Context:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting declares Self-declaration certificate (SDC) mandatory for all new advertisements
Self-declaration certificate (SDC):
- Declaration signed by an authorized representative of the advertiser/advertising agency
- Certification ensures that –
- The advertisement does not contain misleading claims.
- The advertisement complies with all relevant regulatory guidelines, such as the Cable Television Networks Rules (1994), Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India etc.
Press Council of India (PCI):
- Statutory, quasi-judicial body that acts as a watchdog of the press freedom in India.
- Genesis – First set up in 1966 by the parliament on the recommendations of the First Press Commission under the chairmanship of Justice J.R Mudholkar.
- Functions under – Press Council Act 1978.
- Composition –
- Chairman and 28 other members.
- The Chairman is nominated by a committee of –
- Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- 1 representative of the council member.
- The Chairman, by convention, has been a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
- Term of the Chairman and the members – 3 years.
- Primary Function – Preserving the freedom of the press by maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and the news agencies in India.
- Powers –
- Adjudicates the complaints either against the Press for violation of journalistic ethics or by the Press for interference with its freedom.
- The council shall have the same powers throughout India as are vested in a Civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
- Every inquiry held by the council shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding under sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code.
- The decision of the council is final and can not be challenged in any court of law.
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Liberty of thought
(b) Economic liberty
(c) Liberty of expression
(d) Liberty of belief
Answer: (b)
