Fake news row: Govt rolls back rules after Modi steps in for damage-control

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's quick intervention in the matter within hours shows that the PM is against the view of curbing the "freedom of press", the Press Council of India asserted

Journalist associations severely crtiticised the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's decision of stringent punishment for spreading fake news. 

In a joint statement, Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India, expressed their "deep concern". They said: "There is ample scope for introspection and reform of journalistic practices; yet a government fiat restraining the fourth pillar of our democracy is not the solution. 

A joint statement issued by the Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of Indi expressed their "deep concern" over the Monday