NEW DELHI: Surrendering before journalists pressure, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi has directed that the press release over fake news bewithdrawn. The PM said that the matter should only be addressed in PressCouncil of India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had on Monday issuedguidelines for accreditation of journalists to regulate fake news.

In the release, the ministry had said: “Noticing the increasing instancesof fake news in various mediums including print and electronic media, theGovernment has amended the Guidelines for Accreditation of Journalists. Nowon receiving any complaints of such instances of fake news, the same wouldget referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to printmedia & to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) if it relates to electronicmedia, for determination of the news item being fake or not.”

As per the guidelines issued, if the publication or telecast of fake newsis confirmed, the accreditation of the journalist would be suspended for aperiod of six months in the first violation and for one year in case of asecond violation. In case of a third violation, the accreditation would becancelled permanently.

Shortly after the press release Congress leaders objected its implicationsfor honest journalists, leading to a prompt rebuttal from Union MinisterSmriti Irani.

Patel tweeted: “I appreciate the attempt to control fake news but fewquestions for my understanding: 1. What is guarantee that these rules willnot be misused to harass honest reporters? 2.Who is going to decide whatconstitutes fake news? 3. Is it not possible that motivated complaints willbe filed to suspend accreditation until enquiry is on? 4.What is guaranteethat these guidelines will check fake news or is it an attempt to preventgenuine reporters from reporting news uncomfortable to the establishment?”