. When he reached out to the complainant after 5
Telang minutes the initial call, it has been stated over mobile
ana that "this is a wrong number, strictly don't call again".
had It is further submitted that the subject matter is not
issued subjudice. Revised Draft meeting note is placed for
a approval please.
Notice
dated
5.3.202
1 in
Contem
pt Case
No.349
 red the matter of publication of misleading advertisements by
the “Patrika” (Raipur/Bhopal/Gwalior editions).
Show-cause notices dated 3.1.2020 were issued to
“Patrika” at their Jaipur and Raipur addresses and the same
were served on them. (Proof of Delivery may be seen on Pages
83-84/corr.). But the reminder issued at Jaipur address was
s received back undelivered from the postal authorities with
u remarks “left”. Address given in RNI list is Editor’s residence
b address.
m It is submitted that the owner of the “Patrika” newspaper
i is M/s Rajasthan Patrika (P) Ltd. and its head office located at
t Jaipur (Flag “X”). Therefore, Show-cause notice may also be
t sent at Head Office, Jaipur.
e Submitted please.
d

t
h
a
t

t
h
e

M
i
n
i
s
t
r
y

o
f It is certified that after postponement the meeting of
Inquiry Committee in the month of February, 2021 due to
A COVID, the first meeting of the Inquiry Committee was
Y convened on 26.8.2022.
U
S
H

r
e
f
e
r
 23 and 12.12.2023 while reiterating his grievance that the
Information & Public Relations Department, Government of
Jharkhand has not started to issue advertisements to his
newspaper due to which he is facing financial problems. He has
requested the Council to pass orders to the Directorate to issue
the advertisements to his newspaper.
It is submitted that the reply of the Information & Public
Relations Department is already on record and counter
comments filed by the complainant was also forwarded to the
government on 30.10.2023.
If approved, communication received from the
complainant may be forwarded to the respondent-department for
necessary action under intimation to the complainant as per draft
letter placed on the file for approval please.

complain
ant-Shri
Arun
Kumar
Choudha
ry,
Managin
g Editor,
Birsa
Times,
Ranchi
vide his
letters
dated
23.11.20
 Review Petition of the complainant was forwarded to the

respondent newspapers vide Council’s letter dated 13.12.2023

for filing their reply. Response is awaited.

review

petition

of the

complain

ant was

consider

ed by the

Council
The Council took suo-motu cognizance against Dainik
in Jagran
its for publication of obscene, vulgar and classified
advertisements and issued show-cause notice to the
meeting
respondent on 24.1.2020. After receiving more clippings of
advertisements, another show-cause notice dated 17.3.2020
heldwasonissued to the respondent newspaper.

17.11.20 It is submitted that the respondent newspaper filed

WP(C) No.2512/2020 before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi
23 and Hon’ble
it Court in its Order dated March 5, 2020 stated that
“the Rule 170 of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 has been
challenged and such challenge is pending adjudication
resolved
before this Court in the form of WP(C) No.321/2019 titled
to Reckitt
refer Benckiser India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Union of India as also
in WP(C) No.985/2019 titled Association of Manufacturers
the of Ayurvedic Medicines Vs. Union of India and others, and
in these petitions the respondents have been directed not
to take any coercive action against the manufactures of
matter
such medicines.” The Hon’ble Court has also stayed operation
backof Impugned
to Adjudication dated 15.11.2019 of the Council in
the matter of Dainik Jagran newspaper till next hearing and
the also on the show-cause notice dated 24.1.2020 issued to the
Dainik Jagran.
Inquiry
Hon’ble Chairman, Press Council of India has passed
order dated 23.9.2020 that “The decision of the High Court
Committ
shall have bearing on a large number of adjudications. Engage
ee. a Counsel to represent the Council”.
 .2021:
f
o “As the show-cause notice itself has been stayed, no
r further action in pursuance of the notice can go on. Await the
m decision of the Hon’ble Court”. (Page 18/N).
e
Since the WP(C) No.2512/2020 is still pending before
r
the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and next date of hearing is
22.1.2024, file is submitted for orders please.
H
o
n
’
b
l
e

C
h
a
i
r
m
a
n
This complaint dated 12.10.2017 was filed by Shri Dolraj
p Gaire, Proprieter, Sagar Gere Restaurant, Bhopal against the
a Editor, Pradesh Today, Bhopal for allegedly publishing a series
s false, misleading and defamatory news items.
s Show-cause notice dated 13.4.2018 was issued to the
e respondent newspaper but no reply was filed by the respondent.
d The Council in its adjudication dated 29.5.2019 Censured
the respondent newspaper but on the very next day i.e. on
f 30.5.2019 the respondent newspaper filed a review application
o on which former Hon’ble Chairman sir ordered to place the
l matter before the Council. Accordingly, the matter was placed
l before the Council on 22.8.2019 wherein the Council opined that
o “as the appellant challenged the order (vide WP No.10922 of
w 2019) before the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh, the
i Council defers the consideration of review application”.
n As the review was pending, the decision of the Council
g was not forwarded to the parties.
It is submitted that the WP No.10922 of 2019 is still
o pending before the Hon’ble Court. Next date of hearing is not
r showing on the website.
d
e File is submitted for orders please.
r

o
n

2
0
.
1
 some of them are hospitalized. They requested the Council to
take necessary action in the matter and constitute a committee to
inquire in this regard.
While taking Suo-motu cognizance of the matter, Notice
for Statement in Reply was issued to the Government of West
Bengal on 6.10.2015.
Telephonic Reply
A telephonic r e ply w a s r e c e i v e d from Shri Atri
Bhattacharya, Principal Secretary, Information & Cultural
Affairs, West Bengal to the then Secretary, PCI on the following
issues:
1. Denial of access to Nabanna Building : -
The Principal Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal informed
that while a reminder has been sent to the Chief Secretary, he,
as a Principal Secretary, already filed the reply.
The Secretary, PCI requested him to refer to the specific
directions of the Inquiry Committee for the Chief Secretary, in
the matter.
e 2. Assault on Journalists at Salt Lake: -
attention
The Principal Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal informed
of the
that the incident pertained to a law & order situation.
Press
Council The Secretary, PCI requested him to respond to the
of India Council 's letter with the government stand on the issue.
through Response from Special Secretary to Govt. of West Bengal
several
represen In response to the Council 's letter/notice dated
tations 6.10.2015, the respondent-Shri D. Guhathakurta, Special
from Secretary to the Govt. of West Bengal, Home Department,
media Howrah vide his reply dated 22.12.2015 informed that on the
persons basis of complaints received by the local police regarding
towards alleged assau lt on media persons during Salt Lake Municipal
the Elections the following specific cases were registered:-
assault 1. Bidhannagar South PS Case No. 154/15 dated 3.10.2015
on media u/s 143/1471148/149/320/307 IPC against unknown miscreants.
persons
allegedly 2. Bidhannagar South PS Case No. 156/15 dated 4.10.2015 u/s
by the 147/323/325/354/506134 lPC.
goons of 3. Bidhannagar East PS Case No. 103/15 dated 3.10.2015 u/s
the ruling 341/323/359/506/34 lPC.
party of
4. Bidhannagar East PS Case No. I04/15 on the similar
West
i n c i d e n t a s at S.No. (J) above.
Bengal
during
Municipa
l
Elections The respondent has informed that three persons have
on been arrested in Cases at Sl. No. 1 and 2. The above
mentioned four cases are under investigation as per the
03.10.20
15 report
and received from the Commissioner of Police,
Bidhannagar
informed Police Commissionerate. The respondent has
thatfurther informed that commissioner of p o l i c e , Bidhannagar is
b to cause expediting investigation in the above cases .
e .
i
Sub-Committee Constituted
n
g Three member's Sub-Committee was constituted by
the Hon’ble Chairman on 7.1.2016 comprising of Shri
a Prabhat Kumar Dash, Dr. Suman Gupta and Shri Rajeev
d Ranjan Nag to enquire into the matter.
v
i Report of the Sub-Committee
s
e The Sub-Committee submitted its report on 16.3.2016
d in which it recommended to summon the Chief Secretary and
the Director General of Police to appear before the Inquiry
Committee to state their view. Further, in view of the
atmosphere o f fear under which Journalists in West-Bengal
are operating, the Committee recommended that the
Chairman, PCI should address an urgent communication to
the Chief Election Commissioner of India, requesting that
the Poll Observer's nominated by the Election Commission
be given a special mandate to ensure that the journalists
are able to perform their duties in a free atmosphere. The PCI
may offer the services to its members to the Election
Commission with Special Poll Observers task, ensuring that
the rights of journalists are not violated.

Report Before the Council

The Report of the Sub-Committee was placed before

the Council in its meeting held on 10.06.2016 for
consideration. The Council resolved to refer the matter before
the Inquiry Committee.
The Inquiry Committee in its order dated 22.10.2018
states that-
“The attention of the Inquiry Committee had been drawn
to the order dated 12.10.2018 passed by the Calcutta High Court
in Writ Petition no. 13421 of 2018 (State of West Bengal and
others Vs. Pres Council of India and Others) whereby the
Hon’ble Calcutta High Court has stayed the Order by which
Summons were issued for appearance of the Chief Secretary
and the Principal Secretary, Department of Information and
Cultural Affairs.
The Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta directed the matter to
be listed on 20th November, 2018. The Inquiry Committee directs
for adjournment of the case awaiting Order of the Calcutta High
Court.”
It is submitted that no updated status of the WP No.13421
of 2018 is showing on the website of the court.

If approved, the respondent-Government of West Bengal may

be asked to update the status of the case.
 dated 22nd March 2016 informed the Council that the Andhra
Pradesh Police has summoned four reporters and two desk
journalists of Sakshi newspaper to appear before them in
Mangalagiri Police Station on 21.3.2016 and questioned them
on the source of the news stories that appeared in the
newspaper on the goings on in the Amaravathi Capital
Region. He has further informed that one Deputy
Superintendent of Police and one Inspector of Police grilled the
reporters and desk journalists and asked them to reveal the
source of their stories as some farmers of the region filed
complaints against the newspaper that their stories 'hurt their
sentiments' According to him, it is illegal to summon the
reporters of a newspaper to the police station and ask them
about the news stories. Secondly, the Press Council of
India guidelines and established practice all over the
World prohibit disclosure of sources by the reporters and
newspapers. He requested the Council to take suo-motu
action in the matter and direct the Andhra Pradesh Police
to desist from summoning the reporters to the Police
Station under the guise of investigation and question
them. ·
While taking suo-motu cognizance of the matter, a
Report on facts of the case was called for from the
Government of Andhra Pradesh vide Council's letter
dated 23.03.2023 simultaneously letter was also sent to
Sakshi Daily to furnish detail of the matter.

Report of the Sakshi

Shri Murali, Editor, Sakshi vide his letter dated 07.5.2016

informed that the journalists who report on various events
touching upon public interest are being intimidated in the
guise of investigation under FIRs registered against them
purportedly at the instance and in view of the villagers who
support the ruling Telugu Desam Party. He further informed
that series of instances have taken place in the past
culminating in a sense of fear sought to be instilled in the
minds of reporters. He also furnished copies of the
registered complaints against the journalists in relation_ to
their publication alleging offences under section 425, 426,
427, 505 (ii) read With 34 IPC. He also
informed that Andhra Pradesh Police have furnished a following
questionnaire to the Sakshl journalists to answer the same:

