The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued detailed guidelines to facilitate “orderly and effective coverage of protests and demonstrations”, while promoting safety of media personnel, responsible reporting, and better coordination among journalists, media organisations, and law enforcement authorities.
Also read: CJP Tiranga protest updates on October 16, 2026
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, ensure that it is worn and secured carefully to minimise the risk of entanglement during crowd movement or confrontations. Clearly and calmly identify yourself as a journalist when approached by law enforcement personnel. Maintain neutrality and professionalism. Do not participate in demonstrations, take sides, provoke confrontations, or interfere with protesters, counter-protesters, or police,” the guidelines said.
“Remain respectful, follow police orders, avoid arguments during tense situations, and comply with lawful instructions, particularly those issued for immediate safety reasons, while calmly asserting your Press status when necessary,” said the PCI.
The PCI also advised journalists to maintain a reasonable and safe distance from confrontations, particularly when tensions escalate or police action is anticipated, and not to attach cameras or recording equipment to police barricades, vehicles, or other equipment in ways that obstruct movement or damage property.
“Move carefully through crowds, taking short steps to reduce the risk of falling or being trampled. Continuously reassess your position in relation to protesters, counter-protesters, police, and other potential sources of danger. Continuously scan your surroundings for changes in crowd behaviour, approaching individuals, potential confrontations, changes in crowd noises, and emerging hazards,” it said.
It also recommended that journalists should keep an escape route and safe locations in mind and update them as conditions change. “In smoke or tear gas, use visible landmarks and safe routes to leave the affected area without moving deeper into the crowd,” said the PCI.
About personal protection, it advised carrying a compact emergency kit containing basic first-aid items and essential personal medication, drinking water, high-protein snacks, a flashlight, a washcloth/hand towel, and eye protection/googles. “Depending on the assessed threat, consider suitable protective headgear and body armour. Protective equipment must not encourage unnecessary risk-taking,” it said.
The PCI cautioned journalists against touching, picking up, or attempting to move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices, or smoke grenades, pointing out that they might remain hot, explode, or contain hazardous residue.
“Maintain regular contact with your newsroom throughout the assignment. Newsrooms should designate a point of contact to monitor journalists’ locations and respond to emergencies. Freelancers should ensure that a trusted editor or contact knows their location, assignment plan, and expected return time,” it said, adding, “Look out for fellow journalists, particularly when working alone, and maintain communication with colleagues whenever feasible.”
The PCI said for planned demonstrations, media organisations should coordinate with designated police and public information officers/press liaisons where feasible, to clarify communication protocols and identify any designated media staging areas.
It advised journalists to report events accurately, objectively, and impartially. “Distinguish verified facts from allegations, opinions, and unconfirmed claims; follow the applicable Norms of Journalistic Conduct on Accuracy and Fairness; verify information through multiple sources wherever possible; ask witnesses how they obtained their information; and assess their proximity to the event, visibility, reliability, and potential biases,” said the PCI.
Stating that statements of protesters, event organisers, police, and government authorities should be treated with equal journalistic scrutiny, it added: “Do no broadcast or publish real-time police positions, tactical movements, or escape routes when doing so could compromise safety or operational security. Describe observable actions rather than assuming people’s motives, intentions, or emotions.”
“Exercise particular care when filming or identifying minors, vulnerable individuals, injured people, and private citizens in distress. Consider whether publication could expose them to retaliation, harassment, any other harm, or violate their right to privacy,” said the guidelines, advising not to allow live-broadcast commitments or pressure to obtain exclusive footage to override safety considerations.
Published – October 16, 2026 12:16 pm IST
