POLICE UNDER SCRUTINY AS DELHI JOURNALISTS URGED TO CARRY VISIBLE PRESS IDENTIFICATION

October 6, 2026

NEW DELHI — Delhi Police has advised journalists covering political demonstrations and other sensitive events in the capital to prominently display their press identification cards, even as questions have been raised over the conduct and identification of some police personnel deployed during protests.

The advisory comes amid heightened attention on the interaction between journalists, protesters and law-enforcement personnel during recent political demonstrations in New Delhi. Concerns have emerged over police officers allegedly not displaying visible name tags or other identifying details while managing large gatherings.

Police officials said journalists should keep their accreditation and identity documents readily visible while covering demonstrations. The move is intended to facilitate identification of members of the media and help authorities distinguish journalists from participants in protests or other gatherings.

The issue has gained significance because journalists covering public demonstrations often work in crowded and rapidly changing situations, where confrontations between protesters and police can occur within minutes. Clear identification of both journalists and police personnel is therefore considered important for accountability and professional conduct.

The controversy has also renewed discussion over the need for greater transparency in policing during politically sensitive events. With political protests attracting intense media attention, the visibility of identification details on law-enforcement personnel remains an important safeguard for both journalists and the public.