he a) Disclosure of source of information which lead to

Secretar publication in Sakshi
y b) Complicity of politicians belonging to the Principal
General Opposition Party in the
of Indian State
Journalis c) Coercion to name Mr. Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, leader
ts of the Opposition Party as the Pnnc1pal contributor to the
vide news item.
letter
C ntendent of Police, Guntur Urban, Government of Andhra
o Pradesh, Police Department vide his letter dated 11.7.2016
m submitted that Suo-motu cognizance against Andhra Pradesh
m Police summoning the reporters of Sakshi Newspaper to
e appear before them in Mangalagiri Police Station received
n through Chief Office was got enquired into by SDPO North
t Sub-Division, Guntur Urban which revealed that on
s 07.03.2016 at 12.00 hrs. the complainant Shri R.
Sambasivarao of Yarrabalem village and his associates came
o to Mangalagiri Rural Police Station and reported that, in
f Yerrabalern VIllage 1346 acres patta land is there and after
declaring the capital at Thulluru, the rates of land were hiked
S and the farmers are very happy. On 02.03.2016, many news
u articles were published in favour of YSR Party President, YS
p Jaganmohan Reddy in Sakshi Telugu daily newspaper and
e TV channel. It was published that 25,000 acres have been
r pooled by Hon'ble AP C.M. Nara Chandra Bab Naidu on
i Binami names and it is an international scam, Sakshi
n paper published many misleading articles in this regard. Due
t to the misleading news the land rates are decreased. As 90%
e of the lands are in farmers hand, such type of false news the
n farmers and weaker section people would suffer very much
d mentally. Farmers sold away their lands to others on their
e own accord. He further informed that on perusal o f the
n Report noticed that the offences U/s 425, 427, 505 (ii) IPC
t provisions are applicable and they were happened to be
non cognizable offences as such the investigation officer
o has referred all the above seven cases to the Hon'ble
f Additional Junior Civil Judge Mangalagiri for obtaining
permission u/s 166 CR.PC. He also informed that during
P the course of i nvestigation, the Inquiry Officer summoned
o the respondents U/s 160 Cr.P.C. to obtain
l information about the publication of news items. Accordingly,
i the said persons appeared before the investigation officer
c and requested time for submission of requisite information
e to the police. Afterwards, they neither appeared before the
, investigation officer nor furnished any information with regard
to the publication of news item. After obtaining permission
G from the Court of Hon'ble AJCJ Mangalagiri, the cases
u were registered and the same are pending before the Court.
n
t Counter Comments from Sakshi
u
r Shri R. Dileep Reddy, Executive Editor, Sakshi vide
his response dated 07.09.2016 submitted that the police have
T registered crimes on the basis of the complaints lodged by the
h ruling party sympathizers wherein they have complained that due
e to the news published in Sakshi daily, their land values were
deceased. He has further submitted that under the guise of the
S said investigation into the said crimes, the police have been
u calling the reporters of Sakshi repeatedly to the police station
p and calling upon them to furnish
e
r documents, s ource of information, etc. He also submitted that
i the investigating officers have issued notices u/s 91 of Cr.P.C. to
appear information and also other information in justification of the
before publications which are the subject matter of the purported
them offences registered by the police. He has further submitted that
have the investigation by the police is not yet completed and
furnishe therefore it cannot be treated to be a matter pending before the
d Hon'ble Court for adjudication. No chargesheet is filed not is trial
questio undertaken by the Court, he added. He has requested the
nnaire Council to take stringent action against the respondent State and
and the police for harassing the journalists of Sakshi under the guise
directed of investigations.
the
journali The Inquiry Committee in its meeting held on 20.6.2017
sts states that –
answer
“The attention of the Inquiry Committee has been drawn
the
same. to the order dated 19.06.2017 passed in W.P. no. 19895 of 2017
He by the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad in the State of
stated Telangana and State of Andhra Pradesh whereby the High Court
that had stayed further proceeding of this case. This proceeding is
repeate adjourned till further orders of the High Court.”
d
written
It is submitted that no record of W.P. no. 19895 of 2017
and
oral found on the website of the Hon’ble Court, the respondent-
summo Government of Andhra Pradesh may be asked to update the
ns status of the case.
the
police
is
causing
agony
to
journali
sts
and
other
staff
working
with
Sakshi.
He
alleged
that
police
have Case Summary
been
Shri Subrata Adhikary, President, All Bengal Editors &
threate
Journalists Association, Kolkata vide his complaint dated
ning
11.12.2014 has alleged that the Government of West Bengal
the
issued direction for arresting of the journalists while collecting
journali
of news at Nabannya Building (Headquarter of Govt. of West
sts
Bengal). The Government denied that no journalist is allowed
furnish
except at Press Corner in Nabannya Building for collection of
the
News. The complainant has stated that the incident happened
source
on 5.12.2014 at the place in the Press Corner of Nabannya
of
B alleged that the statement of arrest of journalists issued by the
u Government is bad in law, defamatory and against the press
i act and curtailment of freedom of press. He has requested the
l Council to take necessary action in the matter.
d
i A Report on facts of the case was called for from the
n Government of West Bengal, Kolkata on 13.1.2015.
g
A Preliminary Report on the facts of the case was also
called from Shri Ravindra Kumar, Member, PCI on 13.1.2015.
a
t Preliminary Report filed by Shri Ravindra Kumar, former
Member, PCI
H
o Shri Ravindra Kumar vide his e-mail dated 16.1.2015
w has submitted his Report which inter-alia states that
r “Preliminary inquiries, and a perusal of news reports of 6
a December 2014, revel that on December 2014, the police
h officer in charge of security of the state secretariat
building, Mr. Ashesh Biswas, Deputy Commissioner
i (Reserve Force) met media persons at the Press Corner of
n the building and told them that they were liable to be
arrested if found at any place other than the Press corner
W if they did not have a prior appointment to see a
e minister/official at the place where they were found”. It was
s also recommended that a full-fledged inquiry be conducted into
t the actions of the West Bengal Government to determine if a
concerted attempt is being made to intimidate journalists and
B newspapers deemed hostile by the government and the Chief
e Minister.
n
g Inquiry Committee in its meeting held on 7.4.2015
a constitute a sub-committee consisting of S/Shri Ravindra
l Kumar, Prajnananda Chaudhuri, KosuriAmarnath, BipinNewar
. and Dr. Suman Gupta, to examine the allegations and submit a
report at the earliest.
T Report of the Sub-Committee
h
e The Sub-Committee conducted its hearings in Kolkata
on 11 and 12 May, 2015 to inquire into a complaint that the
c Government of West Bengal had issued directions to arrest
o journalists found at any place other than the Press Corner in
m “Nabanna”, the State Secretariat and submitted its findings and
p recommendations in the matter vide letter dated 21.5.2015.
l
a The Sub-Committee while concluding that journalists in
i West Bengal are covering affairs in the state secretariat in an
n atmosphere of fear, and that such fear is the direct consequence
a of actions of the state government, recommended that the
n Government of West Bengal be asked to take immediate steps
t no determine who issued the threat to arrest journalists, and
take necessary action against such person(s). The Sub-
h Committee further recommended that Govt. of West Bengal be
a asked to immediately review systems put in place to control
s access of journalists to news sources and revise these to ensure
journalists can function without fear. The Sub-Committee also
recomme 18.8.2015 stated that Government of West Bengal strongly
nded that denies all the allegations made by the complainant and hopes
Govt. of that the Press Council of India will consider this submission in all
West its due sincerity.
Bengal
should Shri Atri Bhattacharaya, IAS, Principal Secretary,
be asked Department of Information & Cultural Affairs, Govt. of West
to Bengal vide his letter dated 20.11.2015 stated that the Principal
immediat Secretary is the competent authority to communicate the
ely response and the stand of the Government of West Bengal and
revise its the Principal Secretary is thoroughly aware and acquainted with
rules for the facts of the case and is entrusted to make all
accredita communication on behalf of the Govt. of West Bengal and is
tion of similarly entrusted to make all communication on behalf of the
journalist Chief Secretary and other respondents who have been
s to bring impleaded in their official capacity as officers of the Govt. of
them in West Bengal. He further stated that all the previous
conformit communications made from this end should be treated as the
y with views of the State Government and of the other officers of the
those Government of West Bengal. He further stated that if a personal
drafted appearance is still required by the Press Council or its Inquiry
by Press Committee, he may so appear in his capacity as Principal
Council. Secretary, Information & Cultural Affairs Department.
(Page
The Inquiry Committee in its meeting held on 4.1.2016
193-
passed following direction:
185/corr.
Flagged) “The Inquiry Committee calls upon the Chief
Secretary, Government of West Bengal to appear in person
Respon
before the Inquiry Committee on the next date of hearing”
se of
Principa The Chief Secretary of the Government of West Bengal
l has sent a communication, inter-alia, praying to dispense with
Secretar his personal appearance. He has further stated that if a personal
y appearance is
required, the Principal Secretary, Information & Cultural Affairs
Atri Department shall represent the Government of West Bengal
and its officers. The Inquiry Committee could have considered
Bhattach
the said prayer, had any officer on behalf of the Government of
araya,
IAS,West Bengal would have chosen to appear. In the
circumstances, the Inquiry Committee is constrained to direct
Principal
the personal appearance of the Chief Secretary of the
Secretar
y, Government of West Bengal/Principal Secretary, Information &
Cultural Affairs Department, on the next date.
Departm
ent of
Response
Informati from Director of Information, Govt. of West
on Bengal
&
Cultural Shri R.N. Basu Roychoudhary, Director of Information,
Affairs,
Govt. of West Bengal vide letter dated 8.6.2017 informed that
Govt. of Petition No. 10966 (W) was taken up for hearing by his
the Writ
West Lordship, the Hon’ble Justice Debanshu basak on
Bengal
11.4.2017/13.4.2017/19.4.2017 and on 16.4.2017. He has
videinformed
his that the Court dispose of the matter inter alia directing
letter
that “it would be appropriate to permit the petitioners to raise
datedthe issue of lack of jurisdiction by way of an application before
t rty to file such application within four weeks from the date. On
h receipt of such an application, the Council is requested to
e consider and decide the same in accordance with law, the
Council is also requested not to pass any further order on the
P complaint without deciding the issue of jurisdiction. It is clarified
r that, for the period till disposal of the application raising the
e issue of lack of jurisdiction, the Council will not insist of the
s personal appearance of any of the petitioners or any of the
s officers of the State. The Council will pass a reasoned on the
application raising the issue of lack of jurisdiction. It will not
C pass further orders on the complaint for a period of four weeks
o from the date of its decision on the issue of jurisdiction.”
u
n It is submitted that Writ Petition No.10966 of 2017 has
c been disposed of by order dated 16.5.2017.
i
If approved, the matter may now be placed before the
l
Inquiry Committee.
o
f

I
n
d
i
a
.

T
h
e

p
e
t
i
t
i
o
n
e
r
s

a
r
e

a
t

l
i
b
e
 the matter on the basis of documents available on
No.56 record.

Compl
ainant

complai
nant-
Shri
Rajendr
a
Kumar
Belvans
hi,
Advoca
te,
Chhind
wara
vide his
letter
dated
12.12.2
023
while
express
ing his
inability
in
attendin
g the
hearing
on
29.12.2
023 has
Item No.49 Received from District Magistrate, Jaunpur (Respondent
request No.4)
ed to
decide
The District Magistrate, Jaunpur vide his communication dated
24.12.2023 has forwarded a joint investigation report dated 20.12.2023 of Ms.
Neha Mishra, Sub-Divisional Magistrae, Kerakat, Jaunpur and Shri Gaurav
Sharma, Circle Officer, Kerakat, Jaunpur wherein, while reiterating earlier
report, it has been stated that certified evidence has been found on the
allegations of demanding Rs.20,000/- by threatening to make the video viral of
die No.5524/2023 before the Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad where the Hon’ble
d Court in its order dated 10.4.2023 directed the Gram Pradhan to file the reply
ani within three weeks.
mal It has also been stated that after the investigation, a chargesheet No.A-
s in 157/2023 dated 4.7.2023 under section 504/506/384/429 of IPC and 3(2) of
the SC/ST Act against (1) Pankaj Singh (2) Arvind Yadav and (3) Adarsh Mishra
inv and under section 504/506/384/429 of IPC against (1) Shri Vinod Kumar has
esti been filed before Hon’ble Court.
gati
on.
I
t
has
be
en
furt
her
stat
ed
tha
t
the
acc
use
d
Further Paper
file
d a Item No.33 From the Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh (Respondent
No.3)
Cri
min
The superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh vide his letter dated
al
03.12.2023, while reiterating his earlier reply, has submitted that during the
Wri
investigation it is found that the cause of death of Shri Sulabh Srivastava is the
t
internal injuries occurred due to skidding of his motorcycle. It has been further
Mis
stated that the call details record of mobile no. 8707892541 and other
c.
suspicious numbers did not reveal any significant facts. The technical test
Pet
report of vehicle no. UP 72 Z 6358 revealed that the rear brake, pedal, front
itio
mudguard, right foot-rest are either broken or damaged and the lock of the
n
batt ment of alleged person Ballabh Pandey in the matter. The superintendent of
ery Police, Pratapgarh has requested that the case may be disposed of.
cov
er is
brok
en.
I
t
has
bee
n
furth
er
stat
ed
that
a
thor
oug
h
inve
stig
atio
n It is submitted that Dr. Suman Gupta and Mrs. Arti
into Tripathi, Members of the Council were requested vide Council’s
letter dated 4.12.2023 to submit the report in relation to death of
the Shri Sulabh Srivastgava, Journalist in Pratapgarh. In response
matt thereto, Dr. Suman Gupta, Member vide her email dated
7.12.2023 has stated that the report will be submitted within a
er week.
did Since no further reply is received, the Members may be
requested as per draft letter placed on the file for approval
not please.
reve
al
any
fact
s of
invo
lve
 Item No.46 Received from Shri Shyam Singh Panwar, Member, PCI

Shri Syam Singh Panwar, Member, Press Council of India vide his
email dated 18.12.2023 has reiterated that every media-persons were
stopped/prohibited during counting of votes of MLC election at counting venue
by the district administration and no information was provided to the media.
He has further stated that the district administration has taken
signatures/statements of the some media persons in their favour that no
media person was prohibited at the counting venue. He has produced a copy
of the clipping of news item published in the Hindustan newspaper under the
heading “मोबाइल जमा कराए, झडप भी” reporting that the media-persons were
stopped before counting and also no information was provided to the media.
The member has pointed out that if there was no dispute occurred during
counting, then how the Hindustan newspaper published this news item. He
has stated that a response in this regard should be sought from the Hindustan
newspaper.

