1. Core Principles: Accuracy, Fairness, and Transparency

• Accuracy: We are dedicated to the truth. We will verify information from multiple sources before publication, especially content from social media or unverified platforms. We will not publish misleading, baseless, or distorted information.
• Corrections: If an error is published, we will correct it promptly and transparently. Corrections will be given the same prominence as the original error to ensure our readers are fully informed.
• Fairness: We will present all sides of a story without bias. We will provide a “right of reply” and incorporate comments from individuals or parties about whom allegations are made, ensuring a balanced perspective.
• Transparency: We will be transparent about our newsgathering process and any potential conflicts of interest. We will clearly label and distinguish between news reports, opinion pieces, and sponsored or advertising content.

2. Respect for the Law and Public Interest

We will strictly adhere to the laws of India, including the Constitution, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and all relevant state and national statutes. Our reporting will be guided by the public interest. We will work to uncover and report on issues of public importance, holding those in power accountable.

3. Responsible Reporting on Sensitive Topics

• Communal and Religious Issues: We will report on communal and religious matters with extreme caution and restraint. Our aim is to promote harmony and understanding, not to incite hatred or violence. We will not publish inflammatory or derogatory content based on religion, caste, or community.
• Crime and Judicial Matters: We will uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” We will avoid speculating on the guilt of an accused person and will not publish sensationalized or prejudicial content that could impact a fair trial.
• Privacy and Dignity: We will respect the privacy of individuals and will not publish content that invades their private lives without a compelling public interest justification. We will be particularly sensitive in our reporting on women, children, and victims of crime, protecting their dignity and safety at all times. We will not publish obscene or defamatory content.

4. Accountability and Grievance Redressal

We have a tiered system for handling public complaints:

• Level 1: Internal Redressal: We have an internal grievance redressal mechanism. If you believe we have violated this code, you may submit a complaint directly to our Grievance Officer, whose contact information is available on our website. We will acknowledge your complaint within 24 hours and make our best effort to resolve it within 15 days.
• Level 2: Self-Regulation: As a digital news publisher, we are a member of a self-regulating body. If you are not satisfied with the resolution at Level 1, you have the option to escalate your complaint to this body for further review.
• Level 3: Government Oversight: We are committed to cooperating with the oversight mechanism of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as established under the IT Rules, 2021.

5. Protecting Intellectual Property

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. We will obtain permission before using copyrighted material, including text, photos, and videos, and will provide proper attribution to the original creators.