Full Breakdown
Police Crackdown on Journalists During Anti-CEC Protests in Delhi
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 10 2026, journalists covering a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were detained, assaulted, and had electronic devices seized by Delhi Police and security personnel. Reuters reported that nearly three dozen reporters from outlets such as the Indian Express, Scroll and Newslaundry were held for several hours; France 24 cited at least 16 journalists detained. Accounts describe police forcing journalists into buses, confiscating cameras and microphones, and ignoring press IDs.
Background & Context
The protest stemmed from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, which critics say removed more than 130 million names—larger than Japan’s population—and disproportionately affected minority voters. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, alleged the revision favoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP. The Supreme Court had issued an October 9 order restricting the complete closure of Delhi’s metro and train services during the demonstration, a directive the court later said was breached on October 10.
On-the-Ground Reports
Journalists said they were stopped despite showing credentials. Ashwin of Newslaundry reported police “snatched my phone” and kept him and three colleagues on a bus until 1:30 p.m. Veteran reporter Paranjoy Guha Thakurta was taken into a police van, allowed to keep his mobile, and released after a short drive. Several senior journalists, including Sarthak of The Quint, described aggressive questioning and physical handling.
Official Statements & Responses
The Delhi Police asked the Supreme Court to have a senior officer present in the courtroom to “explain and assist the court.” Press Club of India president Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty framed the incidents as an attack on journalists’ constitutional “right to work.” The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, directed the Union government and Delhi Police to halt illegal detentions and ensure free movement, while granting the police a brief extension to file written responses.
Criticism & Opposition
Barooah Pisharoty said the crackdown threatened journalists’ livelihood and the public’s right to information. Reporters Without Borders and the Press Club called for a formal apology and investigation into senior police officials. Opposition lawmakers, including Mahua Moitra, described the police actions as an assault on democratic freedoms.
Data & Statistics
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The exact number of journalists detained varies between sources. The Delhi Police has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the allegations, a point highlighted by veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta. No public data are available on the duration of each detention or the specific legal basis cited by police.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We would like some senior police officer to remain present in the court to explain and assist the court.” — Delhi Police
- “A journalist’s role in a democracy is vital as journalism is a public good and the attack on journalists is a violation of that constitutional right and that is why we organised the press conference,” — S. Barooah Pisharoty
- “The police were pushing the protesters and hitting them, picking them up like sacks, when I began questioning them and my camera person was filming them. They suddenly began dragging my cameraperson by his hair,” — Pragya Mishra
What’s Next
On October 11 the Supreme Court held an “extraordinary, exceptional” hearing ordering the government and police to stop illegal detentions and to restore normal metro and traffic flow, while allowing written replies by Thursday. Petitions seeking criminal contempt action against political leaders remain pending, and journalists’ groups have demanded a formal inquiry into the police conduct.