Fur
the
r
Pa
per

he Editor of Dakshin Gujarat Vartman has stated vide his letter dated ________ that
they have already published the complainant's version on 18.11.2023 and had
forwarded the copy of the same to the Council and the complainant as well.
The Editor has further informed that they are not aware that the complainant had
approached the Hon'ble High Court of Gujarat and neither did the complainant inform
them about the same. The complainant had filed the complaint in Hon'ble High Court
of Gujarat in the year 2019 and after 2 years i.e., in 2021 the respondent had published
the
requ
isite
versi Further Paper
on
GIST
in
purs Item No.52 Received from the respondent-Inspector General of Police,
uanc Purnia Range, Bihar
e of
the
Inspector General of Police, Purnia Range, Bihar vide his email/letter
Cou
ncil' 19.12.2023 has submitted that a report in the matter was sought from the
s
Superintendent of Police, Araria, who in his report dated 19.12.2023 has
orde
r. informed that a case No.338/2023 dated 18.8.2023 has been registered under
Section 302/120(B)/34 of IPC and 27 of Arms Act in Police Station Raniganj
based on the complaint of the father of Shri Vimal Kumar Yadav regarding
death of his son Shri Vimal Kumar allegedly by gun-shot against (1) Kranti
Kumar Yadav (2) Rupesh Yadav (3) Dhav Yadav (4) Vipin Yadav (5) Arjun
Sharma (6) Bhavesh Yadav (7) Ashish Yadav (8) Umesh Yadav. During the
investigation, the allegations were found to be true. A chargesheet
No.432/2023 dated 14.11.2023 has been filed before the Hon’ble Court. The
respondent has stated that he has written a letter dated 20.10.2023 to the
Hon’ble District & Session Judge, Araria with a request for quick disposal of
the case. The matter is under execution at present.
 Jammu & Kashmir vide his letter dated 28.12.2023 has informed
response that the matter was taken up with the Department of Law,
to Justice & Parliamentary Affairs for vetting of Terms of Reference
Council’s of the Neutral Committee. He has further informed that the
letter Terms of Reference have been incorporated in the Draft
dated Government Order of the Neutral Committee and submitted to
13.12.20 the Competent Authority for approval. Accordingly, the formal
23, orders would be shared shortly upon receipt of approval.
whereby Submitted for information please.
Governm
ent of
Jammu
&
Kashmir
was
requeste
d to
intimate
the
action
taken in
relation
to
formation
of the
Neutral
Committ
ee, the
Under
Secretar
y,
Informati The complainant-Dr. Nisha Nigam, Gorakhpur vide her
counter comments dated 7.12.2023 while reiterating her
on
complaint has alleged that the respondent-RNI has filed
Departm
repeated reply and thereby misleading the Council by hiding
the truth. She has already submitted a certified certificate from
ent,
the District Magistrate to reclaim the title. The complainant has
Governm
submitted that she has already submitted a certified certificate
from the District Magistrate to again get the title. While levelling
ent of
t she has requested the Council to direct the RNI to issue the
h title.
e If approved, a copy of the counter comments of the
complainant may be forwarded to the RNI as per fair letter
a placed on the file for signature of the SOM please.
l
l
e
g
a
t
i
o
n

o
f

h
a
r
a
s
s
i
n
g

a
g
a
i
n
s
t

t
h
e

R
N
I
,
Council’s letter dated 5.12.2023 issued to the Secretary,
Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has been received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
“Incomplete address”.
However, the letter has also been issued through email,
if approved, the same may be re-issued at the address – 74-B,
South Block, New Delhi-110 011.

In response to Council’s letter dated 5.12.2023, whereby

Protector of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs, Chennai
w he Protector of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs, Chennai
a vide his/her email/letter dated 22.12.2023 has informed that the
s recruiting agent namely M/s Mowla International is an
authorised/licenced agent approved by the Ministry of External
r Affairs and is under the jurisdiction of Protector of Emigrants,
e Mumbai. They have sought interview permission and obtained
q the same online, which is valid. It has been further informed
u that the Recruiting Agent has clearly stated that they are the
e licenced agent in the advertisement given. The licence number
s has also been printed below, thus conforming to the norms for
t placing such advertisement. It has been stated that since the
e Recruiting Agent does not pertain to their jurisdiction, this case
d may further be pursued with the Protector of Emigrants,
Mumbai office.
t If approved, above reply of the Protector of Emigrants,
o Ministry of External Affairs, Chennai may be taken on record
and a reply/suggestion may also be sought from the Protector
f of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs, Mumbai office.
i
l
e

r
e
p
l
y
/
s
u
g
g
e
s
t
i
o
n

i Shri R.K. Maheshwari, Advocate for the complainant-

n Registrar, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur has addressed a
letter dated 13.12.2023 to the Times of India, New Delhi,
t whereby while reiterating his complaint and Council’s decision
h dated 21.8.2023, has submitted that the respondent-Times of
e India did not publish unconditional apology in accordance with
the Council’s decision. According to him, for more than a year,
m such trauma remained continued till the adjudication by the
a Press Council, therefore, the loss of image cannot be
t compesated in terms of money but yet for the sake of
t punishment/damage of Nagpur University seeks an amount of
e Rs.10 crores. Although this amount is an inadequate but for the
r present the aforesaid amount of compensation in lieu of the loss
, of image be paid. He has further stated that in case the
compliance has not made then Nagpur University will initiate the
t proceedings in appropriate court. For which, the costs and
consequ publish it at a prominent place within two weeks of the receipt
ences thereof.
will have It is further submitted that the Central Bureau of
to be Communication, Government of India, New Delhi has already
borne by taken action in the matter and suspended the respondent
Times of newspaper from the CBC advertisement panel for 15 days.
India. If approved, the complainant may be asked to furnish
their version to the respondent newspaper for publication under
submitte intimation to the PCI in the first instance.
d that in
the
instant
matter
the
Council
in its
decision
dated
21.8.202
3
Censure
d The
Times of
India,
Nagpur
Edition
with a
direction
to the
complain
ant to
furnish
the
Universit
y’s
version
to the
responde
nt
newspap
er within
four
weeks
and The complainant-Shri Bidyut Kumar Ghosh, Jr.
direct
Assistant, Office of the Director, NIT, Agartala vide his counter
responde
comments dated 8.12.2023 has submitted that he already sent
nt a protest letter dated 26.11.2022 to the respondent editor. He
newspap
has stated that the reply sent by the editor is very
er defaming/demeaning.
to The complainant has challenged that if
the respondent can prove that he got his job through political
connection, he would face any kind of legal consequences what
so ever. While reiterating his complaint, the complainant has
requested the Council to take strict action against the
respondent.
 ded to the respondent as per fair letter placed on the file for
a signature of the SOM please.
p
p
r
o
v
e
d
,

c
o
p
y

o
f

t
h
e

c
o
u
n
t
e
r

c
o
m
m
e
n
t
s

m
a The complainant-Shri B.K. Gupta, Editor, Agrim Times,
y Meerut vide his letter dated 28.11.2023 has reiterated his
complaint regarding illegal appointment of 23 employees in
b Meerut Municipal Corporation, Meerut. He has requested the
e Council to dismiss these appointments.
Since the Council has already rendered its decision in the
f matter on 17.11.2023 and a copy of the same was forwarded to
o the concerned, no action is warranted in the matter. If approved,
r the FR may be filed.
w
a
r
 respondent-Editor, Pioneer, Lucknow was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
“Incomplete address”.

The respondent-Shri Ratan Patel, Journalist, Pioneer,

Chitrakoot vide his email dated 27.12.2023 while informing that
his train is late has requested to hear the case upon his arrival.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page

319/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Pages 326-320/Corr.

Draft adjudication order is placed on the file for approval

please.

N
o
t
i
c
e

f
o
r

H
e
a
r
i
n
g

i
s
s
u
e
d

t
o

t
h The respondent-Shri Bipasha Sinha Roy, Sr. Manager,
e Legal, The Telegraph vide his email dated 22.12.2023 has sought
adjournment of the case.
 Vidisha vide his letter dated 27.12.2023, handed over at the time
of hearing by his representative, while informing that the reply has
already been submitted by him, has submitted that the notices
were issued to the other respondents vide their office letter dated
20.12.2023 for appearing before the Inquiry Committee.

S/Shri Shailendra Singh Sainger and Mahendra Singh

Verma (Respondent No.3 & 5) vide their joint reply dated
27.12.2023, handed over at the time of hearing by their advocate,
has submitted that the complaint is totally false and baseless.
They have stated that a missing report No.131/2019 on 8.11.2019
of the victim journalist, Shri Ramashankar Pasi was lodged by his
family. During the investigation, it has found in CCTV footage that
the missing person himself had gone to the railway station and he
had also thrown his mobile phone and some documents. They
have further stated that missing person was also suffering from
Epilepsy and he found dead on railway track. After medical
inspection, the doctors declared that the victim was died due to
the injuring of train accident. They have further stated that police
investigation also revealed that the deceased was died in rail
accident. The respondents have further stated that the
complainant and his deceased brother filed many cases against
them in different courts and the court acquitted them in these
cases. They have alleged that the brother (the complainant) of
the deceased is an anti-social element and creates ruckus after
consuming alcohol. They have further alleged that the
complainant tried to extort money from them and they refused, he
filed this false complaint against them. They have requested the
Council to dismiss the complaint.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page

362-361/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

363/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval

please.

Deepak
Kumar
Shukla,
Superint
endent of
Police,
otice for Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval
hearing please.
issued to
the
complain
ant-
Kashmir
Press
Club was
received
back
undeliver
ed from
the
postal
authoritie
s with
remarks
“office
closed”.
However
, the
notice
was
emailed
to the
complain
ant.

tendance
of the
parties
may be
seen at
Page
110/Corr.

order of
the
Inquiry
Committ
ee may
be seen
at Pages
111/Corr.
 The respondent-Editor, Aadab Hyderabad vide his reply dated
26.12.2023 while denying the allegations of the complainant, has
stated that all news items published only after thorough verification
and obtaining the clarifications of the concerned department. The
respondent has further stated that they are sincerely following
the ethical principles of journalism. The respondent has further
stated that they have filed the petition at Hon'ble Lokayutha,
Telangana State in 2020 wherein the investigation officers
identified the misappropriation of funds during the period of the
complainant-Sri P.V. Srihari, Assistant State Project Director,
Samagra Siksha, Telangana. According to the respondent, the
complainant was involved in the release of funds just to swindle the
funds by his influence power and they have identified that funds
were released to the institutions which were not existing and closed.
The respondent has stated that on the basis of the evidence
n ews and the calling of Hon'ble Lokayuktha for action, the
Secretary of Education requested four weeks of time to take
appropriate action on misappropriation of funds vide letter dated
10-10-2023. The respondent has stated that the major punishment
action was proposed by Smt. Chitraramchandran, former
Secretary, S.E. Telangana. T h e r e s p o n d e n t h a s s t a t e d
t h a t to evade disciplinary action on the misappropriation of funds
during complainant’s tenure, the complainant filed false complaint
against Aadab Hyderabad. According to the respondent, during
tenure of complainant as ASPD of Samagra Siksha, Rs.6739.32
Cr. were utilized, since he was indulged in swindling of funds
instructed his staff not to disclose Utilization Certificates to his RTI
applications. The respondent has requested the Council to initiate
action against the complainant for intentionally misleading Hon’ble
Council. He has further requested to allot another date to visit
Hyderabad for onsite fact finding by obtaining the Utilization
Certificates pertaining to Rs6739.32 Cr. and to conduct hearing
about misappropriation of funds in socially significant schemes of
Sarnagra Siksha.
A copy of the respondent’s reply may be forwarded to the
complainant for information/counter comments.
 The complainant-Brigadier (Retd.) Shri Kaul vide his letter dated
28.12.2023 has submitted that in the circumstance the Inquiry
Committee may take the following measures:
a) Censure Mr. Suresh Nambath for wilful blatant defiance,
failure to implement PCI orders, wilful wrong attribution as
“Insisted” and failure to ensure implementation of orders.
b) Bar Ms Deepa Alexander, Journalist Author of the article and
clear hand in defiance of the PCI orders, for a period of One
Year to write for The Hindu.
c) PCI may consider to write to the Board of Directors The
Hindu about the wilful defiance of PCI Orders in this case by
a National Newspaper.

The complainant’s above communication may be taken on

record.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 407/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 411-

408/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval please.

