perform the functions set out in sub-clauses (b), (e), (d), (g), (h), (i) and (k ). The Press Council may lay down the standards of journalistic ethics or public taste or code of journalistic I ethics, etc. and if there is a breach, a complaint lies under section 13 of the Act. Complaints under section 12 of the Act can only be under section 12 (2) (a), (e), (f) and (j ). The complaint under section 12 (2) (a) can be for maintaining the independence of the newspaper. It was contended that the ex- expression newspaper whose independence was sought to be protected by the Press Council means the proprietor and not the editor. It was submitted that the editor is only a part or limb of the newspaper and one limb could not complain against another; the complaint could only be jointly by the proprietor and editor or any one on behalf of the whole organisation against external interference. It was argued that on a true construction of section 12 (2) (a) of the Act the independence of newspaper intended to be maintained or protected is from or against the external agencies or force such as Government or local or public authority.

( 24 ) SHRI Ram Narain Sinha, printer and publisher of Hindus

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