Code of ethics

Our code of ethics rests on two foundations: the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct (Edition 2022) and the Code of Ethics for digital news publishers in the Appendix to the Information Technology Rules, 2021. Below is what they mean in our daily work.

The codes we follow

• The Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, under the Press Council Act, 1978.
• The Programme Code under section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, as the Appendix to the Information Technology Rules, 2021 applies it.
• We do not publish any content that the law prohibits.

Among other things, this means: nothing obscene or defamatory; no deliberate falsehood or suggestive half-truths; nothing that incites violence or attacks religions or communities; and nothing in contempt of court.

Accuracy and verification

• We check facts before we publish, and never present rumour or guesswork as fact.
• When a story makes an allegation, we seek the response of the person or organisation concerned; if we cannot get it, we say so.
• When a story rests only on an FIR, we say so plainly, and remember that the truth of the allegations is for a court to decide.
• Headlines match the story beneath them; we do not twist what people say.
• We keep news, opinion and advertising clearly apart.

Fairness and the right of reply

• We present all the important sides of an issue.
• Anyone we write about has the right of reply, and we publish their reply free of charge. See the corrections policy
• We mention caste, religion or community only when the story needs it, and avoid reporting that deepens divisions in society.
• We do not conduct trials by media in cases before the courts.

Privacy and sensitive reporting

• We do not intrude into anyone’s private life unless the public interest requires it.
• As the law requires, we do not reveal the identity of victims of sexual offences or of children: no name, photograph, address or any detail that could identify them.
• In reporting suicide, we avoid describing the method and sensational headlines, and we say where help is available.
• We do not glorify violence, obscenity or harmful social practices.
• In reporting accidents and disasters, we respect the dignity of those affected.

Independence and integrity

• We do not publish news for money or gifts (paid news), and sponsored content is clearly marked “Sponsored”. See our advertising policy
• Our reporters do not take money or gifts from anyone for a story. If that ever happens, please tell us.
• We protect information given to us in confidence, and the identity of our sources.
• We credit other people’s words and photographs, and we do not plagiarise.
• A translated story says clearly that it is a translation.

Mistakes and complaints

When we make a mistake, we correct it openly: see the corrections policy. If you believe our content breaches this code, file a grievance on the grievance redressal page.

This code was last updated on 13 October 2026.