Editorial Policy and Code of Conduct

Our Promise

We publish news from every part of Haridwar district accurately, in a balanced way, and without fear or favour. Our first responsibility is to the reader — not to any party, official, akhara, institution, advertiser or investor.

Fairness and Balance

• In a story alleging wrongdoing by a person or institution, we seek their side; if no response is received, the story says so.
• In political stories, fact and opinion are kept apart. Opinion pieces carry an Opinion or Analysis label.
• Language that demeans anyone on grounds of caste, religion, gender or region is not used.
• Religious matters — saints, akharas, temples, dargahs, ashrams and rituals of every faith — are reported respectfully and neutrally; we report facts and disputes, we do not take sides in matters of faith.

Independence and Conflicts of Interest

• Editorial decisions stay separate from the advertising department. An advertiser cannot dictate the content of a story.
• Sponsored content is always marked clearly as Sponsored or Advertisement.
• No reporter works on a story in which they or their family have a personal interest.
• No gift, payment or favour is accepted in return for running or holding a story.

Sensitive Stories

• The identity of victims of sexual offences and of minors — name, photograph, address, school — is not published.
• Stories about suicide do not describe the method, and carry helpline information.
• Distressing images of violence or accidents are not published.
• No accused person is called guilty before a court’s verdict.

Sources and Anonymity

We name our sources. An anonymous source is used only when the information is necessary in the public interest and the source’s safety is at stake — and such a story is published only with the editor’s approval.

Use of AI

We may use AI tools for tasks such as research, translation and headline suggestions, but an editor reads and checks every story before publication. AI-generated images always carry an AI-generated label.