 The complainant-Shri Rajendra Kumar Belvanshi, Advocate,
Chhindwara vide his letter dated 12.12.2023 while expressing his
inability in attending the hearing on 29.12.2023 has requested to
decide the matter on the basis of documents available on record.

The respondent –Shri Gwalvanshi, Editor, Katiya Samaj Ka

Aaina vide his email dated 29.12.2023 has confirmed that he will
attend the hearing on 29.12.2023.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 96/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

97/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval please.

Item No.1, 2 & 3

Shri Kapil Yadav, Advocate for the respondent newspaper Dainik

Jagran assured over mobile that he will submit the undertaking
shortly.
 In response to Council’s letter dated 5.12.2023 whereby
inputs/suggestions were sought from the Ministry of Electronic &
Information Technology, Government of India, New Delhi on
publications of advertisements of online betting platform, Dr. Sandip
Chatterjee, Scientist G & Group Coordinator, Ministry of Electronic &
Information Technology, Government of India, New Delhi vide his
Office Memorandum dated 9.1.2024 has informed that as per entry
22C in the subjects distributed to the Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting in the Second Schedule to the Government of India
(Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the matter relating to the
“Online Advertisement” are allocated to Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting. He has further informed that betting and gambling is a
state subject as per List II of the Seventh Schedule of the
Constitution of India. Thus, any matter on online betting/gambling
and related matters which is a State subject and any matter relating
to online advertisements including the issue of advertisement for
online betting platforms which pertain to Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting are completely outside the purview of Ministry of
Electronic & Information Technology (MeitY). He has stated that the
inputs from Ministry of Electronic & Information Technology (MeitY)
may be treated as NIL.

It is submitted that the instant matters heard by the Inquiry

Committee on 25.9.2023 and it passed the following direction:

“The Inquiry Committee has heard counsel for Hindustan

Times, Dainik Jagran Hindi, Dainik Bhaskar and Divya Marathi and
Punjab Kesari. The Inquiry Committee directs the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting to file detailed submissions and serve
copy thereof on counsel for the concerned newspapers, Hindustan
Times, Dainik Jagran Hindi, Dainik Bhaskar and Divya Marathi,
Punjab Kesari and The Telegraph. Nobody is representing The
Telegraph. Since this matter also concerns online gaming, Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology be made a party. Notice be
issued to the said Ministry. All parties are permitted to file replies.
Adjourned. Next date will be communicated to the parties.”
If approved, a copy of the above reply may be forwarded to
the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting reminding them to file
detailed submissions.
 In response to Council’s supplementary show-cause notice
dated 15.12.2023, the respondent-Shri Kamlesh Shah, Editor, Valsad
Darpan vide his written statement dated 21.12.2023 has submitted
that in compliance of the Council’s order dated 27.5.2021, the
complainant-Ma Vishambhari Dham Charitable had sent their version
on 13.10.2021 to them for publication but they did not publish the
same because the complainant did not furnish documentary
evidence along with their version. The respondent has informed that
before sending the version, the complainant invited them on phone to
visit Ma Vishambhari Dham Charitable and collect their version but
he denied to visit and asked them to send their version so that he
publish the same in accordance with the Council’s order. The
respondent has further submitted that vide his communication dated
11.11.2021 addressed to the PCI, he expressed their inability to
publish the version of the complainant due to lack of evidence. A
copy of the same was also sent to the complainant but they did not
provide any documentary evidence in support of their version.
Thereafter, the complainant vide his letter dated 13.12.2021
addressed to PCI had referred a false police case lodged against him
and thereby tried to mislead the Hon’ble Council. The respondent
has stated that after receiving the letters from the PCI, he contacted
the complainant to provide the version for publication along with
documentary evidence but they did not provide the same till date.
The respondent has assured that if the complainant provides the
version along with documentary evidence, he will publish the same.

Giving reference to the complainant’s letter dated 2.1.2024

whereby the complainant sent his version for publication, the
respondent-Shri Kamlesh Shah, Editor, Valsad Darpan has
addressed a letter dated 6.1.2024 to the complainant, along with an
endorsement to the PCI, stating that he will publish the same in his
newspaper but he will not be responsible in relation to reference of
one Shri Virendra Chawda as given in Paragraph 4.0. The
respondent has stated that he is publishing the same in accordance
with the direction of the Council.
 Tour Plan of the Sub-Committee of Press Council of India

S.No. Date Travel Plan

1 30.1.2024 The Sub-Committee will reach in Raipur (night stay at

Raipur)

2 31.1.2024 The Sub-Committee will go to Jagdalpur early morning

by car and hold meetings in Jagdalpur to meet local
journalists, editors and the District Magistrate,
Superintendent of Police and senior officers of Central
Security Forces. The Committee also prefer to visit
Dantewada. Night stay will be at Jagdalpur.

3 1.2.2024 The Sub-Committee will return to Raipur and interact

& with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary,
2.2.2024 the Director General of Police and higher officers of
the security forces.
The Sub-Committee will also interact with the
editors/journalists/correspondents covering conflict
area situations. (Night stay at Raipur on 1.2.2024 and
2.2.2024)
3 3.2.2024 The Members of the Sub-Committee will depart from
Raipur to their respective destination Delhi,
Bhubaneswar and Imphal.

During the visit of the Committee assistance is required from Government as

per details below:-
1. Suitable accommodation for Committee Members
2. Conveyance for Committee members
3. Security for Committee Members
4. A suitable Liaison Officer
5. Secretarial assistance
 Shri Jaishankar Gupta, Member, PCI and the
Convenor of the Sub-Committee to evolve guidelines for
the Media and Security Forces on reporting in conflict
situations and to organize activities particularly in North-
Eastern States, Naxal affected areas and Jammu &
Kashmir vide his email dated 14.1.2024 has informed that
the members of the committee agreed to visit Chhattisgarh
mainly Raipur, Jagdalpur and Dantewada w.e.f. 30.1.2024
to 2.2.2024. While forwarding their tour plan, he has
requested the Secretariat to coordinate with the
Government of Chhattisgarh and make necessary
arrangements accordingly.
Keeping in view the above, if approved, we may write
to the Government of Chhattisgarh as per draft letter
placed along with Tour Plan of the Sub-Committee on the
file for approval please.
 Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 121/Corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

122/Corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval please.

1. In response to Council’s supplementary show-cause notice
dated 15.12.2023, the respondent-Shri Kamlesh Shah, Editor, Valsad
Darpan vide his written statement dated 21.12.2023 has submitted that
in compliance of the Council’s order dated 27.5.2021, the complainant-
Ma Vishambhari Dham Charitable had sent their version on 13.10.2021
to them for publication but they did not publish the same because the
complainant did not furnish documentary evidence along with their
version. The respondent has informed that before sending the version,
the complainant invited them on phone to visit Ma Vishambhari Dham
Charitable and collect their version but he denied to visit and asked
them to send their version so that he publish the same in accordance
with the Council’s order. The respondent has further submitted that
vide his communication dated 11.11.2021 addressed to the PCI, he
expressed their inability to publish the version of the complainant due to
lack of evidence. A copy of the same was also sent to the complainant
but they did not provide any documentary evidence in support of their
version. Thereafter, the complainant vide his letter dated 13.12.2021
addressed to PCI had referred a false police case lodged against him
and thereby tried to mislead the Hon’ble Council. The respondent has
stated that after receiving the letters from the PCI, he contacted the
complainant to provide the version for publication along with
documentary evidence but they did not provide the same till date. The
respondent has assured that if the complainant provides the version
along with documentary evidence, he will publish the same.

2. The editor of Valsad Darpan has written to maa vishambhari dham

trust stating that they agreed to publish the version of maa vishambhari
dham dated 02.01.2024 despite many changes being carried out in the
said version. But vishambhari dham in para 4 of their new version has
mentioned one Virendra Chawda of Rajkot and the editor of Valsad
Darpan has warned maa vishambhari dham they (i.e., Valsad Darpan)
will not be responsible for any legal proceedings in respect of the
mention of the name of Virendra Chawda. Valsad Darpan is only
publishing the version of maa vishambhari on the direction of the PCI.

3. The respondent Editor of World Times has reiterated his stance and
then stated that they were not informed by the complainant about the
SCA no. 17605/2019 not even during the hearing on 23.02.2021 did
the complainant informed about the case. The editor of World Times
has further informed that they have published the complainant's version
in 2021. They have also apologised if they have inadvertently
disobeyed the orders of the Council.

4. The Editor of Dakshin Gujarat Vartman has reiterated their stance

and further stated they have published the complainant's version on
18.11.2023 and after this they have not received any other version
either from the complainant or from the Council. They have also
apologised if they have inadvertently disobeyed the orders of the
Council. The respondent has further stated that they were not
informed by the complainant about the SCA no. 17605/2019 not even
during the hearing on 23.02.2021 did the complainant informed about
the case.

5. The respondent editor of Dakshin Gujarat Vartman has written to

Maa Vishambhari Dham stating that they agreed to publish the
version of maa vishambhari dham dated 02.01.2024 despite many
changes being carried out in the said version. But vishambhari dham
in para 4 of their new version has mentioned one Virendra Chawda
of Rajkot and the editor of Dakshin Gujarat Vartman has warned
maa vishambhari dham they (i.e., Dakshin Gujarat Vartman) will not
be responsible for any legal proceedings in respect of the mention of
the name of Virendra Chawda. Dakshin Gujarat Vartman is only
publishing the version of maa vishambhari on the direction of the
PCI.

6. The complainant Naa Vishambhari Dham trust has forwarded their

version to the respondent newspapers vide their letter dated
02.01.2024.

7. The authorized person of complainant Maa Vishambhari Dham

vide his letter dated 28.12.2023 has requested the Press Council of
India to take action in as per the directions of the Hon'ble High Court
and further stated that it would be injustice to conduct the inquiry
again. The complainant again requested to instruct the newspapers
to publish the complainant's version and take strict action against the
respondent newspapers for the contempt of the order. The
complainant also requested to cancel the registration of these three
newspapers.

8. The editor World Times vide his letter dated 5.1.2024 has stated
that they agree to publish the version of maa vishambhari dham
dated 02.01.2024 despite many changes being carried out in the said
version. But vishambhari dham in last para of their new version has
mentioned one Virendra Chawda of Rajkot and the editor of Valsad
Darpan has warned maa vishambhari dham they (i.e., Valsad
Darpan) will not be responsible for any legal proceedings in respect
of the mention of the name of Virendra Chawda. Valsad Darpan is
only publishing the version of Maa Vishambhari on the direction of
the PCI.

The above all communications may be taken on record.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 689-688/corr.

Order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages 691-

690/corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval please.

 The District Magistrate, Jaunpur vide his communication dated
24.12.2023 has forwarded a joint investigation report dated
20.12.2023 of Ms. Neha Mishra, Sub-Divisional Magistrae, Kerakat,
Jaunpur and Shri Gaurav Sharma, Circle Officer, Kerakat, Jaunpur
wherein, while reiterating earlier report, it has been stated that certified
evidence has been found on the allegations of demanding Rs.20,000/-
by threatening to make the video viral of died animals in the
investigation.
It has been further stated that the accused filed a Criminal Writ
Misc. Petition No.5524/2023 before the Hon’ble High Court of
Allahabad where the Hon’ble Court in its order dated 10.4.2023
directed the Gram Pradhan to file the reply within three weeks.
It has also been stated that after the investigation, a
chargesheet No.A-157/2023 dated 4.7.2023 under section
504/506/384/429 of IPC and 3(2) of SC/ST Act against (1) Pankaj
Singh (2) Arvind Yadav and (3) Adarsh Mishra and under section
504/506/384/429 of IPC against (1) Shri Vinod Kumar has been filed
before Hon’ble Court.
Report of the respondent may be taken on record.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 137/corr.

Order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Pages

140-138/corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval please.

As per order of the Inquiry Committee, a draft letter addressed to

respondent with copy to Shri Parag Karandikar, Member, PCI has been
prepared and placed on the file for approval please.
 The Superintendent Grade-I, Information & Public Relations
Department, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh vide his letter dated
8.1.2024 has informed that Shri Puneet Pal Singh Gill, District Public
Relations Officer, Ludhiana has been authorised to file reply and
appear for hearing time-to-time Inquiry Committee of the Council on
behalf of the respondent No.1 & 2 i.e. the Chief Secretary and the
Director, Information & Public Relations Department, Government of
Punjab.
The above communication of the respondent may be taken on
record.
Draft meeting note is placed on the file for approval please.
 Council’s letter dated 1.12.2023 sent to the complainant has
been received back undelivered from the postal authorities with
remarks “थाना सिविल लाइन्स पर बताया की इस नाम का कोई नहीं
है”, however, the same was served on the complainant through
WhatApp.
Draft meeting note is placed on the file for approval please.
The FR at S.No.1 was circulated before the Inquiry Committee.

