The Press Council of India has issued guidelines for journalists covering protests. The measures seek safer, impartial reporting and closer coordination with law enforcement.
Supporters walk along a bus carrying INDIA bloc leaders as they proceed towards Supreme Court during a protest march in New Delhi, on Monday, October 12, 2026. (PTI Photo)
Newdelhi,Oct 15, 2026 21:07 IST
The Press Council of India has issued guidelines asking journalists covering protests and demonstrations to remain objective and impartial, visibly display their press identity cards and comply with lawful police instructions, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The guidelines, adopted by the council on October 14, also ask journalists not to participate in demonstrations, take sides or provoke confrontations. They have been advised to keep a safe distance from clashes and remain alert to potential threats.
The move comes after several journalists covering recent protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were detained. Press bodies condemned the police action, alleging that reporters were detained despite displaying their press identity cards and that the phones and reporting equipment of some journalists were seized.
The council said the guidelines were issued "in view of the prevailing scenario and the need to facilitate the orderly and effective coverage of protests and demonstrations".
It said the measures were aimed at promoting journalists' safety, responsible reporting and better coordination with law enforcement authorities, according to PTI.
Journalists have been advised to carry identity cards issued by their media organisations or accreditation issued by the Press Information Bureau or the Directorate of Information and Publicity, as applicable. The cards should remain visibly displayed while they cover demonstrations.
"Remain respectful, follow police orders, avoid arguments during tense situations, and comply with lawful instructions," the guidelines state. Journalists have also been advised to "calmly assert their press status" when necessary.
The council asked journalists to monitor changes in crowd behaviour and identify escape routes in advance. It also recommended that they carry emergency kits containing first-aid supplies, drinking water, snacks, flashlights, protective goggles, headgear and body armour, depending on the assessment of the threat.
Media organisations have been advised to remain in regular contact with reporters on assignment and designate personnel to track their locations and respond to emergencies.
For planned demonstrations, news organisations should coordinate with designated police officers or press liaison personnel to set communication procedures and identify areas from where the media can operate, the guidelines said.
On reporting standards, the council urged journalists to verify information through multiple sources and scrutinise claims made by protesters and government authorities equally. It also asked them to exercise caution while identifying minors, injured people and vulnerable individuals.
Overall, the guidelines call for impartial reporting, visible identification, adherence to lawful police directions, greater safety preparedness and coordination between media organisations and law enforcement agencies during protests and demonstrations.
- Ends