New Delhi: After receiving widespread flak by the journalists and opposition over the norms on fake news, Prime Minister Narenrdra Modi ordered the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to cancel the guidelines. The Ministry has now issued a statement, stating the norms stand “withdrawn.”
In a press release issued by the I&B ministry, the guidelines had stated cancellation of accreditation to contain fake news, a decision which was dubbed as a step to muzzle the freedom of press.
As per the development now, the Prime Minister directed that the said press release be withdrawn and the decision over fake news should only be addressed by the Press Council of India.
The press release had stated that if the publication or telecast of fake news was confirmed, accreditation of a journalist would be suspended for six months in case of first violation, and for one year in case of a second violation. In case of a third violation, his or her accreditation would be cancelled permanently.
