Mahanadu Media has voluntarily adopted the Code of Ethics outlined by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) to demonstrate our commitment to responsible digital publishing. The object of this Code is to outline high standards, ethics, and practices in digital news publishing while protecting our Constitutionally mandated freedoms.

The basic precepts of the Code of Ethics are to maintain the standards of digital publishing as well as protect and maintain the independence of journalists, content entities, and publishers.

1. Compliance with the Law

Digital news websites follow the laws of the land including the Constitution of India, the over 30 laws relating to the media, relevant provisions of IPC, CrPC, as well as the Information Technology Act, 2000, where applicable.

2. Journalistic Conduct

We diligently adhere to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and practices and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct through rigorous processes in our newsrooms.

3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness

We eschew publication of inaccurate, baseless, or distorted material. Pre-publication verification is mandatory. Defamation is strictly avoided, and adherence to applicable laws and rules is necessary.

4. Right of Reply

• News reports and articles incorporate comments or versions of the person or party in respect of whom allegations are carried. If not carried initially, the person or party’s response, if received later, will be incorporated.
• If there are developments in the news, and the concerned person or party requests an update, the same must be carried appropriately. The date of the update will also appear in the published news item.

5. Take Down, Delete or Edit Policy

If a news report or article is found to contain false or inaccurate information, upon approach by the concerned person or party providing correct information (and identifying themselves with required documents), the specific portion of the report will be edited or deleted. If the entire news report is found to contain false or inaccurate information, the entire article will be deleted.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

• Copyright in text, photographs, plans, diagrams, and cartoons must be respected. If copyrighted material is used, prior permission is taken, and publication must acknowledge ownership rights.
• Trade Marks and Service Marks of third parties are not to be used except with prior permission or if such use constitutes fair use.
• In case of infringement of intellectual property, upon receiving a valid request and necessary documents, the concerned content will be edited, deleted, or taken down.

7. Crime and Sensational Reporting

Presumption of innocence must be preserved. Comments and speculation on evidence, witnesses, the accused, and victims are avoided. Reporting is based strictly on facts and remains unbiased.

8. Special Care in Sensitive Reporting

Special care is taken while reporting on sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, riots, communal disputes, divorce, and custody cases. We strictly follow Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, prohibiting the publication of obscene or sexually explicit material.

• Names and photographs of victims (especially minors or workplace harassment victims) that lead to identification are strictly avoided.
• News items related to communal or religious disputes are published only after proper verification of facts, ensuring an environment conducive to promoting communal harmony and peace.
• Respect for privacy is maintained, especially for persons not in public life.

9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

We follow the grievance redressal mechanism outlined under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, and the IT Act 2000. We act promptly upon receipt of a complaint by an affected person and strive to redress the complaint within the legally mandated timeframes.