Madras HC Directs Constitution Of Press Council Of Tamil Nadu Within 3 Months

FACTS OF THE CASE

• The High Court, while disposing of writ petitions which were moved by claimed journalist, S. Sekara, passed these orders.
• While the proceedings were done, the credentials of the journalist were put to question.
• In order to prove that he was a genuine journalist, the petitioner had produced six identity cards before the Court.

OBSERVATIONS MADE BY THE COURT

• The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to establish a Press Council of Tamil Nadu, to act as a State level media regulatory body to take down the fake journalists, paid news outlets and journalists involved in illegal practices.
• The Division Bench comprising of Justices N Kirubakaran and P Velmurugan had ordered the proposed PCTN and directed it to be constituted within 3 months and a High Court or Supreme Court judge should lead it.
• The Court also held that its members should be comprised of experienced and reputed journalists, retired civil servants and Indian Police Service officers.
• The Court was of the view that many media houses report news as their perspective.
• Paid news is creating havoc in the entire country.
• The Court also observed that the credentials of all the journalists should be checked on a priority basis.

DIRECTIONS ISSUED

• All the members would be on put on regular payroll of media houses and organisations, evidenced by salary slips, payment of TDS and circulation or viewership details.
• The Council would be held responsible for conducting and approving election to these clubs, unions and associations and management of the team, just after the approval by the boards.
• The proposed Press Council of Tamil Nadu would be in charge of the answer keys.
• After proper checking by the Press Council of Tamil Nadu, it would decide the allotment of houses, granting free pass to the journalists, etc.
• Amendments to the Accreditation Rules can be made within three months.
• To curtail the menace of fake journalists, the Council shall have power to identify fake journalists and lodge complaints against them.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ABOUT IT?