Karnataka police restrict media interaction to designated senior officers

In a significant move to curb unauthorised disclosure of official information, Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem has issued a circular restricting media communication for certain police personnel and tightening norms governing social media disclosures.

The circular issued on Monday states that it has come to the notice of the police headquarters that officers at various levels have been sharing information relating to crimes, investigations, law and order incidents and departmental matters with media organisations, digital platforms and social media before it is officially released through authorised channels. Such disclosures, the circular notes, can compromise investigations, prejudice legal proceedings, violate privacy rights, spread misinformation and adversely affect public order.

With immediate effect, only designated senior officers will be authorised to brief the media. At the State level, the ADGP (Law & Order), or in his absence the DIGP (Law & Order), will serve as the official spokesperson. At the range level, only the Range IGP or DIGP can address the media. In city commissionerates, the Police Commissioner or an authorised Additional, Joint or Deputy Commissioner may brief the press. At the district level, only the Superintendent of Police is authorised, while heads of special units will speak on behalf of their respective units.

The circular categorically prohibits all other police personnel from issuing statements, giving interviews, participating in media discussions or sharing official information without written authorisation from the competent authority.

The order further prohibits officers from posting, uploading, forwarding or commenting on official police matters through personal or official social media accounts without prior authorisation. This includes investigation-related information, internal communications, crime scene visuals, operational details, confidential government communications and any material that could prejudice investigations, prosecution or public order.

However, the circular permits field officers to issue factual public advisories during emergencies such as disasters, traffic diversions, rescue operations or urgent law-and-order situations. Such communication must be limited to public safety requirements and, wherever practicable, made with the knowledge of the designated authorised spokesperson.