The Press Council of India’s statement that it has resolved to urge the government to rename it as Media Council and widen its ambit to cover the television channels and social media was disputed by a member on Tuesday, saying no such decision was taken.
K.S. Sachidananda Murthy, member of the Council and Resident Editor of Malayala Manorama daily, said in a statement that he was “surprised” that the council had issued such a press release. According to the release, the council at its meeting on Monday resolved to seek more powers and also for conversion into the Media Council, covering electronic and social media.
“The Press Council did not take such a decision. The members felt that such an important step needs to be discussed and it was decided to discuss the amendments to the Press Council Act at the next meeting of the Press Council,” Mr. Murthy said.
He has also written a letter to PCI Chairman Justice Markandey Katju, expressing surprise over the press release issued by the council.
“...it was the general consensus that the question of amendments to the Press Council Act, including giving more powers to the Council and bringing electronic and social media under the Media Council would be discussed at the meeting of the Press Council,” Mr. Murthy wrote in his letter.
Katju stands by statement
However, Justice Katju stood by the council statement that a resolution was passed. “It [Mr. Murthy’s claim] is not correct. It was a unanimous decision and he was party to that decision. I don’t know why he is saying this now,” he said over phone.
