This policy sets out Dainik Gorakhpur's standards for responsible publication, complaints and legal requests. It applies to newsroom work, submitted reports and material published through this portal. Read it together with our Editorial Policy, Corrections and Complaints Policy, Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

1. Lawful reporting and accountability

Freedom of expression is subject to applicable law. This policy, a disclaimer, a byline or a press card does not prevent a complaint, investigation, prosecution or court order, and does not excuse unlawful conduct. Legal responsibility depends on the facts and applicable law; it is not automatically transferred to a reporter, source, reader or advertiser.

2. Verification and fair treatment

Contributors must identify the source of significant factual claims and send supporting material to the editor. Before publishing a serious allegation, the editor should assess the evidence, public interest and available response from the person concerned. Attribute disputed claims and distinguish established facts, allegations and opinion. Copying a claim from social media or quoting a source does not by itself make publication lawful.

3. Crime reports and pending proceedings

An allegation, FIR, arrest or charge is not a conviction. Describe the procedural stage accurately and avoid presenting an accused person as guilty before a court's decision. Headlines, photographs and captions must reflect the report fairly. Observe applicable reporting restrictions and court orders; avoid speculative verdicts, identification prohibited by law, and disclosures that could endanger a victim or witness.

4. Editorial review and staff conduct

Reporters should submit potentially defamatory allegations, sensitive identity information and reporting about pending proceedings for editorial review before publication. An editor or administrator must make a deliberate publication decision. This is a human review requirement, not a claim that software detects every legal risk. Where the legal position is uncertain, obtain advice from a qualified Indian advocate before publishing.

No member may use this portal's name or ID card to impersonate an official, demand money, threaten someone, obstruct an investigation or claim special access. Suspected misuse should be reported through our public Contact page. Permission or card changes remain subject to an authorised administrator's review.

5. Corrections, replies and content complaints

Contact the newsroom with the article URL, the exact statement or image disputed, your explanation, supporting material and a way to reach you. A person mentioned in a report may send a factual reply. We review the substance of a complaint and may seek clarification, publish a correction or response, update context, restrict access or remove material where appropriate. Changes should be proportionate and corrections should be identified clearly.

You do not have to contact us before exercising a legal right or approaching an authority. Sending a complaint does not itself guarantee removal, establish that a claim is true or suspend a legal deadline. Applicable statutory and court deadlines take priority over our ordinary review process.

6. Police, court and other official requests

Send requests through the public newsroom contact. Where practicable, include the requesting officer's or authority's name and official contact, case or reference number, legal basis, the precise content or records sought and any deadline. We verify authenticity and scope through appropriate channels and refer the matter to the responsible editor or publisher, with legal advice when needed.

We comply with applicable lawful obligations and binding orders. A court order is not required for every type of lawful request; the relevant legal power determines the process. Requests for clarification must not delay mandatory compliance. Urgent or legally valid requests are not rejected merely because they use a different format from the information requested above.

7. Records, privacy and preservation

Only authorised persons should handle legal requests and access non-public records. Disclose information only where lawfully required or otherwise lawfully permitted, and limit disclosure to the necessary scope. Do not promise a source absolute confidentiality or immunity that the publication cannot provide.

When a lawful preservation obligation or legal hold applies, preserve relevant available material and do not destroy, conceal or falsify evidence. This policy does not create a new automatic archive, fixed retention period or guarantee that historical records exist. Follow the Privacy Policy and seek legal guidance on retention, disclosure and any restrictions on notifying affected people.

8. Contact and policy limits

Use Contact Us for the current shared newsroom phone, email, office address and team details. Suggested email subject: Legal request / Content complaint. Do not send passwords, OTPs or unnecessary identity documents.

This policy is an operational standard, not legal advice, government accreditation, a waiver of legal rights or a guarantee against civil or criminal liability. For an actual notice, summons, FIR or other proceeding, the publisher and affected person should obtain independent legal advice promptly. Applicable law and binding orders prevail over this policy.

Reference framework

These editorial standards are informed by the Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct as a professional reference. This does not claim Press Council registration, endorsement or a determination of its jurisdiction over this portal. Constitutional context: Constitution of India, Article 19. References are guidance for reading; current applicable law must be checked for a specific matter.