Full Breakdown
Press Council of India Issues Safety Guidelines for Journalists Covering Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: PCI adopts new safety and neutrality guidelines
The Press Council of India (PCI) adopted guidelines on October 14, 2026 and issued them on October 15, 2026. The advisory directs journalists covering protests to display a valid press identity card, maintain neutrality, keep a safe distance from clashes, carry compact emergency kits, and follow lawful police orders. Media organisations are urged to maintain contact with field reporters and coordinate with designated police liaison officers.
Background & Context
On October 10, protests erupted in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls. During the demonstrations on October 10-11, Delhi Police detained journalists, seized equipment and, in some cases, assaulted reporters despite them showing press IDs. The incidents prompted press bodies to demand safeguards for reporters covering public gatherings.
Timeline
- Oct 10 – Protests in Delhi; journalists begin reporting.
- Oct 11 – Police detain journalists; reports of assaults and equipment seizure.
- Oct 12 – The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) files a petition in the Supreme Court seeking protection for journalists.
- Oct 13 – Senior advocate Indira Jaising represents NWMI.
- Oct 14 – PCI meets and adopts the new safety and neutrality guidelines.
- Oct 15 – PCI releases the guidelines; the Supreme Court schedules a hearing on the NWMI petition.
Data & Statistics
- Moneycontrol reports 35-43 journalists detained between Oct 10-11.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) cites at least 37 temporary detentions across Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad.
- The Editors Guild of India (EGI) records 36 detentions in Delhi and two more in Pune and Ahmedabad, totaling 38.
These differing figures illustrate the lack of a single, verified count.
Official Statements & Responses
- NWMI described the police behavior as “reprehensible” and an “unprecedented attack on democratic practices,” alleging intimidation of journalists.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed a senior Delhi Police officer to appear at a Supreme Court hearing and explain the alleged assaults on women journalists.
Criticism & Opposition
Veteran journalist Sreenivasan Jain argued that the police response reflects an overreaction by a regime that feels threatened, targeting younger and independent digital journalists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One can assume that this overreaction is a result of the regime feeling threatened… The attempt is to particularly target younger journalists, digital media and those who are seen as independent and critical of the regime.” — Sreenivasan Jain
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of journalists detained: Moneycontrol cites 35-43, CPJ reports at least 37, and EGI records 38. No source provides a definitive, independently verified tally, leaving the precise scale unclear. While several reports note equipment seizure and physical assault, the extent of injuries and the identity of all affected journalists remain undocumented.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court will hear the NWMI petition on October 15, where it may issue further directives on police conduct toward journalists. The Press Club of India has announced a silent march to protest the recent detentions and reaffirm journalists’ right to access public spaces for reporting.