Code of Ethics
Good-faith draft aligned to Indian law. It is not legal advice and must be reviewed by a qualified Indian advocate before launch.
As a publisher of news and current affairs content, Janvani follows the Code of Ethics in Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which requires adherence to the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India (under the Press Council Act, 1978). These are the standards every report on Janvani is held to.
Accuracy and verification
We check facts before we publish. Claims need a source we can see. Names, places, dates, and quotes are verified. Where a fact cannot be confirmed, we say so or we do not publish it.
Fairness and right of reply
When a report makes a serious allegation against a person or institution, we seek their side before publishing and carry it fairly. Comment and fact are kept clearly separate.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and visibly, and note that a correction was made. A complaint about accuracy can be raised through our Grievances page.
Protection of sources and writers
We protect the identity of sources given in confidence, and our verified writers publish under pen-names. We do not disclose a writer's real identity except where compelled by a lawful order, and we resist over-broad demands.
Privacy and dignity
We do not intrude on private grief or private life without a clear public interest. We take care with images of victims, children, and bystanders, and we do not publish content that is obscene, defamatory, or that incites hatred or violence.
Communal harmony and public order
We report communal, caste, regional, and religious matters with restraint and accuracy, avoiding anything likely to inflame tensions or endanger public order, as the Norms require.
Independence
No advertising, no paid promotion, and no undisclosed conflicts of interest shape our reporting. Any material interest bearing on a report is disclosed.
Sources
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Part III (Code of Ethics); Norms of Journalistic Conduct, Press Council of India, under the Press Council Act, 1978. Full text at meity.gov.in, indiacode.nic.in, and presscouncil.nic.in.