New Delhi: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) expresses deep concern over the prolonged delay in reconstituting the Press Council of India (PCI), which has remained non-functional for over eight months since the term of the 14th Press Council expired on October 8, 2024. This unprecedented delay has severely undermined the statutory body’s critical role in upholding press freedom and ensuring ethical journalism in India, leaving over 400 pending cases unresolved and journalists without a vital mechanism to address grievances.
The IJU wholeheartedly welcomes the Delhi High Court’s decision to issue notices to the Union government and the PCI following a writ petition filed by the Mumbai Press Club (MPC), seeking urgent reconstitution of the 15th Press Council. The court’s action, taken during its summer vacation on May 26, 2025, under Justice Sachin Datta, is a significant step toward restoring the PCI’s functionality. We urge the government and the PCI to promptly comply with the court’s directive and file their replies ahead of the next hearing scheduled for July 10, 2025.
IJU President Geetartha Pathak said, “The non-reconstitution of the PCI for over eight months is a serious blow to press freedom in India, particularly at a time when journalists face increasing challenges, including legal harassment and restrictions on reporting. The Delhi High Court’s notice is a ray of hope, and we call for immediate action to form the 15th Press Council to ensure that the media’s democratic role is protected.”
The IJU stands in solidarity with the MPC in its fight against arbitrary disqualifications from the PCI nomination process. We note with appreciation the Delhi High Court’s November 22, 2024, ruling, which upheld the MPC’s legitimacy, and reiterate that ongoing legal disputes cannot justify further delays, especially in the absence of any stay order.
The IJU calls upon the Union government and the PCI chairperson to expedite the reconstitution process without further delay. A functional PCI is indispensable for safeguarding the rights of journalists and the public, particularly in an era when institutional mechanisms for press freedom are under strain.
