New Delhi: The Delhi Police, on Monday, has issued a set of guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations in the national capital, advising mediapersons to carry valid identification, display their press cards visibly and ensure that their reporting activities do not obstruct police operations.
The advisory comes amid heightened activity at protest sites in Delhi and recent confrontations between police personnel, protesters and people identifying themselves as journalists or content creators. The guidelines were shared by Delhi Police on social media with the message, “The story matters, so does how you get it!” and the hashtag #EthicsofJournalism.
According to the advisory, journalists assigned to cover protests should carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations or valid accreditation cards issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or the Delhi Information and Publicity (DIP) department. The police has also advised journalists to keep their identification cards visibly displayed to enable law-enforcement personnel to distinguish mediapersons from protesters and other people present at the site.
The Delhi Police has further asked journalists to ensure that their presence or activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law-enforcement personnel. During tense situations, mediapersons have been advised to maintain a reasonable and safe distance while recording or reporting developments and to position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from protesters.
Focus on journalists and content creators
The advisory assumes significance against the backdrop of the growing presence of independent digital journalists, livestreamers and social-media content creators at demonstrations. Police officials have sought clearer distinction between professional journalists, independent content creators, activists and protesters, particularly at crowded or volatile locations.
Recent incidents have seen journalists and police personnel being filmed during heated exchanges, with clips subsequently circulating widely on social media. The growing use of mobile phones and livestreaming has consequently made identification and crowd management more complicated for law-enforcement personnel.
The issue has also triggered debate within the media and civil society over the limits of police advisories concerning journalists and the need to ensure that measures intended for safety and crowd management do not interfere with legitimate news gathering.
Advisory follows complaints by women journalists
The guidelines were issued shortly after three women journalists alleged manhandling and sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest near Jantar Mantar on October 3. The journalists had been covering a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police subsequently forwarded their complaints to the Crime Branch for investigation and said CCTV footage and other available video evidence would be examined.
The police maintained that the protest was being dealt with in the context of restrictions on public gatherings in the New Delhi area. The complaints by the journalists, however, have added a separate dimension to the discussion over the treatment and safety of mediapersons covering demonstrations.
Balancing safety with press freedom
The Delhi Police advisory has been presented as guidance for safer and more orderly coverage of protests. At the same time, questions have been raised over the extent to which a police department should prescribe conduct for journalists, particularly when they are documenting the actions of the police themselves.
Media commentators have argued that journalists must retain the ability to independently observe, record and report events in public spaces, while police authorities have a legitimate operational interest in preventing obstruction and ensuring the safety of personnel and civilians.
The latest guidelines therefore place renewed focus on the delicate balance between press freedom, responsible journalism, public safety and operational requirements of law enforcement.
For journalists and content creators, the advisory underlines the importance of carrying verifiable identification, maintaining situational awareness and avoiding interference with police operations while continuing to independently document and report developments at public gatherings.
At The Garhwa Post, we believe journalism is both a public trust and a civic responsibility. Our mission is to provide accurate, independent, and insightful reporting that informs citizens, encourages meaningful dialogue, and strengthens democratic values. Every story we publish is guided by the principles of truth, fairness, and accountability, with a steadfast commitment to serving the public interest and amplifying voices that matter.