New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Thursday reiterated the Press Council of India’s (PCI) norms for journalistic conduct, urging media professionals to maintain accuracy and editorial responsibility amid alleged misinformation surrounding protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a post on X, the PIB said, “Responsible journalism begins with distinguishing facts from conjecture, speculation, and opinion.”
Referring to the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, 2022, the bureau said journalists must uphold accuracy, exercise editorial responsibility and ensure that satire and commentary do not cross the line into defamation.
The PIB stressed that conjecture, speculation and opinion should not be presented as established facts, highlighting the importance of clear distinctions between verified information and commentary to maintain public trust.
It also noted that cartoons and caricatures intended as good-natured humour could be treated more liberally. However, the bureau cautioned that satire, despite being an accepted form of expression, should not be used to disguise defamatory statements.
The PIB further observed that words such as “incompetent” or “impotent” must be assessed in the context of political commentary to determine whether they are offensive.
The Press Council of India has repeatedly advocated restraint and caution in journalistic reporting, emphasising the need to balance press freedom with professional responsibility through self-regulation.
In a note on its website, the PCI said its objective was to create an environment in which the press, through self-regulation, maintains an appropriate balance between exercising its freedom and fulfilling its responsibilities.
Under Section 13(b) of the Press Council Act, 1978, the Council is mandated to build a code of conduct for newspapers, news agencies and journalists to promote high standards of reporting.
The PCI said it had developed principles over the years through its adjudications and other pronouncements, which journalists are expected to apply with appropriate judgement and adaptation while discharging their professional duties.
The reminder comes amid heightened tensions over protests linked to the SIR exercise. Separately, Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit has registered more than four FIRs against social media handles accused of spreading false narratives and attempting to disturb the national atmosphere.
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