New Delhi: Raising concern over the prolonged delay in reconstituting the Press Council of India (PCI), the Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government and the Council to explain the reasons behind the inaction.
The court, while hearing a petition filed by the Mumbai Press Club, has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Press Council to submit their responses within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for July 10.
The petition highlights that the Press Council — a quasi-judicial body meant to safeguard press freedom and uphold journalistic ethics — has been defunct for the past eight months. The term of the 14th Council ended on October 8, 2024, but the 15th Council has not yet been constituted.
According to the Mumbai Press Club, although the process to select new members began on June 9, 2024, it stalled midway due to unspecified delays. The petitioner urged the court to intervene and expedite the formation of the council so that this constitutional watchdog can resume its duties.
The Press Council, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, comprises 28 members — 20 elected representatives from media professionals including journalists, editors, and agencies, and 8 nominated members such as Members of Parliament and domain experts.
The petition argues that the absence of an active council has weakened mechanisms to ensure media accountability and ethical conduct. It appeals for urgent judicial intervention to restore the regulatory framework for the press.
The High Court, acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, stated it would only make a final decision after the government and the Press Council present their stand.
