India edition

Himalayan Observer

Code of Ethics

Himalayan Observer is a publisher of news and current affairs content in India. We adhere to the Code of Ethics for such publishers set out in the Appendix to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The Code of Ethics

As required by the Code, we observe:

  1. the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978;
  2. the Programme Code under section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, to the extent it applies to our content;
  3. the rule that content which is prohibited under any law for the time being in force shall not be published or transmitted.

Our commitments

In applying the Code, Himalayan Observer commits to the following.

  • Accuracy. We report what can be verified, attribute information to its source, and distinguish facts from claims, analysis and opinion.
  • Fairness. We seek and fairly represent relevant perspectives on contested issues, and give people facing serious allegations in our reporting an opportunity to respond.
  • Right of reply and correction. We correct errors promptly and visibly, as set out in our Corrections Policy.
  • Privacy. We intrude on private lives only where a clear public interest justifies it.
  • Victims and children. We do not identify victims of sexual offences, or children in conflict with the law or in need of care and protection, as required by Indian law.
  • Communal harmony. We report on matters involving religious or other communities with care, avoid identifying communities in reports of violence where that serves no news purpose, and do not publish content likely to promote enmity between groups.
  • National security. We report on defence and security matters in the public interest without publishing information whose disclosure is prohibited by law or would endanger lives or operations.
  • Independence. Advertising and commercial relationships do not influence our editorial decisions; see our Advertising Policy.
  • Use of technology. Our journalists remain responsible for everything we publish, including any work done with the help of AI tools; see our AI Policy.

Complaints

Anyone who believes our content breaches this Code can complain to our Grievance Officer. See Grievance Redressal for the process and timelines.