The FR at S.No.2 was recently received in the Secretariat on

9.1.2024.

The FRs at S.No.3 & 4 were circulated before the Inquiry Committee.

The FR at S.No.5 was received in the Secretariat on 9.1.2024.

The FR at S.No.6 was received in the Secretariat on 5.1.2024.

The FR at S.No.7 was handed over by the complainant at the time of

hearing.

The FR at S.No.8 was received in the Secretariat on 10.1.2024.

It is submitted that all the respondents are agreed to publish

the complainant’s version and the complainant has also forwarded
his version to the respondents for publication in accordance with the
direction of the Inquiry Committee. Therefore, no action is warranted
on the above FRs.
Draft adjourned order is placed for approval please.
 The complainant-Shri Munish Gupta, Editor, Early Times,
Jammu vide his letter dated 11.1.2024 has submitted that the
Hon’ble Council vide its decision dated 17.11.2023 had directed the
respondent-Information & Public Relations Department, Government
of Jammu & Kashmir to look into the issue of releasing the
government advertisements to his newspaper. The complainant has
further submitted that the Hon’ble Council had also directed him to
send a representation to the respondent department for release of
advertisements that have remained block since 2019. The
complainant has further submitted that he sent his representation to
the respondent department on 12.12.2023 requesting them to
release the government advertisements to his newspaper but till date
he has not received any response from them. He has requested the
Council to direct the respondent department for releasing the
government advertisements to his newspaper in accordance with the
Council’s decision.
It is submitted that the Council in its decision dated
17.11.2023 has directed that the complainant should file a proper
representation placing all facts before the respondent-Jammu &
Kashmir Government requesting that his case may be reviewed. The
Jammu & Kashmir Government is directed to consider the
complainant’s case independently and without being influenced by
the earlier adjudication order passed by the Press Council on
29.5.2019. If the overall conduct of the complainant’s newspaper is
good, the Jammu & Kashmir Government should adopt a conciliatory
approach. The respondent assured that on receipt of that complaint
the Jammu & Kashmir Government will consider it in the light of its
Policy independently and in accordance with law and without being
influenced by the earlier adjudication order dated 29.5.2019 as early
as possible at any rate within a period of three weeks from the date
of receipt of this order.
Keeping in view the above, if approved, while forwarding a
copy of the complainant’s above communication, the respondent
department may be asked to furnish Action Taken Report in the
matter at the earliest.
1. The complainant-Choudhary Amar Singh Johri, Investigative
Journalist, Akhiri Koshish, Panipat, Haryana vide his undated letter,
while reiterating his complaint that he is being deprived from the
government journalistic facilities and advertisement, has requested the
Council to pass order to the respondent-Government of Haryana to
make arrangements to provide him basic facilities of journalism.
It is submitted that the instant complaint has been filed by
Choudhary Amar Singh Johri, Investigative Journalist, Aakhiri Koshish,
Panipat (Haryana) against Government of Haryana for allegedly
discrimination in grant of accreditation/advertisements and basic
facilities to the journalists.
According to the complainant, Information, the respondent-
Public Relations & Languages, Government of Haryana is not granting
him accreditation despite submitting all required documents as per
Haryana Media Accreditation Rules. The complainant has stated that
the local authorities are delaying the matter by giving wrong
information to the higher authorities. The complainant has alleged that
the District Information & Public Relations Officer, Panipat always tried
to complicate the matter. Allegation of noncompliance of Press
Council’s earlier decision dated 17.11.2011 has also been levelled by
the complainant against the Government of Haryana. The complainant
has also filed a complaint before the Harayana Human Rights
Commission, Chandigarh.
In response to Council’s notice, the District Information & Public
Relations Officer, Panipat vide his comments dated 25.10.2021 has
submitted that the size of the newspaper of the complainant is a
printed format on ordinary legal paper (both sides) and as per
policy of Haryana Media Accreditation Rules-2017, accreditation
is given only to the journalists, who publishes at least four full
size or eight tabloid size newspapers. The respondent has further
submitted that the accreditation could not be given to the complainant
as per Haryana Media Accreditation Rules-2017. Denying the
allegation of discrimination, the respondent has stated that the Media
Centre located in Panipat is opened to all journalists.
The Joint Director (Press), Information, Public Relations &
Languages Department, Govt. of Haryana, Chandigarh vide comments
dated 25.11.2021 has submitted that the complainant is habitual of
making such type of complaints and a number of similar
representations/complaints of the complainant are being received in
their office through various quarters in the past. According to the
respondent, apart completed other formalities, the complainant is
not publishing his newspaper as prescribed under the Haryana
Media Accreditation (Amendment) Rules, 2017. As per these rules,
a monthly newspaper is to be published with 04 full size or 8
pages of tabloid size and having circulation not be less than 2,000
copies per publishing day, whereas the complainant is publishing
his newspaper on legal size paper, which is not covered in
existing rules. Accordingly, the complainant’s case for grant of
 press accreditation was filed. The respondent has stated that the
Inquiry Committee of the Press Council of India in its meeting

held on 22.10.2018 was also dismissed the complaint of the

complainant.
The complainant vide his communication dated 2.3.2020 has
stated that the respondent has tried to mislead the Council by giving
false facts in the reply. The complainant has further stated that his
newspaper printed on a legal size paper (both side) having
circulation figure of 20,000 copies per publishing day, which is
more than 04 full size pages or 8 pages of tabloid size
newspapers. The complainant has further stated that the
accreditation is given only to the dearest newspapers by the
respondent department.
The complainant vide his further communication dated
31.12.2021 has informed that he is distributing 10,000 to 1,00,000
copies of his daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly newspaper
and now due to financial constraints he is distributing 20,000
copies of his newspaper free of cost to the general public. The
complainant has stated that his newspaper fulfills all the conditions
laid down in the Haryana Media Accreditation Rules, 2017.

2. In his another case i.e. F.No.114/2021/B placed below, the

complainant-Choudhary Amar Singh Johri has alleged that the
respondent department deprived him from collection of news him
during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown stating that as per government
guidelines only accredited journalists could gathered information
during lockdown from 3.5.2021 to 10.5.2021.
In reply thereto, the respondent-Joint Director (Press),
Information Public Relations and Language Department, Haryana
has stated that the guidelines issued by the Haryana Government
during Lockdown in the COVID-19 epidemic were issued keeping in
view the health of the general public and the decision to provide
Covaxin or Covishield was taken by the health department. The
respondent has stated that the complainant is habitual of filing
complaints from time to time to the Chief Minister portal, Press
Council of India and Election Commission etc.The respondent has
stated that the complainant had made complaint to the Chief Election
Officer, Chandigarh in June, 2019 for not issuance of polling and
counting authorization letter which could not be issued due to non-
availability of passport size photographs of the complainant. The
respondent has stated that apart from this, the complaints made by
the complainant regarding press accreditation and non-payment of
pension were also filed by the Press Council of India. The
respondent has requested the Council to file the complainant’s
complaint.
It is submitted that the Council in its adjudication dated
15.11.2018 (Flag-A) had decided –
 “The grievance of the complainant is that he is not being given
the accreditation card as also pension. According to him he ought to
have been given accreditation in view of the Order of the Press

Council of India in File No. 13/22/09-10-PCI. It is an admitted position

that the purported newspaper on the basis of which the
complainant seeks accreditation is of 2 pages. The Haryana Media
Accreditation Rule inter-alia provides that the accreditation shall be
given to those journalists who are working for a 4 full page newspaper
or 8 paper tabloid size newspapers. The complainant does not fulfil the
aforesaid requirements. As regards the pension, the complainant is not
an accredited journalist and therefore not entitled to pension.”
With aforesaid observation the Council dismissed the case.

Another grievance of the complainant regarding non-collection

of news during pandemic period is beyond the jurisdiction of the
Council keeping in view the advisory issued by the Government of
Haryana during COVID-19.

Keeping in view the earlier decision of the Council, if approved,

both the matters may be treated as closed for being lack of substance.
 Council’s letter dated 18.12.2023 sent to Shri
Dayashankar Singh (Respondent No.5) was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
“प्राप्तकर्ता घर पर नहीं है”.
Council’s letter dated 18.12.2023 sent to Smt. Shail
Devi (Respondent No.6) and Smt. Shail Devi (Respondent
No.6) was received back undelivered from the postal
authorities with remarks “Refused”.
Council’s letter dated 18.12.2023 sent to Shri
Ramakant Singh (Respondent No.7) was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks
“Refused”.
Since the above said respondents continuously
denying to accept the Councils’ letters, if approved, the
above letters may be sent through the Station House Officer
concerned along with Notice for Hearing.

The complainant vide his email dated 7.1.2024 has

forwarded a copy of communication dated 30.12.2023
addressed to the Superintendent of Police, East
Champaran, Motihari by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer,
Areraj, Mohtihari, whereby while referring the case
No.320/21 dated 8.8.2021 registered by the complainant in
relation to murder of his son, he has stated that certain
instructions have been given to the Investigating Officer to
collect concrete evidence and do in-depth analysis by
comprehensively analyzing the accused Tuntun Pandey,
Santosh Tripathi and Rajneesh Singh and the mobile Call
Detail Report (CDR). He has further stated that presently
the case is under investigation. He has requested to
conduct a CBI investigation into this case and get justice by
running a speedy trial.
The above communication may be taken on record.

Draft meeting note is also placed for approval please.

 Draft meeting note is placed on the file for approval please.

It is submitted that the Inquiry Committee in its order dated

25.9.2023 had directed to seek reply/suggestion/inputs from the
Ministry of Electronic & Information Technology. It further directed since
this matter also concerns online gaming, Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology be made a party.

In response thereto Ministry of Electronic & Information

Technology informed that online betting platforms pertains to Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting and completely outside the purview of
Ministry of Electronic & Information Technology (MeitY). The MeitY
further stated that the inputs from Ministry of Electronic & Information
Technology (MeitY) may be treated as NIL.

Keeping in view the above, orders are also sought whether

Ministry of Electronic & Information Technology (MeitY) be made a
party in the matter or not.
 Shri Gaurav Khare, Joint Director, Central Bureau of
Communication (CBC), New Delhi vide his letters dated 1.1.2024 has
sent action taken reports on the cases Censured by the Press
Council, which are as follows:
S.No. Subject Action Taken Report
1 Complaint of Shri This newspaper will be
Biswaranjan Beura, Puri suspended from CBC panel for
against The Times of India, 2 months for second offence as
Nagpur per Clause 17(vii) of Print Media
Policy, 2020 after the approval
of Director General, CBC.
2 Complaint of Shri This newspaper will be
Biswaranjan Beura, Puri suspended from CBC panel for
against Maharashtra Times, 15 days for first offence as per
Nagpur Clause 17(vii) of Print Media
Policy, 2020 after the approval
of Director General, CBC.

Submitted for information please.

 The counsel for the respondent newspaper has sought
adjournment due to his ill-health.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page

117/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Page 118/corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for approval

please.
 The complainant-Mrs. Namita Tiwari vide her email
dated 28.12.2023 has informed that her advocate is out of
station and she has sought adjournment of the matter.

The respondent-Editor, Pralap vide his letter dated

27.12.2023, received in the Secretariat on 1.1.2024, has
informed that he is unwell and he is sending his
representative to attending the hearing.
 The superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh vide his
letter dated 03.12.2023, while reiterating his earlier reply,
has submitted that during the investigation it is found that
the cause of death of Shri Sulabh Srivastava is the internal
injuries occurred due to skidding of his motorcycle. It has
been further stated that the call details record of mobile no.
8707892541 and other suspicious numbers did not reveal
any significant facts. The technical test report of vehicle no.
UP 72 Z 6358 revealed that the rear brake, pedal, front
mudguard, right foot-rest are either broken or damaged
and the lock of the battery cover is broken. It has been
further stated that a thorough investigation into the matter
did not reveal any facts of involvement of alleged person
Ballabh Pandey in the matter. The superintendent of
Police, Pratapgarh has requested that the case may be
disposed of.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Page 121-

120/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at

Page 122/corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file for

approval please.
Reference pre-page

It is submitted that another letter dated 19.1.2024

issued to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of
India, New Delhi has also been received back undelivered
from the postal authorities with remarks “Without Section
Incomplete Address”.
It is submitted that after searching on website, it has
been found that there are five Secretaries in the Ministry of
External Affairs including Foreign Secretary (Flag-A).
Accordingly, Notice for Hearing has been prepared in
accordance with the direction of the Inquiry Committee that
“to send a person conversant with the issues involved to
assist the Inquiry Committee on next date of hearing” and
the same is placed on the file for approval please. After its
approval the same may be sent through emails.

A reminder to the Protector of Emigrants, Ministry of

External Affairs, Government of India, Mumbai office is also
placed on the file for approval please.

