PMO snubs Smriti Irani’s circular on #FakeNews, orders withdrawal

Soon after the I&B ministry’s press release on punishment for fake news kicked up a storm on Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister stepped in, directing the withdrawal of the order.

The ministry circular had said the accreditation of a journalist could be permanently cancelled if the scribe was found generating or propagating fake news.

Leave the issue of fake news to the Press Council of India, the PMO has reportedly suggested now.

The ministry’s circular had said: “Noticing the increasing instances of fake news in various mediums including print and electronic media, the government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists. Now on receiving any complaints of such instances of fake news, the same would get referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to print media and to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) if it relates to electronic media, for determination of the news item being fake or not.”

According to the guidelines, if publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, the accreditation of the journalist would be suspended for six months for the first time and for one year in case of a second violation. The accreditation would be cancelled permanently if rules were violated for the third time.