Centre passes 'Anti-Fake' news bill; Congress called it a move to harass journalists asks who will decide which news is false?

In a statement, the Narendra Modi government came up with certain rules to check fakes news. Information and Broadcasting ministry laid down the guidelines that journalist’s accreditation can be suspended only on the accusation of fake news and they can lose their credentials permanently for a repeat offence.

The guidelines came under public debate and discussions. Responding to a tweet last night, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said fake news complaints would be examined by the Press Council of India and the News Broadcasters Association (NBA).

Reacting to the guidelines, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel questioned the move and said that this rules can be misused by the establishment. Reacting on the issue, he said that who will decide what constitutes fake news.

“I appreciate the attempt to control fake news but few questions for my understanding:

1.What is guarantee that these rules will not be misused to harass honest reporters?

2.Who is going to decide what constitutes fake news ? ½,” Patel tweeted

Expressing his apprehension over the misuse of the rule, he said “3. Is it not possible that motivated complaints will be filed to suspend accreditation until enquiry is on?4.What is guarantee that these guidelines will check fake news or is it an attempt to prevent genuine reporters from reporting news uncomfortable to establishment?”