Draft Meeting Note is also placed on the file for

approval please.
 It is submitted that Government of Chhattisgarh was
requested vide Council’s letter dated 27.3.2024 to fix dates
of the visit of the Sub-Committee (to evolve guidelines for
the Media and Security Forces on reporting in Conflict
situation particularly in North Eastern States, Naxal
affected areas and Jammu & Kashmir) for three days as
per their convenience under intimation to the Council, but
received no response from them.
If approved, a reminder may be issued to the
Government of Chhattisgarh as per draft letter placed on
the file for approval please.
 FR at Page 265/Corr.
The complainant-Secretary, Birbhum Journalist Welfare
Associations vide his letter dated 19.12.2023 has sought adjournment
of the case due to non-availability of the rail tickets.

FR at Page 266/Corr.
The respondent-Superintendent of Police, Birbhum vide his
letter dated 21.12.2023 while informing that Poush Mela, 2023 under
Santiniketan Police Station, Birbhum will be conducted on and from
24.12.2023 has sought adjournment of the matter.

FR at Page 272-268/Corr.
Shri Deb Prasad Mondal, ASI of Police, Police Station Tarapith,
Birbhum vide his letter dated 25.12.2023 informed that he has been
transferred to Bolpur Police Station, Birbhum. He has informed that he
is awfully busy and his superior authority will not permit him to go to
New Delhi and moreover he received the notice dated 5.12.2023 on
22.12.2023 and as such in short duration it is not possible to him to
attend the hearing on 28.12.2023. He has requested to adjourn the
case. He has also produced copies of enquiry reports dated
26.9.2019, 6.11.2019 and 22.5.2023 of Shri Prasenjit Datta, Officer-in-
Charge, Police Station Tarapith; Shri Bijoy Kumar Ghosh, CI,
Rampurahat, Birbhum and the Sub-Inspector, Police Station Tarapith
wherein it has been stated that the allegations levelled by the
complainant are false and fabricated.
A copy of the above communication may be forwarded to the
complainant.

FR at Page 274-273/Corr.
Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri, Member, PCI vide his email dated
19.12.2023 has sent message of Shri Surendra Gupta, IAS, Divisional
Commissioner, Burdwan Division, who was directed by the Inquiry
Committee to conduct inquire into the matter, wherein it has been
stated that due to urgent official engagements, he is unable to
conduct enquiry. He has sought time till 10 th January, 2024 for
submitted the report.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 276-275/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Page
277/corr.
 Draft adjourned order is placed on the file approval please.

The complainant vide his letter dated 25.12.2023, handed

over at the time of hearing, while reiterating his complaint has
requested to take necessary action in the matter.
Above communication may be taken on record.
 Notice for Hearing issued to Shri Monirul Shaikh, Reporter,
Anand Bazar Patrika, Kolkata (Respondent No.2) was received back
undelivered from the postal authorities with remarks “Refused”.
However, the same was emailed to Anand Bazar Patrika on
22.12.2023 with a request to serve the same to his Reporter, Shri
Monirul Sheikh.
 Ms. Zakia Roohi, Assistant Director PR, Govt. of Madhya
Pradesh has submitted a letter dated 29.12.2023, at the time of hearing,
informing that the train of the representatives of District Administration
and the District S.P., Raisen is reportedly late and requested to adjourn
the matter.

An email dated 26.12.2023 was received from Shri Atul Khare,

Joint Director, Directorate of Public Relations, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh
whereby he forwarded an order dated 26.12.2023 authorising Shri
Sanjay Saxena, Joint Director, Madhya Pradesh Information to attend
the hearing.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 206/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Page

207/corr.

Draft adjourned order is placed on the file approval please.

 The Authorised Signatory, M/s Dainik Bhaskar Corp. Ltd. (the
respondent) vide his letter dated 3.1.2024 has submitted Undertaking
stating that their newspaper has stopped the publication of such
advertisements and their newspaper has already developed the
mechanism for screening such advertisement before publication. He
has further stated that they will take outmost caution that no such
advertisement will be published, which violates that relevant
section/norms of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable
advertisements) Act, 1954, Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and
Norm Journalist Conduct, Edition-2019.
The Undertaking submitted by the respondent may be taken
on record and placed before the Inquiry Committee in its next
hearing/meeting.
 The respondent-M/s Som Distilleries vide his written submission
dated 29.12.2024, handed over at the time of hearing, while reiterating
his earlier submission has requested that the complaint of Pradesh
Today may be dismissed with exemplary cost as they are maligning the
image of media and press as whole in public by publish such news
article irresponsibly without doing any due diligence and appropriate an
action may be taken against Pradesh Today as they have published
impugned articles without any substance and material and have
tarnished the image of their company.
A copy of the above communication may be forwarded to the
complainant-Pradesh Today.
 FR at Pages 174-161/corr.
The Superintendent of Police, Sambhal vide his letter dated
27.12.2023, handed over at the time of hearing, has reiterated his
earlier reply.
If approved, the same may be taken on record.
 The complainant Shri Ravish Kumar Mani vide his email dated
29.12.2023 has apprehended danger to his life due to publication of
critical writings. He has informed that the state government is not
providing him security. He has requested the Council to take necessary
action in the matter.
The above communication of the complainant may be taken on
record.

The Director General of Police, Bihar Police, Patna vide his

email dated 27.12.2023 has forwarded a report dated 20.12.2023 of the
Divisional Police Officer, Paliganj, Patna. It has been stated in the
report that the matter was investigated by the Station House Officer,
Police Station Bikram, Patna, who in his investigation report dated
20.12.2023 has stated that during the investigation of the complaint,
they went to complainant’s house, but he was not there. His neighbour
told the police that the complainant has not been living here for the last
10 years and comes here occasionally. On contacting over phone, the
complainant has informed that presently he is residing at Ramnagari,
Police, Station Rajivnagar, Patna and he is being threatened to kill by
the sand/liquor/land mafias over phone due to publication of critical
writings in Tarun Mitra newspaper. In this regard, he filed a complaint to
the Police Station Rajivnagar, Patna. It has been further stated that the
Police Station Rajivnagar in their report has informed that the
complainant illegally encroached a land of Housing Board. It has also
been informed that two cases i.e. No.207/2009 under Section
302/307/324/323/34 of IPC and 27 of Arms Act and case No.183/11
under Section 467/468/420 of IPC. In both the cases, chargesheet
No.42/10 dated 19.3.2010 and No.177/12 dated 31.8.2012 have been
filed.
A copy of the above communication of the respondent may be
forwarded to the complainant.
 The Superintendent of Police, Kushinagar (Respondent No.4)
vide his report dated 25.12.2023, handed over at the time of hearing,
has submitted that an investigation report in the matter was received
from Shri Sandip Verma, Circle Officer, Khadda, Kushinagar and it
has been found that the Sub-Inspector, Shri Ved Prakash (the
respondent No.5) arrested Shri Sirjesh Yadav (the complainant) on
22.8.2019 under section 151 for disturbing the law and order and
Hon’ble Court challaned under sections 107/116/151, due to which
the complainant was malicious towards the respondent and started
complaints through his newspaper. It has been further stated that the
complainant was violating the Covid guidelines during the lockdown
on 26.3.2020 due to which he was stopped by the respondent and a
report was registered in daily-dairy in local police station on
27.3.2020 in this regard. It has been also stated that the police
recovered prohibited liquor from the real sister of the complainant
and a case was registered against her. Further, earlier on the
complaint of one Smt. Shakuntala Rai a case No.565/16 under
Section 147/447/506 of IPC was registered against the complainant’s
family members, in which chargesheet No.A-373 dated 2.12.2016
was filed. Being annoyed with these police actions, the complainant
publishes news against the local police.

Respondent No.5-Shri Ved Prakash Singh, Sub-Inspector,

Police Station Ramkola, Kushinagar (presently posted at Police
Station Turkpatti, Kushinagar) vide his letter dated 29.12.2023,
handed over at the time of hearing, while reiterating his earlier
submission has added that many cases were filed against the
complainant and his family members due to which the complainant
maliciously files these complaints against the police by levelling false
and fabricated allegations. He has stated that the allegations levelled
in the complaint could not be proved during the investigation
conducted by the Circle Officer, Khadda, Kushinagar.
Copies of the above communications received from the
respondents may be forwarded to the complainant.
 The Superintendent of Police, Balrampur vide his
communication dated 26.12.2023 has submitted report dated
22.12.2023 of Circle Officer (City), Balrampur wherein it has been
informed that the trial has already been started of the case and one
witness is examined. Next date of hearing is fixed on 30.1.2024.
The above communication may be taken on record.

Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 174/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Page

176-175/corr.

Draft adjudication order is placed on the file approval please.

 Shri Jaishankar Gupta, Member, PCI and the
Convenor of the Sub-Committee to evolve guidelines for the
Media and Security Forces on reporting in conflict situations
and to organize activities particularly in North-Eastern
States, Naxal affected areas and Jammu & Kashmir vide his
email dated 16.2.2024 has furnished revised dates of visit of
the Committee to Chhattisgarh w.e.f. 1.3.2024 to 4.3.2024.
While forwarding their tour plan, he has requested the
Secretariat to coordinate with the Government of
Chhattisgarh and make necessary arrangements
accordingly.
Keeping in view the above, if approved, we may write
to the Government of Chhattisgarh as per fair letter placed
on the file for signature of the Secretary please.
 Tour Plan of the Sub-Committee of Press Council of India

S.No. Date Travel Plan

1 1.3.2024 The Sub-Committee will reach in Raipur on 1.3.2024

(night stay at Raipur)

2 2.3.2024 The Sub-Committee will go to Jagdalpur early morning

by car and hold meetings in Jagdalpur to meet local
journalists, editors and the District Magistrate,
Superintendent of Police and senior officers of Central
Security Forces. The Committee also prefer to visit
Dantewada. Night stay will be at Jagdalpur on
2.3.2024.

3 3.3.2024 The Sub-Committee will return to Raipur and interact

with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary,
the Director General of Police, Commissioner/Director,
Information & Public Relations Department and higher
officers of the security forces.
The Sub-Committee will also interact with the
editors/journalists/correspondents covering conflict
area situations. (Night stay at Raipur on 3.3.2024)
4 4.3.2024 The Members of the Sub-Committee will depart from
Raipur to their respective destination Delhi,
Bhubaneswar and Imphal.

During the visit of the Committee assistance is required from Government as

per details below:-
1. Suitable accommodation for Committee Members
2. Conveyance for Committee members
3. Security for Committee Members
4. A suitable Liaison Officer
5. Secretarial assistance

The Superintendent of Police, Barabanki vide his further reply

dated 26.12.2023 while reiterating his earlier report has added that the
next date of hearing of chargesheet no.405 is fixed on 3.1.2024.
The respondent has further submitted that on the complaint of
one Shri Dilip Kumar Dixit, a case No.441/2023 under Section
323/504/506 of IPC dated 20.11.2023 was registered against Shri Vipin
Sharma (the complainant) and Sachin Sharma. After investigation, a
chargesheet No.393 has been filed before the Hon’ble Court and next
date of hearing of the case is fixed on 14.2.2024.
Above reply of the respondent was placed before the Inquiry
Committee at the time of hearing and the same may be taken on
record.
Attendance of the parties may be seen at Pages 298-297/corr.

Draft order of the Inquiry Committee may be seen at Page 300-

299/corr.

Draft adjudication order is placed on the file approval please.

 Press Council of India

Item No. 1 Confirmation of Draft Minutes of the Council

meeting held on 29.5.2024.

Meeting Note

Draft Minutes of the Council meeting held on 29.5.2024 were

forwarded to the members of the Council on 5.7.2024 for amplifications

and suggestions, if any, with a week from the date of receipt of this

letter. However, there is no response.

Draft Minutes of the Council meeting held on 29.5.2024 are placed

before the Council for confirmation.

Enclosures:

1. Draft Minutes of the Council meeting held on 29.5.2024

 Shri Gurbir Singh, Member, PCI vide his email dated
22.3.2024 has forwarded Report of Sub-Committee
regarding retrenchment of journalists by the Media Houses
during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. He has
requested to place the report before the Council for
discussion/approval in its forthcoming meeting scheduled
to be held on 28.3.2024.
Submitted for orders please.
 Next meeting of the Inquiry Committee-I may be convened in the
month of April, 2024 at New Delhi. Competent Authority is requested to
finalise the dates of the meeting, if approved, i.e. on April 24-26, 2024
(three days). After finalise the date, notices will be sent to the Members
of Inquiry Committee-I and parties concerned. Agenda of the same has
also been prepared and placed on the file for approval please.
List of Ripe Cases may be seen at Flag-A
List of Adjourned matter may be seen at Flag-B
Reference Under Secretary (M)’s remarks at overleaf, it is
submitted that total 60 cases are to be listed before the
Inquiry Committee-I in its forthcoming meeting (for three
days - dates of the same are yet to be fixed). It is further
submitted that due to shortage of staff in the Meeting
Section, it is difficult to prepare the meeting notes/papers
on time. Besides, the staff working at present in the
Meeting Section is also fresher. Therefore, competent
authority is requested to fix the dates of meeting of Inquiry
Committee in May, 2024 i.e. on May 8-10, 2024 (no
election at that period) so that work of the same could be
done smoothly.

