Corrections and Right of Reply Policy

Accuracy is who we are, but anyone can make a mistake. When we get something wrong, we admit it and correct it openly. This policy is based on the Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct, in particular those on corrections and the right of reply.

How we correct mistakes

• As soon as we find or confirm a factual error, we correct it, whether or not anyone has asked us to.
• The correction is made in the same story, with due prominence. We add a "Correction" (सुधार) note saying what was wrong, what was changed and when.
• For a serious error, we also publish an expression of regret or an apology with the correction.
• Small spelling or grammar mistakes that do not change the meaning of a story may be fixed without a note.
• When new information is added to a story, it is marked as an "Update" (अपडेट), with the time.

Right of reply

• A person or organisation affected by a story can send us a denial, clarification or reply. We publish it free of charge, promptly and with due prominence, in full or with only the editing it needs.
• We do not turn down a reply just because we believe our original story was correct. Readers have a right to know every side of an issue.
• If, on the basis of solid documentary evidence, the editor doubts the truth of a reply, a short editorial note may be added at the end of it.

Requests to remove a story

We do not normally remove published stories, because they are part of the public record. In most cases, adding the correct information or making a correction is the better remedy. We consider removing a story, or removing someone's identity from it, in these situations:

• a valid order of a court or competent authority;
• a serious threat to someone's safety;
• information whose publication is prohibited by law, such as the identity of a victim of a sexual offence or of a child;
• a serious error that a correction cannot fix.

Where appropriate, a removed story is replaced with a note explaining why it was removed.

How to ask for a correction

Write to corrections@sateekbharat.in and tell us:

1. the link and headline of the story;
2. what is wrong;
3. what the correct information is, and its source or evidence;
4. your name and contact details.

Our corrections desk examines every request, and we tell you the outcome. If you are not satisfied with our decision, or if the matter is a breach of the Code of Ethics, write to our Grievance Officer, who must decide within 15 days.