As a fallout of Siddique Kappan case and other cases where journalists misused their media credentials and accreditation to carry out activities which had an adverse impact on the internal and external security of the country, the ministry of information and broadcasting has amended the media accreditation policy.
According to the changed policy, an accredited journalist can lose the recognition if he or she “acts in a manner which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, and friendly relations with foreign states”. Accreditation can also be withdrawn for acts that are detrimental to public order, decency or morality, besides in case of contempt of court, defamation or incitement of offence.
During anti-CAA protests and Delhi riots, several media outlets played a role in flaring up communal passions which led to social unrest. Two Malayalam channels were taken off air for reporting fake news aimed at fanning communal passions. Media One, owned by Jamaat-e-Islami’s licence was withdrawn on account of this.
According to the new policy, accreditation can be suspended if a journalist or the media organisation he or she represents is found to have furnished false or forged information or documents. “In such an event, the journalist/ media organisation shall be debarred from accreditation for up to a maximum of five years but not less than two years, as may be decided by the CMAC (Central Media Accreditation Committee),” the Central Media Accreditation Guidelines-2022, announced on Monday, says.
Accredited media persons have been prohibited from using the words “accredited to the government of India” on public or social media profiles, visiting cards, letter heads or on any other form or published work.
The ministry is forming the CMAC, chaired by the principal director-general, PIB, and having 25 members nominated by the government. The committee will function for two years from the date of its first meeting and will be responsible for suspending the accreditation of journalists.
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