Agenda of the Inquiry Committee is also placed for

approval please.
A short Note on the Sub-Committee to examine the
retrenchment of journalists by the Media Groups during
COVID-19 period

The Council took suo-motu cognizance when it came to the notice of the
Press Council that a large number of journalists were retrenched during COVID-19
pandemic by the several Media Groups i.e. The Telegraph, Hindustan Times Media
Ltd., Times Group, Sakal Times, Gomantak Times, Vikatan Media Group, the Hindu,
Business Standard, Daily Etemaad, The Siasat Daily.
The Inquiry Committee of the Council considered these matters in its meeting
held on 10.12.2020 and 17.12.2020 and inter-alia recommended as follows:
“One of the objectives of the Council is to preserve the freedom of press and
to keep under review any development likely to restrict the supply and
dissemination of news of public interest and importance. Security of service is basic
requirement for independence of journalist and once it is threatened, the freedom is
compromised.
Undoubtedly, a large number of journalists have lost their jobs in the recent
period. For its comprehensive Study, the Inquiry Committee deems it expedient
to constitute a Committee consisting of Shri Rakesh Sharma (Rashtradoot)
and Shri Jaishankar Gupta, Members of the Press Council of India in which
Shri P. Sainath, Shri Krishna Prasad and Shri Gurbir Singh are included as co-
opted Members. Shri Jaishankar Gupta will be the Convenor of the Sub-
Committee. It is made clear that the Sub-Committee is not to examine the service
conditions of each of the employees who have lost their jobs.”
The Sub-Committee held sitting on 21.1.2021 at New Delhi.
Meanwhile, the term of the 13th Press Council ended and the 14th Press
Council was formed. Therefore, the matter regarding formation of new Sub-
Committee on the issue was placed before the Council in its meeting held on
26.10.2021 at New Delhi. The Council constituted Sub-Committee comprising
of Prof. J.S. Rajput, Shri Gurbir Singh, Shri Prajnananda Chaudhuri, Shri L.C.
Bhartiya as members and Shri P. Sainath and Shri Snehasis Sur as its co-
opted member.
Further, matter discussed by the Council in its meeting held on
28.2.2023 resolved to nominate Shri Snehasis Sur, Sr. Journalist (Email-
[email protected]) as co-opted member of the Sub-Committee.
The Council in its meeting held on 29.5.2023 decided to hire a Research
person, who can collect relevant data and provide a basic report with remuneration
amounting to Rs.50,000/- per month for a period of two months initially and
thereafter to another two months, if required, through GeM or other extant
provisions.
 Accordingly, a work order dated 31.5.2023 was issued to the agency
and research assistant was provisionally nominated to assist the Sub-
Committee with effect from 1.8.2023 for a period of two months initially, for a
stipend of Rs.50,000/-. In this regard, an appointment letter was issued to Shri
Cyril Sam on 22.8.2023.
As per Report submitted by the Sub-Committee during the meeting of
the Council on 28.3.2024 (yet to be ratified by the Council), it has been stated
that the public hearings were held at Press Club of India on 28.10.2023;
Mumbai Press Club on 4.11.2023 and Kolkata Press Club on 2.11.2023.
Reference at overleaf

File handed over by the Secretary Sir,

It is submitted that the Inquiry Committee-I in its meeting held

on 29.12.2023 had nominated Mr. Jaishankar Gupta, Member, Press
Council of India to enquire into the matter of arrest of Shri Sanjay
Rana, Journalist for questioning the Minister,
Smt. Gulab Devi in Sambhal. Accordingly, order of the Inquiry
Committee was forwarded to all concerned.
It is further submitted that Mr. Jaishankar Gupta in a
WhatsApp message, received through Secretary sir, had informed
that due to his ill-health he is unable to visit Sambhal. He has further
expressed his inability to do such work due to his busy schedule and
withdrawing his name.
Keeping in view the above, the Competent Authority is
requested to nominate Mrs. Arti Tripathi (Member of Inquiry
Committee-I) to enquire into the matter and submit the report as the
matter is to be again heard by the Inquiry Committee-I in its
forthcoming meeting scheduled to be held in May 8-10, 2024.
Submitted for orders please.
 Shri Subrata Adhikary, President, All Bengal Editors &
Journalists Association, Kolkata vide his complaint dated 11.12.2014
has alleged that the Government of West Bengal issued direction for
arresting of the journalists while collecting of news at Nabannya
Building (Headquarter of Govt. of West Bengal). The Government
denied that no journalist is allowed except at Press Corner in Nabannya
Building for collection of News.
A Report on facts of the case was called for from the
Government of West Bengal, Kolkata on 13.1.2015.
A Preliminary Report on the facts of the case was also called
from Shri Ravindra Kumar, former Member, PCI on 13.1.2015.
The matter was heard by the Inquiry Committee twelve times. In
the last hearing on 22.10.2018, it passed following orders:-
“The attention of the Inquiry Committee has been drawn to the
Order dated 12.10.2018 passed by the Calcutta High Court in Writ
Petition No.16421 (W) of 2018 (State of West Bengal and others Vs.
Press Council of India and others) whereby the Hon’ble Calcutta High
Court has stayed the order by which Summons were issued for
appearance of the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary,
Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
The Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta directed the matter to be
listed on 20th November, 2018. The Inquiry Committee directs for
adjournment of the case awaiting order of the Calcutta High Court.”
It is submitted that Writ Petition No.10966 of 2017 has been
disposed of by order dated 16.5.2017 (Judgement may be seen at
Flag-A).
If approved, the matter may now be placed before the Inquiry
Committee in its forthcoming meeting scheduled to be held on May 9-
10, 2024 at New Delhi.
Reference direction at overleaf

Shri Parag Karandikar, Member, PCI, who has been

nominated by the Inquiry Committee to conduct enquiry into the
matter of cases filed against the journalists in Jaunpur for performing
journalistic duty, vide his further email dated 23.4.2024 has stated
that the chargesheet has already been filed in the present case.
Therefore, our law does not permit to conduct any enquiry, which is
pending before court of law.
He has requested to consult with Hon’ble Chairperson that
whether it will be fit in ambit of our scope to conduct enquiry into the
matter, which is pending before court of law. He has also pointed out
that whether police will co-operate with committee during the period
of Lok Sabha Election.
File is submitted for consideration/orders please.

Press Council of India

It is submitted that Dr. Waqar Ahmed, Research Officer

(U), Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi visited PCI’s office on
22.4.2024 and met Under Secretary(M) and undersigned in
relation to issuance of Notice for Hearing to Dr. Muzamil
Rehman, Assistant Adviser (U), Ministry of AYUSH.
Dr. Waqar Ahmed vide his email dated 22.4.2024 has
informed that Dr. Muzamil Rehman has been transferred
and at present Drug Policy Section, Ministry of Ayush is
being looked after by Dr. Madan Lal Meena, Under
 Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. He has also given contact
details of Dr. Madan Lal Meena.
Keeping in view the above, the Notices for Hearing,
relating to the matters of Ministry of AYUSH, may be issued
to Dr. Madan Lal Meena in respective files.

Reference Deputy Secretary’s direction at overleaf

It is submitted that the Council in its meeting held on

28.3.2024 confirmed the draft minutes of the Council’s
meeting held on 17.11.2023. However, Mr. Gurbir Singh,
Member, PCI pointed out that the matter with regard to
“Newsclick” was raised and discussed under “Any Other
Item” on 17.11.2023 as it was an issue concerning freedom
of press and this ought to have been mentioned in the
minutes dated 17.11.2023. (Flag-A).
It is further submitted that the matter with regard to
“Newsclick” was again discussed by the Council on
28.3.2024 (Flag-B).
Keeping in view the above, Minutes of the Council’s
meeting held on 17.11.2023 have been revised accordingly
and placed (as at Flag-C) for approval please.
 The complainant vide his letter dated 6.7.2020 has informed that a protest was
held by the journalists on 26.6.2020 in relation to the said incident. Thereafter, the
Circle Officer, Mohammadi, Khiri assured them that an FIR of the incident will be filed
in the Police Station Pasgava. Order in this regard was given to Shri Adarsh Kumar
Singh, Station House Officer, Pasgava, Khiri over mobile but no action was taken by
him. The complainant has further informed that the FIR was not registered against
Shri Manish Choudhary, Constable and history-sheeter Ahmed by taking huge bribe
from them. According to the complainant, he went to the Police Station Pasgava
again on 4.7.2020 for registering the case. Annoyed with this, the Station House
Officer, Pasgava abused him badly, threatened to kill, and snatched his mobile and
also taken his signature on a plain paper. He has requested the Council to take
necessary action against the Superintendent of Police, Khiri, Additional
Superintendent of Police, Khiri, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Khiri and the
Station House Officer, Pasgava, Khiri for not taking cognizance in the matter.
 It is submitted that the applicant-Shri Anoop Kumar Mishra,
Journalist, Sitapur (U.P.) had filed a complaint against the police
authorities for allegedly harassing him.
The matter was placed before the Inquiry Committee in its
meeting held on 23.2.2024 at New Delhi. Shri Anoop Kumar had sent a
letter stating that his brother has died. Therefore, the Inquiry
Committee adjourned the matter.
Thereafter, Shri Anoop Kumar filed an RTI application levelling
allegations of taking bribe from the opposite parties by using
derogatory remarks/personal and unfortunate comments against the
undersigned i.e. Section Officer (Meeting) and Shri J. Shailendra,
Under Secretary (Meeting).
It is submitted that the allegation levelled by Shri Anoop Kumar is
totally false and unsubstantiated.
It is further submitted that Shri Anoop Kumar is continuously
writing to the Council such type of comments/remarks.
It is further submitted that the matter is to be again heard by the
Inquiry Committee in its forthcoming meeting scheduled to the held on
June 26-28, 2024 at New Delhi.
Submitted for information/order please.
 It is submitted that the complainant-Shri Anoop Kumar filed an RTI application
levelling allegations of taking bribe from the opposite parties against the Section
Officer (Meeting) and Shri J. Shailendra, Under Secretary (Meeting) of the Secretariat
of the Press Council of India. The complainant has also used derogatory
remarks/personal and unfortunate comments against the above officers in several
letters. It is further submitted that Shri Anoop Kumar is continuously writing to the
Council such type of comments/remarks.
 Item No.21 (listed on 27.6.2024)
As per direction of Hon’ble Chairperson, the written statement submitted by Shri
Hemraj Meena as at Page 27-32 has been revised
Written Statement dated 7.3.2021 filed by Shri Hemraj Meena, Superintendent of
Police, Basti (Respondent No.5)

Shri Hemraj Meena, Superintendent of Police, Basti vide written statement

dated 7.3.2021 has stated that the complaint is false, baseless and far from truth and
the complainant levelled these allegations against him with a view to hide his illegal
acts. The respondent has informed that one Shri Ramnewaj alias Gammaj was shot
dead on 28.10.2019 and on the complaint of his wife a case No.240/2019 was
registered and accused were arrested on 29.10.2019 and chargesheet was filed on
25.12.2020. The respondent has submitted that the complainant had published a
news item under the caption “वाह रे बस्ती पुलिस.....तेरी महिमा अपरम्पार,
गिरफ्तार आरोपी ब्राह्मण का तोडवाकर फेंकवाया जनेऊ” on 3.11.2019 in Jan
Sandesh Times. The respondent has submitted that an investigation of the said
news item was conducted by the then Addl. Superintendent of Police, Basti and it
has come to the light there was a land dispute between one Smt. Vijay Laxmi and
Krishan Kumar and after and both the parties filed cases against each others. In both
the cases final report has been filed. The respondent has further submitted that it
has been further found in the investigation that the contents of the above said news
item were false and it was published with malafide intention by the complainant.

