Press Council of India issues guidelines for journalists covering protests

The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued detailed guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of journalists covering protests and demonstrations, while promoting responsible reporting and coordination with law enforcement. The guidelines, released amid heightened tensions in Delhi following large-scale protests, emphasize the need for journalists to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and personal safety during volatile situations. The PCI highlighted the importance of displaying valid press credentials, avoiding confrontation, and adhering to lawful instructions from police during demonstrations. The guidelines advise journalists to visibly display a valid press identity card issued by their media organisation, or a valid Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation card, or a State government Directorate of Information and Publicity accreditation card. When using a lanyard, it should be worn and secured carefully to minimize the risk of entanglement during crowd movement or confrontations. Journalists are instructed to clearly and calmly identify themselves as such when approached by law enforcement personnel. They are also reminded to maintain neutrality and professionalism, refraining from participating in demonstrations, taking sides, provoking confrontations, or interfering with protesters, counter-protesters, or police. The PCI emphasized the importance of remaining respectful, following police orders, and avoiding arguments during tense situations. Journalists are encouraged to comply with lawful instructions, particularly those issued for immediate safety reasons, while calmly asserting their press status when necessary. They are advised to maintain a reasonable and safe distance from confrontations, especially when tensions escalate or police action is anticipated. Cameras or recording equipment should not be attached to police barricades, vehicles, or other equipment in ways that obstruct movement or damage property. Journalists are also instructed to move carefully through crowds, taking short steps to reduce the risk of falling or being trampled. They are advised to continuously assess their position relative to protesters, counter-protesters, police, and other potential sources of danger. Scanning the surroundings for changes in crowd behavior, approaching individuals, potential confrontations, changes in crowd noises, and emerging hazards is crucial. The guidelines recommend that journalists keep an escape route and safe locations in mind, updating them as conditions change. In areas affected by smoke or tear gas, they should use visible landmarks and safe routes to leave the affected area without moving deeper into the crowd. For personal protection, the PCI advises carrying a compact emergency kit containing basic first-aid items, essential personal medication, drinking water, high-protein snacks, a flashlight, a washcloth or hand towel, and eye protection or goggles. Depending on the assessed threat, suitable protective headgear and body armour may be considered, though protective equipment must not encourage unnecessary risk-taking. The PCI cautions journalists against touching, picking up, or attempting to move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices, or smoke grenades, as these may remain hot, explode, or contain hazardous residue. Maintaining regular contact with their newsroom throughout the assignment is emphasized, with newsrooms required to designate a point of contact to monitor journalists' locations and respond to emergencies. Freelancers are advised to ensure that a trusted editor or contact knows their location, assignment plan, and expected return time. Looking out for fellow journalists, particularly when working alone, and maintaining communication with colleagues whenever feasible is also recommended. For planned demonstrations, media organizations are advised to coordinate with designated police and public information officers/press liaisons where feasible, to clarify communication protocols and identify any designated media staging areas. Journalists are urged to report events accurately, objectively, and impartially, distinguishing verified facts from allegations, opinions, and unconfirmed claims. Verification through multiple sources is encouraged, along with asking witnesses how they obtained their information. The release of the guidelines comes amid widespread protests in Delhi, where thousands of people have taken to the streets seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Authorities have implemented stringent measures, including Metro closures, internet shutdowns, prohibitory orders, and the deployment of 40,000 security personnel, effectively turning Delhi into a virtual fortress. During the protests, many demonstrators have been dragged, manhandled, and detained, with at least 12 journalists covering the second day of protests reportedly detained on Sunday. The PCI, which has jurisdiction only over print media under the Press Council Act of 1978, has advised journalists to secure their identity cards and lanyards carefully to prevent entanglement during crowd movement or confrontations. It emphasizes professional neutrality and asks journalists not to participate in demonstrations, take sides, provoke confrontations, or interfere with protesters, counter-protesters, or police. The PCI also highlights the importance of situational awareness and escape planning, urging journalists to monitor changes in crowd behavior, identify nearby exits, open streets, and safe locations, and revise their escape routes as conditions change. The guidelines further caution against broadcasting or publishing real-time police positions, tactical movements, or escape routes when doing so could compromise safety or operational security. They also stress the need to avoid letting exclusive footage pressure override fundamental safety considerations. Journalists are urged to verify information through multiple sources and treat statements from all quarters with equal scrutiny. Additionally, they are asked to distinguish verified facts from allegations and opinions, avoid revealing sensitive police movements in real time, and protect the privacy of minors, injured people, and vulnerable individuals.