Code of Ethics & DNPA

Code of Ethics & DNPA

 

Preamble

NewsMaharaj.com is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical journalism, transparency, and editorial integrity. As a responsible digital news publisher, we voluntarily align ourselves with the core principles laid down by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) and adopt practices that reflect our responsibility to readers and the democratic values of India.

This Code of Ethics outlines our editorial philosophy, operational guidelines, and legal commitments under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

1. Editorial Independence & Public Interest

We ensure editorial autonomy in all our journalistic practices. Editorial decisions are made without influence from political, corporate, or individual interests.

Our mission is to:

  • Disseminate truthful, verified, and balanced news
  • Promote transparency and public discourse
  • Uphold the constitutional values of secularism, democracy, and free expression

2. Accuracy, Fairness & Verification

We believe that accuracy is the foundation of credibility. All reports published on NewsMaharaj.com are:

  • Verified from multiple credible sources
  • Fact-checked by trained editorial staff
  • Edited to maintain fairness, objectivity, and context

We avoid:

  • Sensationalism
  • Clickbait headlines that distort facts
  • Publishing baseless or defamatory allegations without substantiation

3. Right to Reply & Updating Information

We honor the Right to Reply. If an article mentions a person, institution, or group in a critical or accusatory context, their version is sought and included.

If:

  • The reply is received later, it is added with a clear update
  • The party requests an update or clarification, and it is found valid, we carry it with transparency
  • The content is proven inaccurate, a correction, clarification, or retraction is promptly issued (see Correction Policy)

4. Protection of Minors and Victims’ Identities

We maintain sensitivity while reporting:

  • Sexual assault cases
  • Domestic violence
  • POCSO Act cases
  • Matrimonial or child custody disputes
  • Suicides or mental health-related issues

We do not disclose:

  • Names or images of victims/minors
  • Locations, schools, or workplaces
  • Visuals that may cause secondary trauma

5. Reporting on Religion, Caste & Communal Matters

NewsMaharaj.com recognizes its role in maintaining social harmony. We exercise utmost caution while covering:

  • Communal clashes or riots
  • Religious sentiments
  • Caste-based discrimination

All such coverage is based on:

  • Verified facts
  • Responsible language
  • A balanced presentation of viewpoints

We avoid incitement, hate speech, and any content that could disturb public order or peace.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

We fully respect and uphold:

  • Copyright laws (images, videos, text, designs, etc.)
  • Trademark laws
  • Licenses and fair use provisions

All third-party content is either:

  • Used with permission
  • Credited appropriately
  • Used under Creative Commons/fair usage if permitted

Upon request and submission of valid documentation, content found to infringe on IPR will be removed or edited immediately.

7. Obscenity, Morality & Section 67 of IT Act

We strictly adhere to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 that prohibit:

  • Publication of obscene or sexually explicit content
  • Any material depicting children in sexual acts

Our editorial team ensures content is free from:

  • Vulgarity
  • Unnecessary sensationalism
  • Objectification or indecent portrayal of individuals

8. Court and Legal Reporting

We cover legal and court proceedings with responsibility and neutrality. We avoid:

  • Interference in ongoing trials
  • One-sided interpretations of court proceedings
  • Disrespect towards judicial authorities

When required, we include disclaimers such as:

“The matter is sub judice and all views are based on publicly available information.”

9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism (Under IT Rules 2021)

As a news publisher and digital intermediary, NewsMaharaj.com follows the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

We have appointed a Grievance Officer to address user complaints regarding:

  • False or misleading content
  • Violation of legal rights
  • Breach of privacy or dignity
  • Non-compliance with journalistic norms

Contact Details of Grievance Officer:
📧  contact@demo.newsmaharaj.com
🕒  Complaints acknowledged within 36 hours
📆  Resolution within 15–30 working days

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