In exercise of the powers conferred by subsections 1 and 2 of section 25 read with sub section

## Report on the Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the "Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021" (hereinafter referred to as "the Rules"), as published in the Gazette of India on February 5, 2021. These rules establish the procedure for the Central Government (for the first Council) and the retiring Chairman (for subsequent Councils) to notify associations of persons eligible to be represented on the Press Council. Key findings include the establishment of a Scrutiny Committee to evaluate claims from associations, and the requirement for associations to have been registered for at least six years and not restrict membership based on religion, race, caste, or language. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the "Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021," based solely on the text provided in the official Gazette notification. The report aims to clarify the key provisions, intended beneficiaries, and anticipated outcomes of these rules for stakeholders in the press and media industry. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy*, establishing rules for the notification of associations of persons. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to establish a clear and transparent procedure for identifying and notifying associations of persons eligible to be represented on the Press Council, as per Section 5 of the Press Council Act, 1978. The objective includes ensuring the eligibility of associations by setting registration and operational requirements. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely problem/issue addressed:** The policy addresses the need for a defined process to identify and vet associations of persons to ensure fair and representative selection for the Press Council. The rules likely aim to standardize the process and prevent arbitrary selection of associations, promoting a more inclusive and representative council. The rules ensure that associations considered are legitimate and have a proven track record. The inclusion of the proviso in rule 4, regarding restriction of membership, indicates an intent to promote inclusivity and prevent discriminatory practices within represented associations. **5. Key Provisions:** The "Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021" establishes the following main components and rules: * **Short Title and Commencement:** The rules are named "Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021" and came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette (February 5, 2021). * **Definitions:** The rules define key terms such as "Act" (Press Council Act, 1978), "associations of persons," "Committee" (Scrutiny Committee), and "section." * **Notification Procedure:** The Central Government (for the first Council) and the retiring Chairman (for subsequent Councils) are responsible for inviting claims from eligible associations of persons through wide publicity in at least two widely circulated national daily newspapers. * **Eligibility Criteria:** Associations must be registered under relevant laws for at least six years before the last date of filing claims and must be continuously conducting business. They must submit certified documents as proof. Critically, the association's memorandum must *not* restrict membership based on religion, race, caste, or language. * **Scrutiny Committee:** A Scrutiny Committee is established, consisting of three members of the Council nominated by the Chairman. Members of the Scrutiny Committee must not be associated with any claimant associations. The Committee scrutinizes claims and submits a report to the Council. * **Council Decision:** The Council considers the Scrutiny Committee's report and makes a decision on notifying associations. If the Council's decision differs from the Scrutiny Committee's recommendations, it requires a three-fourths majority vote of members present and voting (excluding Scrutiny Committee members). In case of a tie, the Chairman has the casting vote. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these rules are: * Associations of persons falling under clause a, b, and c of subsection 3 of section 5 of the Press Council Act, 1978, who wish to be notified for representation on the Press Council. * The Central Government (specifically the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting). * The retiring Chairman of the Press Council (for subsequent councils). * The Press Council and its Chairman. * The Scrutiny Committee members. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Press Council, the Chairman of the Press Council, and the Scrutiny Committee are responsible for implementing these rules. * **Timelines or procedures:** * The Central Government/retiring Chairman must initiate the process of inviting claims by publishing notices in at least two national daily newspapers. * The Scrutiny Committee must scrutinize claims and submit a report to the Council. * The Council must make a decision after considering the report. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these rules are: * A more transparent and standardized process for notifying associations of persons for representation on the Press Council. * Ensuring that only eligible and legitimate associations are considered for representation. * Promoting inclusivity and preventing discriminatory practices within represented associations by prohibiting membership restrictions based on religion, race, caste, or language. * Strengthening the legitimacy and representativeness of the Press Council. **9. Conclusion:** The "Press Council Procedure for Notification of Associations of Persons Rules, 2021" establishes a framework for identifying and notifying eligible associations for representation on the Press Council. These rules aim to enhance the transparency, legitimacy, and inclusiveness of the Press Council by defining eligibility criteria, establishing a Scrutiny Committee, and promoting non-discrimination. The effective implementation of these rules is crucial for ensuring that the Press Council accurately represents the diverse interests of the press and media industry.

Key Entities Referenced