Nagpur :- Press Council of India (PCI) has censured Times of India, Nagpur Edition, for publishing baseless and spurious news against Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU). In its order dated August 21, 2023, it has directed TOI to publish a detailed clarification within six weeks. Dr Raju Hiwase, registrar of RTMNU, had lodged a complaint against TOI in Press Council.
Dr Hiwase had objected to three news items – ‘Plaint of sex harassment against NU teachers’ (11.03.22), ‘PhD guide backs girls’ plaint against teacher’ (12.03.22) and ‘NU yet to institute probe against teacher’ (13.03.22) – published by Nagpur TOI. He described these news items are factually incorrect and baseless published with an aim to malign the image of the University.
Dr Hiwase further stated that three more news items – ‘VC’s move to grant autonomy to departments under fire from academics’ (17.10.21), ‘Under the pump. VC stops probe into college not paying staffers’ wages’ (28.10.21) and ‘Ignoring opposition from own staffers, NU releases Rs 1.37 crore MKCL dues’ (12.11.21) – were also baseless.
A hearing was held by Inquiry Committee of Press Council of India on 27.06.23 on these six news items. The counsel for the University told the Inquiry Committee that RTMNU had set up an committee to investigate the complaints and it had absolved the University of all wrongdoings. Hence, the reports published by Nagpur TOI were baseless.
The Inquiry Committee of Press Council then submitted a report to the chairperson Ranjana Prakash Desai, who censured Nagpur TOI and asked it to publish a detailed clarification regarding these news items within six weeks.
