This policy explains guidelines in the publication process of the Sandesh prawah digital news platform. Sandesh prawah, specifically, adopts and strives to adhere to the standards and requirements: Freedom Opinion and Expression Freedom of opinion and expression is our fundamental constitutional right that includes the right to receive, hold and impart opinions and information. Sandesh prawah shall, to this end, reserves the right to report or publish freely for access to public information. Guidelines Sandesh prawah is committed to producing quality and responsible journalism and does believe in openness, impartiality, integrity, and independence to meet the highest standards. We believe that the reputation of Sandesh prawah, the respect, and the career of staffers depend on upholding shared journalistic values because we believe to be right, to be transparent, to be fair, to be accountable, and to obey the law.

Editorial Mission The editorial mission of Sandesh prawah is to tell or disseminate the truth. We practice this through independent and honest journalism that serves audiences who are engaged and focused on demanding authenticity and truth. Sandesh prawah represents a unique voice and shares a passion for fostering a trusted relationship with its audiences through original and fearless journalism. Moreover, Sandesh prawah tells the readers/audiences what we know, where and how we know it. This means that we are open. We inform, expose, untangle, and above all, we tell the truth as we see it by writing with intellect and boldness and that too transparently and honestly. Impact Sandesh prawah’s impact lies in specific and plain-spoken truth by informing and empowering our audiences/readers. More candidly, in telling stories that others do not because we believe that trust is an inherent good. Therefore, we focus on the honesty and accuracy of all we write and say.

Confidentiality A submitted news/article is confidential. Sandesh prawah will not disclose any submitted news/article to anyone except editorial staff or corresponding authors. However, in any suspected cases of misconduct, a copy may be discussed with the editorial team. Misconduct Misconduct means the violation of the editorial policy, ethics, or any guidelines specified by Pavilion Media. Any activities that compromise or threaten the integrity of the publication process are labeled as misconducts. Any cases of misconduct will be investigated according to the organization’s policy. Readers/Audiences Sandesh prawah maintains honesty with our readers/audiences about what we write, disseminate, and open about our perspectives.

Accuracy and updating In the pursuit of truth, it requires accuracy in what we write or say. We are responsible for every accuracy of our published output. Sandesh prawah verifies information before publishing news or a report. We focus on using original sources where possible. In reality, we are always up against deadlines, and new information may become available, but errors of omission, partial truths and missing context dent our credibility. We update news and information where necessary to ensure accuracy as we believe that any missing context will dent our credibility. We correct our errors, if any, as soon as we become aware of them. Most importantly, we follow our Style Guide. Anonymous sources Sandesh prawah does not prefer writing and publishing information attributed to anonymous sources. However, at times, we do it to ensure the news sources’ identity, privacy and discretion for specific reasons because there are certain times when anonymous sourcing is unavoidable. We, however, avoid completely anonymously-sourced stories, except for some exceptional cases. For this, reporters are required to take the consent from the Editors, and sometimes even legal counselling to avoid any unfortunate circumstances. However, we at Sandesh prawah make every effort to confirm the information provided anonymously. We also honour the commitment of anonymity with the source.

Fairness Our goal is to present or disseminate the truth as we know it, not to appease anybody. We make sure that we do not omit any crucial points of major importance in the information which means that the information should include fairness and relevance. We make every effort to allow an individual or an organization to respond or come up with evidence if they feel being seriously criticized or defamed. Sandesh prawah recognizes a greater right to privacy of individuals. Language Sandesh prawah believes in using simple and understandable language. We, therefore, write in a conversational style. Legal issues We consult with the editorial management and seek legal counsel form Pavilion Media’s lawyer if we come across problems or concerns that might put the company and staff at legal risk.

We ensure that we do not disseminate any claims or information that would defame an individual or an organization or any issues relating to privacy or intellectual property. Sourcing Sandesh prawah neither commits favourable coverage in return for co-operation, including news sources’, nor threaten uncooperative sources. We also do not exaggerate our sources. Transparency The editorial team of Sandesh prawah undertakes decisions about what to write about and how to undertake the task. Advertisers cannot have an influence over the coverage so as to uphold the freedom of the press as Sandesh prawah was established to safeguard and promote a democratic culture through objective reporting, free expression of opinion as well as a critical debate to assist in nation-building by using advanced technology and professional expertise. Conflicts of interest Sandeshprawah mostly avoids sending reporters on sponsored trips or junkets to avoid any suspicion of swap as some trips are intended to secure favourable coverage.

We send our reporters on our own expenses as we do not want to compromise our integrity by sending them on such junkets. This means that we follow the guidelines of refusing gifts or favours that may damage our credibility. Sandesh prawah avoids involvement in any partisan causes that could compromise the ability to report fairly. Investigative Journalism Sandesh prawah believes investigative journalism as an integral part of journalism to ensuring a corrupt-free society. Code of Practice Editors at Sandesh prawah are responsible for the use of the materials submitted by journalists employed by the company. Sandesh prawah stands on the principle that every individual is equal before the law and will not be swayed by any political, social or economic prejudices. Juveniles Reporters at Sandesh prawah will not normally photograph or interview children under the age of 18 on subjects that involve the personal welfare of the child without the consent of a parent/guardian. School children will not be interviewed or photographed while at school sans the permission of the school authorities. Victims of rape or sexual harassment Sandesh prawah will not reveal the identity of rape victims or victims of sexual violence without their consent.