DELHI POLICE DRAWS THE LINE AT PROTEST SITES, URGES JOURNALISTS TO PROTECT THEIR REPORTING SPACE

October 9, 2026

The Delhi Police has issued a fresh advisory for journalists covering protests, asking media personnel to carry valid identification, maintain a safe distance from tense situations and ensure that their reporting does not obstruct police operations.

Reinforcing the importance of independent reporting while stressing operational discipline, the police said, “Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled.” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manjeet Sheoran said some individuals allegedly identify themselves as journalists while covering demonstrations and later participate in protests, leading to their detention.

In its advisory, issued earlier this week, the police instructed journalists to carry identity cards issued by their respective media organisations or valid accreditation cards from the Press Information Bureau or the Delhi government’s Directorate of Information and Publicity. The cards should remain visibly displayed to help law enforcement personnel identify media representatives at protest venues.

The guidelines also state that journalists should avoid obstructing police personnel or interfering with the movement of security forces. When tensions rise, reporters and camera crews have been advised to maintain a reasonable and safe distance while recording events and to position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from demonstrators.

Sheoran said the police had repeatedly appealed to individuals covering protests to report from a distance rather than interrupt officers performing their duties. According to him, some people continued to interfere despite these requests.

The advisory comes amid heightened security and protests in Delhi, including demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The recent protests have also brought journalists’ safety and their ability to report freely into focus.

The police said the measures are intended to facilitate the identification of journalists and prevent interference with security operations. The guidelines place renewed attention on the practical challenges of covering demonstrations, where media personnel must document unfolding events while navigating crowded scenes and police restrictions.