Story perspectives

Delhi Police Detain Dozens of Journalists Covering Protests

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 2:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Delhi Police detained dozens of journalists covering Jantar Mantar protests on October 10-11, ignoring press cards.
The Supreme Court had ruled that journalists cannot be detained or harassed while performing their duties.
Committee to Protect Journalists demanded the immediate release of all detained media workers and return of seized phones.
Detentions included staff from Hindustan Times, Indian Express, PTI, The Wire, Scroll, The Quint and Newslaundry.

History

Historical Context

In June 1975 President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s advice, declared a national emergency, suspending civil liberties and censoring the press. The government used laws such as MISA to detain journalists, with 34,988 arrests recorded under that act. Today’s arrests of Hindustan Times, Indian Express and other reporters echo that historic crackdown, reminding courts of the emergency’s legacy.

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Story summary

Delhi Police detained dozens of journalists covering Jantar Mantar protests on October 10-11, ignoring press cards.
The Supreme Court had ruled that journalists cannot be detained or harassed while performing their duties.
Committee to Protect Journalists demanded the immediate release of all detained media workers and return of seized phones.
Detentions included staff from Hindustan Times, Indian Express, PTI, The Wire, Scroll, The Quint and Newslaundry.

1 / 2