The respondent has submitted that following cases are registered against
him:-

 Shri Vivek Kumar Gupta registered a case No.566/2019 under Section 500/506
IPC and under Section 66 of IT Act against the complainant regarding death
threats and also posting the threats message on social media. A charge sheet
dated 6.3.2020 has been filed before the Hon’ble Court in the matter, which is
under consideration.
 Shri Rahul Pathak (son in law of the complainant) registered a case No.576/2019
under Section 420/406/504/506 against the complainant on 12.1.1.2019 accusing
the complainant for taking Rs.14 lakh in the name of job and also threatening him
to kill, when he asked to return the money. A chargesheet dated 17.3.2020 has
been filed before the Hon’ble Court, which is under consideration.
 Smt. Priti Srivastava, a journalist registered a case No.577/2019 under Section
354(c)/500/509 of IPC against the complainant on 13.11.2019 for passing hatred
comments against her. A chargesheet dated 2.3.2020 has been filed before the
Court of law, which is under consideration.
The respondent has alleged that the complainant is a criminal nature person
and indulged in yellow journalism and following cases were also registered against
him in the past too:

 Smt. Shanti Devi registered a case No.2350/2013 under Section

341/323/504/506 of IPC and 3(1) SC/ST Act against the complainant on
12.12.2013 for threatening her and using casteist words. A chargesheet dated
6.3.2014 has been filed before the Court of law, which is under consideration.
 Smt. Laxmi registered a case No.539/2014 under Section 376/342/494/323/504
of IPC and 3(2) SC/ST Act against the complainant on 4.8.2014 regarding rape
her, threatened her to kill and using casteist words. A chargesheet dated
25.10.2014 has been filed before the Court of law, which is under consideration.
 Shri Nitesh Sharma, Media Incharge of Member of Parliament, Basti registered a
case No.81/2019 under Section 504/506/499/500 of IPC against the complainant
on 27.5.2024 regarding threatening him and the Member of Parliament. A
chargesheet dated 14.7.2019 has been filed before the Court of law, which is
under consideration.
The respondent has submitted that a Challan has also been produced before
the Hon’ble Court by the Police Station Kotwali against the complainant in a Case
No.Nil/2020 dated 24.3.2020 under Section 3/4 of Goonda Act, which is pending
consideration. The respondent has submitted that six cases have been registered
against the complainant on the basis of evidence and charge-sheets have been filed
in these cases. The respondent has stated that the image of the complainant is not
good in the area. In the past, the complainant was caught red-handed by his wife
and daughter in an objectionable position with a woman and a video of this incident
got viral. Denying the allegation that he threatened the complainant in his office on
4.11.2019, the respondent has stated that the complainant is pressurizing the police
and the public in the garb of journalism. The respondent has submitted that the
Assistant Director, Information, Basti vide letter dated 13.4.2020 has informed that
no press accreditation has been issued to the complainant by the Information
Department.

Item No.41 (listed on 28.6.2024)

As per direction of Hon’ble Chairperson, the Gist of the Report dated 22.2.2024
submitted by the Circle Officer, Police Station Thana Bhawan, Shamli as at
Page 63-69 has been prepared

The Superintendent of Police, Shamli vide his written statement dated

22.2.2024 has submitted that the investigation of the matter was conducted by the
Circle Officer, Thana Bhawan, Shamli, who has forwarded a copy of the Investigation
Report dated 22.2.2024.
The Circle Officer, Thana Bhawan, Shamli in his report has submitted that the
complainant was requested over mobile on 17.2.2024, 19.2.2024 and 21.2.2024 to
appear their office for recording his statement but he did not appear. However, he
produced a copy of the complaint through WhatsApp on 21.2.2024. According to the
Circle Officer, the complainant informed him that he is outstation. Therefore, the
investigation was started on basis of the allegations levelled in the complaint.
The Investigation officer has submitted that during the investigation,
statements of the respondents in the matter were recorded, which are as follows:
Statement of Shri Rakesh Kumar, Sub-Inspector (Respondent No.7)
 Shri Rakesh Kumar, Sub-Inspector stated that the then Sub-Inspector Shri
Kamal Kishore investigated the matter with regard to the allegations levelled by the
complainant against him and others regarding snatching gold chain and misbehaving
with his wife etc. on 10.3.2020. During the investigation, the allegation found to be
baseless. While the fact is that Shri Sanawar and Shri Rajpal of Mohalla Jogiyan
given a complaint on 13.3.2020 to the Police Station Thana Bhawan, Shamli against
the complainant for extortion of money in the garb of journalism and also abusing
them under intoxicated position. It has come to light that the complainant does not
pay money to the vendors of fruits and juices. Therefore, the complainant was
advised to pay the money to them. The investigation was conducted by him and it
has come to the light during investigation that Shri Rajpal is a vegetable seller and
Shri Sanwar has an egg shop and the complainant did not pay their money. In this
regard, action under section 107/116 of Cr.P.C. was taken against both the parties in
order to maintain law and order. Therefore, the complainant was malicious towards
him.
Statement of Shri Irfan (Respondent No.10)
Shri Irfan, Shamli has stated that the complainant demands money from him
alleging that he is an illegal firecracker in the year 2019, while he possess a license
to sell firecrackers. He has stated that he refused to fulfil the demands of the
complainant. He further stated that an argument occurred between the complainant
and one Mr. Sanawar on 10.3.2020 and after hearing the same, he reached there.
Thereafter, the complainant filed a complaint against him in Police Station Thana
Bhawan on 10.3.2020. He denied the allegations levelled by the complainant against
him. He also stated that he has never visited the complainant’s home.

Statement of Shri Rishipal (Respondent No.11)

Shri Rishipal Saini, Shamli stated that he has been elected as Councillor from
Mohalla Chhipian from the year 1995 to 2022. He further stated that the complainant
demanded Rs.5,000/- from him but he refused to pay. He has stated that an
argument occurred between the complainant and one Mr. Sanawar on 10.3.2020
and after hearing the same he reached there. Thereafter, the complainant filed a
complaint against him and others in Police Station Thane Bhawan on 13.3.2020.
Thereafter, a complaint was also filed by him against the complainant. He also stated
that he has never visited the complainant’s home.
Statement of Shri Shiv Kumar (Respondent No.8)
Shri Shivkumar, Shamli stated that the complainant demanded Rs.500/- from
him in the garb of journalism and when he refused, the complainant was malicious
towards him. An argument occurred between the complainant and one Mr. Sanawar
on 10.3.2020 and after hearing the same he also reached there. Thereafter, the
complainant filed a complaint against him in Police Station Thana Bhawan on
13.3.2020 regarding molesting complainant’s wife.
The Circle Officer has submitted that the statements of the independent
witnesses were also taken and all the statements were similar.
 The investigation Officer has further submitted that the complainant was
under intoxicated position on the day of incident i.e. on 10.3.2020 and there was an
argument and manhandling occurred between the complainant and Shri Sanawar
over money. He has also stated that Mr. Irfan and other persons were not involved in
the matter. He has stated that the complainant extorts money in the garb of
journalism and also habitual to file false complaints to the authorities. During the
investigation it was found that case No.538/08 under Section 363/366 of IPC and
case No.198/15 under Section 147/452/323/354b/506 of IPC were also registered
against the complainant in Police Station Thana Bhawan.
The Circle Officer has further submitted that the matter was investigated by
Shri Rakesh Kumar, Sub-Inspector (Respondent No.7) and action under section
107/116 was taken by him against both the parties in view of maintaining law and
order. The Circle Officer has further stated that due to this reason the complainant is
annoyed with Shri Rakesh Kumar. The Circle Officer submitted that the complainant
is criminal nature person and two cases are registered against him in Police Station
Thana Bhawan. The respondent has stated that the complainant has made
exaggerated complaint with a view to put pressure on the police.
Item No.21
Translation of details of cases as at Page 32

S.No. Details of cases filed against complainant Status

1 Smt. Shanti Devi registered a case A chargesheet dated
No.2350/2013 under Section 341/323/504/506 6.3.2014 has been filed
of IPC and 3(1) SC/ST Act against the before the Court of law,
complainant on 12.12.2013 for threatening her which is under
and using casteist words. consideration.
2 Smt. Laxmi registered a case No.539/2014 A chargesheet dated
under Section 376/342/494/323/504 of IPC and 25.10.2014 has been
3(2) SC/ST Act against the complainant on filed before the Court of
4.8.2014 regarding rape her, threatened her to law, which is under
kill and using casteist words. consideration.
3 Shri Nitesh Sharma, Media Incharge of A chargesheet dated
Member of Parliament, Basti registered a case 14.7.2019 has been
No.81/2019 under Section 504/506/499/500 of filed before the Court of
IPC against the complainant on 27.5.2024 law, which is under
regarding threatening him and the Member of
 Parliament. consideration.
4 Shri Vivek Kumar Gupta registered a case A charge sheet dated
No.566/2019 under Section 500/506 IPC and 6.3.2020 has been filed
under Section 66 of IT Act against the before the Hon’ble
complainant regarding death threats and also Court in the matter,
posting the threats message on social media. which is under
consideration.
5 Shri Rahul Pathak (son in law of the A chargesheet dated
complainant) registered a case No.576/2019 29.12.2019 has been
under Section 420/406/504/506 against the filed before the Hon’ble
complainant on 12.1.1.2019 accusing the Court, which is under
complainant for taking Rs.14 lakh in the name consideration.
of job and also threatening him to kill, when he
asked to return the money.
6 Smt. Priti Srivastava, a journalist registered a  A chargesheet
case No.577/2019 under Section dated 2.3.2020 has
354(c)/500/509 of IPC against the complainant been filed before
on 13.11.2019 for passing hatred comments the Court of law,
against her. which is under
consideration.

The respondent has submitted that a Challan has also been produced before
the Hon’ble Court by the Police Station Kotwali against the complainant in a Case
No.Nil/2020 dated 24.3.2020 under Section 3/4 of Goonda Act, which is pending
consideration.

It is submitted that the Government of Chhattisgarh

vide Council’s letter dated 27.3.2024 was requested to
make necessary arrangements for the Members of the Sub-
Committee of the Council on evolving guidelines for the
Media and Security Forces on reporting in conflict situations
particularly in North-Eastern States, Naxal affected areas
and Jammu & Kashmir, but no confirmation was received
from the Government of Chhattisgarh.
If approved, the Members of the Sub-Committee may
be asked to send revise dates of their visit as per draft letter
placed on the file for approval please.
 Shri Jaishankar Gupta, Member, PCI and the
Convenor of the Sub-Committee to evolve guidelines for
the Media and Security Forces on reporting in conflict
situations and to organize activities particularly in North-
Eastern States, Naxal affected areas and Jammu &
Kashmir vide his email dated 6.7.2024 has furnished
revised dates of visit of the Committee to Chhattisgarh
w.e.f. 31.7.2024 to 4.8.2024. He has further stated that
other members of the Sub-Committee viz. Shri Prasanna
Mohanty and Dr. Khaidem Athouba Meitei also given their
consent. While forwarding their tour plan, he has requested
the Secretariat to coordinate with the Government of
Chhattisgarh and make necessary arrangements
accordingly.
 Keeping in view the above, if approved, we may write
to the Government of Chhattisgarh as per draft letter
placed on the file for approval please.

Tour Plan of the Sub-Committee of Press Council of India

S.No. Date Travel Plan

1 31.7.2024 The Sub-Committee will reach in Raipur on 31.7.2024

(night stay at Raipur)

2 1.8.2024 The Sub-Committee will go to Jagdalpur early morning by

car and hold meetings in Jagdalpur to meet local
journalists, editors and the District Magistrate,
Superintendent of Police and senior officers of Central
Security Forces. The Committee also prefer to visit
Dantewada. Night stay will be at Jagdalpur on 1.8.2024.

3 2.8.2024 The Sub-Committee will return to Raipur (Night Stay at

 Raipur)

4 3.8.2024 The Sub-Committee will interact with the Hon’ble Chief

Minister, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of
Police, Commissioner/Director, Information & Public
Relations Department and higher officers of the security
forces.
The Sub-Committee will also interact with the
editors/journalists/correspondents covering conflict area
situations. (Night stay at Raipur on 3.8.2024)
5 4.8.2024 The Members of the Sub-Committee will depart from
Raipur to their respective destination Delhi, Bhubaneswar
and Imphal.

During the visit of the Committee assistance is required from Government as

per details below:-
1. Suitable accommodation for Committee Members
2. Conveyance for Committee members
3. Security for Committee Members
4. A suitable Liaison Officer
5. Secretarial assistance

The matter was investigated by the Assistant Development Officer (Panchayat) and
the report submitted by him was examined by the District Development Officer,
Lakhimpur Khiri and it observed that many complaints were filed by the complainant
against various government authorities for non-release of advertisement bills, which
were prima facie found false because no evidence has been presented in the record
at any level regarding issuing of any order to issue advertisement to the newspaper.
Hence, in the absence of any documentary evidence, it will not be possible to
release payment. The respondent has further stated that the complainant has
mentioned the rates of advertisement on the letterhead of his newspaper by taking
signatures and stamps from the heads of the Gram Panchayats stating orders of
Panchayat, while before publishing any advertisement, no order was obtained from
the concerned Gram Panchayats to publish the advertisement. Moreover, Gram
Panchayats are autonomous governing bodies which take their own decisions
regarding the works and payments of Gram Panchayats. In such a situation,
pressure cannot be exerted on Gram Panchayats for payment. Hence, the
complainant allegations are not maintainable.