Digital News Websites Ethics
Code of Ethics for citytehelka.com
City Tehelka, operated by JMDK Media Private Limited, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical and professional journalism. As a responsible digital news platform, City Tehelka aligns with the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Code of Ethics, which safeguards editorial independence, freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, and responsible dissemination of news and current affairs.
The purpose of this Code is to ensure ethical, transparent, and responsible practices in digital news publishing, while respecting the independence of journalists, editors, and publishers.
1. Adherence to Law and Journalistic Norms
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City Tehelka follows all applicable laws of India, including the Constitution, media-related legislations, provisions of IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
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We diligently follow accepted norms of journalistic ethics and professional conduct.
2. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness
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All efforts are made to avoid publication of inaccurate, baseless, or distorted content.
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Pre-publication verification is mandatory.
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Defamation, misrepresentation, and biased reporting are strictly avoided.
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Updates and corrections are made promptly with date stamps.
3. Right of Reply
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Reports involving allegations include responses from the concerned person or party.
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If responses are received later, they are incorporated with necessary updates.
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Requests for updates or clarifications by affected persons are addressed fairly.
4. Take Down, Delete or Edit
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If any news item contains false or inaccurate information, corrections are made after due verification.
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Entire articles may be taken down if found wholly inaccurate or misleading.
5. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights
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Copyright and intellectual property rights in text, photographs, graphics, and other materials are respected.
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Prior permission is sought before using copyrighted material, with due acknowledgement.
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Third-party trademarks or service marks are not used without authorization.
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Any verified claims of infringement are acted upon with edits, deletions, or takedowns as necessary.
6. Responsible Reporting
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Presumption of innocence is respected in reporting crime or sensational matters.
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Care is exercised in coverage of sexual harassment, rape, child abuse, domestic violence, and cases involving minors.
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Reporting avoids speculation and strictly adheres to facts.
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Content adheres to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, 2000, prohibiting obscene, sexually explicit, or child-exploitative material.
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Communal or religious disputes are reported with caution and restraint to maintain harmony and peace.
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Judicial matters are reported accurately without commentary that may prejudice proceedings.
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Privacy of individuals, especially those not in public life, is respected.
7. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
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City Tehelka follows the grievance redressal framework under the IT Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules.
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A Grievance Officer is appointed, with contact details published on our website.
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Complaints are acknowledged within 36 hours and resolved within one month.
8. Training and Awareness
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Regular training programs are conducted for editorial staff on applicable laws, including:
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The Constitution of India
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Copyright Act, RTI Act, Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act
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IPC, CrPC, Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO, and workplace harassment laws
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Staff are trained to avoid disclosure of victims’ identities, photographs, or sensitive personal details.
Conclusion
City Tehelka is committed to truth, fairness, accuracy, and accountability in all its journalistic practices. We pledge to uphold ethical standards of digital news publishing while maintaining editorial independence and the trust of our readers.