The Central Government has issued an advisory to prevent the unauthorized use of the name 'Press Council of India' (PCI). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated in the advisory that it has received reports of some press organizations misusing the term 'Press Council, ' which undermines the institutional significance of the Press Council of India and violates its exclusive rights. Given this, the advisory has been released.

According to the directive issued by the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Press Council of India is a statutory body established under the Press Council Act, 1978. Its objective is to protect the freedom of the press and to maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies. Its Secretariat is located in the Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

The Secretariat has clarified that the Press Council of India does not have any branches in any state, nor has it authorized any other organization to use its name or any similar-sounding name.

According to the directive, any organization using the name 'Press Council' or 'Bhartiya Press Parishad' (Indian Press Council) would be violating Section 3 and Entry 7(ii) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. The Department of Legal Affairs has also confirmed that the use of this name by any other organization is illegal and may attract legal action.

All District Collectors have also been instructed not to permit the use of the term 'Press Council' or 'Press Council of India' by any local, private, or government organization. The directive mandates that if any such misuse is found, the concerned organization's registration should be cancelled or rectified accordingly. The aim of this government initiative is to safeguard the prestige of the Press Council of India and ensure the protection of press freedom and standards.