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Delhi HC stays PCI’s order regarding ad in Hindustan newspaper
New Delhi: The Delhi high court stayed a directive passed by the Press Council of India (PCI) to government departments, which had effectively stopped government advertisements in some editions of the Hindi daily, Hindustan.
The directions were passed by the court while hearing a plea filed by Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd, which had challenged the PCI’s order, Live Law reported.
On 22 January, PCI had “censured” Hindustan newspaper stating that it had not clarified that a certain content printed in its Dehradun edition was an advertisement, as required by the norms of journalistic conduct framed by it. PCI also communicated the order to various governmental advertising agencies including the DAVP and sought an `action taken report’.
The counsel for Hindustan argued before the court, that even though the word ‘advt’ does appear in very small font size and print in the advertisement, the impugned order and the communication of the Press Council has, in effect, barred all government agencies from placing advertisements in the said newspaper. He also submitted that PCI’s order was "beyond the powers contemplated under Section 14 of the Press Council Act and was also arbitrary.”
After analysing the order, the court was of the opinion that it indeed gave the impression that government agencies cannot place any advertisements in the said newspapers, even though no such direction was part of the order. Therefore, it decided to stay the PCI’s order communicated to all government departments on 28 January to take action and submit the action taken report.
It further stated that the ramifications of the impugned communication can be quite detrimental to the financial health of the publication, if all government advertising is directed to be stopped due to an order of `censure’ passed by the Press Council.
The case was adjourned for next hearing on 22 April.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
