Editorial Policy of Sprouts News
Last Updated: February 2026
Sprouts News is an independent investigative news publication headquartered in Mumbai, India. Founded in 2020, the organisation operates under defined editorial standards designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, accountability and legal compliance.
This policy explains how we gather, verify and publish information, how we correct errors, and how we safeguard editorial independence.
1. Editorial Leadership & Accountability
Sprouts News was founded by Unmesh Gujarathi, Editor-in-Chief, who has over 28 years of experience in Indian journalism.
The Editor-in-Chief oversees:
- Investigative direction
- Verification standards
- Legal review where required
- Ethical compliance
- Correction approvals
All major investigative stories undergo senior editorial review prior to publication.
2. Accuracy, Verification & Evidence Standards
Every report published on Sprouts News follows a structured verification process.
We rely on:
- Government records
- Court documents and legal filings
- RTI responses
- Official statements
- Regulatory disclosures
- Direct interviews
- Documentary evidence
Allegations are cross-verified through multiple credible sources wherever possible.
We do not publish rumours, speculation or unverified accusations.
When a story is developing, updates are clearly marked with timestamps.
3. Investigative Reporting Protocol
As an investigative publication covering crime, corruption and governance:
- Relevant parties are contacted for response before publication where feasible.
- Documentary evidence is reviewed before publication.
- Legal risk is evaluated in sensitive cases.
- The presumption of innocence is respected.
We prioritise public interest while maintaining fairness.
4. Editorial Independence
Sprouts News operates independently of:
- Political parties
- Government influence
- Corporate interests
- Advocacy groups
Editorial decisions are made solely by the newsroom.
Advertising revenue or commercial relationships do not influence investigative direction, story selection or reporting outcomes.
Sponsored content, if published, is clearly labelled and separated from editorial content.
5. Transparency & Source Integrity
We prioritise on-record sources.
Anonymous sources are used only when:
- The information is in the public interest
- The source faces credible risk
- Identity has been verified by senior editorial staff
Direct quotes are not altered in a way that changes meaning.
Potential conflicts of interest are disclosed when relevant.
6. Corrections & Updates Policy
Despite strict verification processes, errors may occur.
If an error is identified:
- A correction note will be added to the article
- Substantial factual corrections will include the correction date
- Clarifications will be clearly labelled
- Minor typographical edits that do not affect meaning may be updated without notice
Readers may report inaccuracies by contacting:
📧 unmeshgujarathi@gmail.com
All correction requests are reviewed by the editorial team.
7. Legal & Ethical Standards
Sprouts News complies with Indian media laws and defamation standards.
We:
- Respect due process and presumption of innocence
- Avoid publishing identifying details in sensitive cases unless legally justified
- Protect the privacy of victims and vulnerable individuals
- Avoid misleading image manipulation
- Avoid content that incites violence or hatred
Investigative reports are reviewed with legal awareness in mind.
8. Artificial Intelligence & Content Integrity
Sprouts News does not publish fully automated news reports.
Technology tools may assist in research, formatting or data analysis. However:
- All content is reviewed by human editors before publication
- Editorial judgment is exercised by experienced journalists
- Verification remains a human-led process
We do not use AI to fabricate interviews, quotes or reporting.
9. Conflict of Interest Policy
Editorial team members must disclose any financial, political or personal relationships that may influence reporting.
Where relevant, disclosures are made within the article.
Editorial decisions remain independent of commercial considerations.
10. Reader Engagement & Accountability
We encourage reader feedback.
For corrections, clarifications or editorial concerns:
📧 unmeshgujarathi@gmail.com
🌐 https://sproutsnews.com/contact-us
All correspondence is reviewed by the editorial team.
11. Continuous Review of Standards
Our editorial standards are periodically reviewed to align with evolving media ethics, technological changes and regulatory requirements.
Sprouts News remains committed to strengthening transparency, investigative integrity and public trust.
Sprouts News is accredited by DAVP, RNI and DGIPR, Government of Maharashtra.
Right to Response
Sprouts News follows responsible journalism practices. Any individual or organisation mentioned in a news report who believes that information is inaccurate may contact our editorial team with verifiable evidence. Upon review of such documentation, the editorial team may update the article, publish clarifications, or include the concerned party’s official response.
