Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ordered the withdrawal of a fake news directive by Smriti Irani’s information and broadcasting ministry. (Photo: File/PTI)

Hours after the ministry of information and broadcasting issued a directive to regulate fake news that provided for penalties in case of journalists sharing or reporting fake news drawing a strong backlash from the media and opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning intervened and asked the ministry to withdraw the release issued on Monday night.

The Prime Ministers Office held that the decision on what constitutes fake news should be left to press agencies such as the Press Council of India (PCI) or News Broadcasters Association (NBA).

A clarification issued by the Ministry stated, This is to inform that press release on fake news regulation issued yesterday ie. 02 April 2018 stands withdrawn.

The PMs intervention came even as I&B minister Smriti Irani attempted to engage with senior editors and journalists on social media and offered to discuss the issue.

Several journalists and organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. Ministry of I&B is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisations wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of fake news and uphold ethical journalism, Irani tweeted on Tuesday morning, right before her ministry had to withdraw the directive.

Social media remained abuzz criticising the move as journalists as well as political adversaries of the BJP alleged the government of an attempt to muzzle free press.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, wrote, The PIB circular on fake news control is a brazen attempt to curb press freedom, a sure sign that the government has lost its way. We demand the immediate withdrawal of such a draconian move. And what about fake news spread by a political party on a regular basis ?.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, We fought for Press freedom during the Emergency, then against the Defamation Bill. We condemn this duplicitous move of Modi govt where in the garb of Fake News, it will attack all the news it finds uncomfortable. We stand for, and are committed to a free and independent Press.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, Sensing mounting anger on the fake news notification, the PM orders a U-Turn on his own order. One can clearly see a loss of control and panic setting in now.

The directive issued on Monday stated that complaints regarding fake news would be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to print media and to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) if it relates to electronic media, for determination of the news item being fake or not.

The agencies would complete the determination process within 15 days, the statement said.

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