The Press Council Act, 1978

Summary of the Press Council Act, 1978

Objective

• Establish a Press Council of India to preserve the freedom of the Press.

• Maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.

Key Provisions

1. Establishment of the Press Council

• Body Corporate: The Press Council of India is a body corporate with perpetual succession.

• Composition:

• Chairman (nominated by a Committee consisting of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Speaker of Lok Sabha, and a member elected by the Council).

• 28 other members, including:

• 13 working journalists (6 editors, 7 non-editors, with a minimum of 3 editors and 4 non-editors from Indian language newspapers).

• 6 from the newspaper management sector (2 each from big, medium, and small newspapers).

• 1 from news agencies.

• 3 with expertise in education/science, law, and literature/culture.

• 5 Members of Parliament.

2. Term and Conditions of Service

• Term: 3 years for members, with the Chairman potentially serving up to 6 months after the Council's reconstitution.

• Conditions: Chairman is a whole-time officer with a salary determined by the Central Government; other members receive allowances/fees.

3. Powers and Functions

• Objects:

• Preserve Press freedom.

• Maintain/improve newspaper and news agency standards.

• Functions:

• Help newspapers maintain independence.

• Establish a code of conduct.

• Ensure high standards of public taste and citizenship.

• Review developments restricting news supply.

• Study foreign newspapers' impact.

• Promote a functional relationship among press professionals.

• Address ownership concentration affecting Press independence.

• Powers:

• Censure newspapers/news agencies/editors/journalists for unethical behavior.

• General powers similar to a civil court for inquiries.

• Levy fees from registered newspapers/news agencies.

4. Financial and Administrative Provisions

• Funding: Through fees, Central Government grants, and other contributions.

• Staff: Appointed by the Council, with terms and conditions determined by regulations.

• Reports: Annual reports and budgets to be submitted to the Central Government.

5. Miscellaneous

• Protection: Actions in good faith under the Act are protected from legal proceedings.

• Public Servants: Members and employees of the Council are deemed public servants.

• Rule Making: Central Government can make rules, with the Council's consultation once established.

• Regulations: The Council can make regulations, subject to the Act and rules, with certain requiring Central Government approval.