The Confederation of Online Media (India) – COMIndia – is a national level authoritative organisation of Chief Editors in the digital sector and digital media entrepreneurs, dedicated to supporting and regulating online news portals while promoting ethical digital publishing practices in India.
The Confederation of Online Media (India) (COMIndia) is a registered organization under the Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, 1955 (Reg. No. TVM/TC/502/2017). Established on May 24, 2017, and headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, it represents 27 leading news portals, setting ethical standards in digital journalism. Strengthening Digital Media Ethics In line with the IT Rules, 2021, COMIndia launched the Indian Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (IDPCGC) to address content grievances. The council includes: OCCP Council (member publishers) . Grievance Redressal Board (GRB), led by Justice Cyriac Joseph (Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India) and other distinguished members. Recognized by the Government of India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has designated IDPCGC as a Level-II Self-Regulatory Body for digital news publishers, reinforcing COMIndia’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical journalism. By promoting self-regulation and responsible journalism, COMIndia continues to shape the future of digital news in India.
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The Confederation of Online Media (India) (COMIndia) has taken a significant step towards ensuring compliance with the Government of India's new digital publishing regulations by constituting the India Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (IDPCGC). This initiative aligns with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate a structured grievance redressal mechanism for digital content.
As part of this framework, COMIndia is establishing the IDPCGC as a Level-II Self-Regulatory Body for publishers of Online Curated Content (OCC), as stipulated under Rule 12 of the IT Rules. The primary objective of this council is to uphold digital media ethics while empowering consumers with the ability to make informed viewing choices. By providing a transparent and accountable mechanism for addressing content-related grievances, the IDPCGC aims to foster responsible digital publishing and safeguard consumer interests in India’s evolving online media landscape.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has established a three-level grievance redressal system for digital news media. At Level I, each digital publisher must appoint a Grievance Officer and publish the officer’s contact details on its website. Complaints relating to false, misleading, defamatory or socially harmful content may be submitted directly to the publisher. The complaint must be acknowledged within 24 hours and decided within 15 days.
All COMIndia member publications maintain this Level I grievance mechanism on their respective news portals. Where a complaint is not resolved within the prescribed period, or the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision, an appeal may be filed before the Indian Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (IDPCGC), a Level II Self-Regulatory Body. The seven-member Council may issue warnings, require corrections or apologies, direct the publication of disclaimers and provide other appropriate guidance to the publisher.
If the matter remains unresolved, the complainant may approach the Level III Oversight Mechanism of the Central Government. Such appeals are examined by an Inter-Departmental Committee comprising representatives of relevant ministries. Level III is not a private council, but an official government oversight mechanism administered through the MIB. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the complainant may also seek relief before the appropriate court.
ComIndia envisions an India where digital journalism thrives as an independent, credible, and ethical force in society.The organisation aims to:
Foster a Healthy Digital News Ecosystem:
Create an environment where digital journalism is respected, free from undue political and corporate influence.
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Encourage a media landscape that prioritizes facts, integrity, and public interest over sensationalism and misinformation.
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Promote an Independent and World-Class Digital Media Sector.
Ensure digital media outlets have the freedom to operate without censorship, interference, or pressure from powerful entities.
Uphold global standards of journalism, where Indian digital news organizations are recognized for their credibility and impact.
Strengthen the Role of Independent Journalists and Digital-Only Ventures.
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Support independent journalists who contribute to meaningful journalism outside traditional newsrooms.
Encourage new and emerging digital-only media platforms that bring fresh perspectives and investigative reporting to the forefront.
Enhance Public Trust in Digital Journalism.
Address the rising concerns around misinformation and fake news by promoting transparent reporting standards.
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Advocate for media literacy so audiences can distinguish between credible journalism and misleading narratives.
Encourage partnerships, training, and the use of cutting-edge technology to empower digital journalists, enhance storytelling capabilities, and cultivate future industry leaders.
Chairman of IDPCGC
Justice Cyriac Joseph is a distinguished Indian jurist and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. He began his legal career in 1968 and practiced before the District Court in Kottayam and the Kerala High Court. He later served as Government Pleader, Senior Government Pleader, and Additional Advocate General of Kerala before being appointed a Judge of the Kerala High Court.
He subsequently served as a Judge of the Delhi High Court and as Chief Justice of the High Courts of Uttarakhand and Karnataka. In 2008, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2012.
After retiring from the judiciary, Justice Joseph served as a Member of the National Human Rights Commission of India and later assumed charge as its Acting Chairperson in 2015. He has also served as Kerala Lok Ayukta. His career spans more than five decades of service in law, constitutional governance, and judicial administration.
Justice Cyriac Joseph, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, serves as Chairman of the IDPCGC. The Council consists of seven members and has been constituted to ensure independent, credible, and professionally informed oversight.Alongside the Chairman, three distinguished national members from outside COMIndia serve on the Grievance Council: Dr. Venu Rajamony, former Press Secretary to the President of India and former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands; Dr. George Onakkoor, eminent author and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient; and George Kallivayalil, senior journalist based in New Delhi and Editor of Deepika.The Council also includes three representatives nominated by COMIndia, bringing the total membership to seven. This balanced structure brings together expertise from the judiciary, diplomacy, literature, journalism, and media administration, strengthening the Council’s independence, institutional credibility, and capacity to address grievances through a fair, responsible, and transparent process.
IDPCGC Member
Representing Sathyam Online
(President, COMIndia)
IDPCGC Member
Representing Malayali Vartha
(Secretary, COMIndia)
IDPCGC Member
Representing Truevision News
(Treasurer, COMIndia)COMIndia is governed by its office bearers under the leadership of President Vincent Nellikunnel. The team includes Secretary Soymon Mathew, Treasurer K. K. Sreejith, Vice Presidents Kunhikannan Muttath of Kasargod Vartha and Bijunu. K of Kerala Online News, and Joint Secretaries K.R. Ratheesh of Gramajyothi and Smitha Atholi of Malabari News.
The office bearers are supported by a seven-member Executive Committee constituted in accordance with the organization’s governing framework. Its members are:
