The objective of the PCI is to preserve the freedom of the press and to improve the standards and maintain their independence, build up a code of conduct for them in accordance with high professional standards, ensure maintenance of received by Indian newspapers and agencies from any foreign sources as referred to it by the Centre. The Centre can, at the same time, deal with such cases in any other manner it thinks fit. The Council may be entrusted with a study of the impact and circulation of foreign newspapers and their correspondents. The newspapers may include embassy publications.
The PCI is also to promote a proper functional relationship among all classes of persons in news-papers and news agencies, concern itself with developments such as concentration of ownership affecting independence of the press and take up any other studies related to the press that may be referred to it by the Centre.
Participants