New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued order that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India.

On Monday, Smrti Irani-led-ministry had said the accreditation of a journalist could be permanently called off if the scribe is found generating or propagating fake news, as it came out with harsh measures.

As per the amended guidelines for the accreditation of journalists, if the publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, the accreditation of that journalist would be let off for a period of six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation.

In case of a third violation, his or her official approval would be cancelled permanently, the information and broadcasting ministry said in a release.

Any complaint of instances of fake news would be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI), if it pertains to print media, and to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), if it relates to the electronic media, for determination of the news item being fake or not. This determination is expected to be completed within 15 days by these agencies, the ministry said.

Once the complaint is registered for determination of fake news, the accreditation of the journalist, whoever created and/or propagated the fake news, will be on the edge till the determination regarding the fake news is made, the ministry said.