Updated: 14 September 2026
Rule 8 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964: Connection with Press or Other Media
Rule 8 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 regulates the involvement of Central Government servants with newspapers, periodical publications, books, public media and electronic media. Its central purpose is to ensure that a Government servant does not own, manage or participate in media activities in a manner inconsistent with official responsibilities without the required prior sanction.
Text of Rule 8
Rule 8 - Connection with press or other media
(1) No Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, own wholly or in part, or conduct or participate in the editing or management of, any newspaper or other periodical publication or electronic media.
(2) Nothing in sub-rule (1) shall apply in case a Government servant in the bona fide discharge of his official duties publishes a book or participates in a public media.
(3) A Government servant publishing a book or participating in a public media shall at all times make it clear that the views expressed by him are his own and not that of Government.
Meaning and scope of Rule 8
Rule 8 deals with a Government servant's connection with the press and media. It does not impose a blanket ban on every act of writing or public communication. Instead, it distinguishes between ownership, editing or management of media on the one hand, and publication or public-media participation on the other.
The rule should also be read with other provisions of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, particularly Rule 9 on criticism of Government and Rule 11 on unauthorised communication of information.
Rule 8(1): Previous sanction for ownership, editing or management
Sub-rule (1) prohibits a Government servant from wholly or partly owning, conducting, editing or managing a newspaper, periodical publication or electronic media unless the previous sanction of the Government has been obtained.
The expression "previous sanction" means that the required Government approval must be obtained before undertaking the activity covered by the rule. The prohibition is therefore directed not only at formal ownership, but also at participation in editorial or managerial control.
Key point
Prior Government sanction is required for ownership or participation in the editing or management of a newspaper, periodical publication or electronic media.
Rule 8(2): Exception for bona fide discharge of official duties
Sub-rule (2) creates an exception where a Government servant publishes a book or participates in public media as part of the bona fide discharge of official duties. In such a case, the restriction in sub-rule (1) does not apply in the same manner.
Whether an activity forms part of official duties depends on the nature of the assignment, the authority under which it is undertaken and the circumstances in which the Government servant acts.
Rule 8(3): Views expressed must be identified as personal
Sub-rule (3) requires a Government servant who publishes a book or participates in public media to make it clear that the views expressed are his or her own and not those of the Government.
This requirement helps distinguish personal expression from an official Government statement. A personal-view disclaimer, however, does not override other applicable conduct obligations concerning criticism of Government, disclosure of official information, confidentiality or official responsibility.
Official resources
For current Central Government personnel-policy material, refer to the Department of Personnel and Training. DoPT's 2025 induction material continues to identify the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 as part of the conduct and disciplinary framework handled by the Department.
The Press Information Bureau has also explained the operation of Rules 8 and 9 in the context of Government employees' freedom of expression.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Government servant own a newspaper or electronic media platform?
Not without the previous sanction of the Government where the activity falls within Rule 8(1).
Can a Government servant publish a book?
Rule 8 does not create a universal prohibition on publishing a book. The applicable circumstances, official duties and related conduct rules must be considered. Where the person publishes a book or participates in public media, Rule 8(3) requires the views to be identified as personal and not those of the Government.
Does a disclaimer make every media statement permissible?
No. A disclaimer under Rule 8(3) does not displace other applicable conduct rules, including restrictions relating to criticism of Government and unauthorised communication of official information.
Rule 8 and electronic or social media
Rule 8 expressly refers to electronic media. Government instructions and departmental guidance also treat online and social-media activity as capable of attracting the CCS (Conduct) Rules where the activity falls within their scope.
The practical position is that a Government servant using online media should consider not only Rule 8, but also whether the communication amounts to prohibited criticism under Rule 9 or an unauthorised disclosure of official information under Rule 11.
The Government of India has publicly reiterated the relevance of Rule 8 to Government employees' freedom of expression and media participation. See the official Press Information Bureau release on freedom of expression to Government employees.