The Information and Broadcasting Ministry, headed by Union Minister Smriti Irani, on Monday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists.

Accreditation of a journalist (both television and print) can be cancelled/annulled if news reported by him/her is found to be “fake”. “Noticing the increasing instances of fake news in various media, including print and electronic media, the government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists,” a press note from the Ministry said.

Complaints of “fake news” will be referred to the Press Council of India if it pertains to print media and to the News Broadcasters Association if it relates to electronic media. They will have to dispose of each complaint within 15 days. During the probe, the journalist’s accreditation will be suspended.