Press Council of India Issues Safety Guidelines for Journalists Covering Protests and Demonstrations
New Delhi, October 16: The Press Council of India (PCI) has adopted a set of guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations, emphasising media personnel’s safety, professional conduct, responsible reporting and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
According to a press release dated October 15, 2026, the guidelines were adopted at the Council’s meeting held on October 14 in view of the prevailing situation and the need to facilitate the orderly and effective coverage of protests and demonstrations.
The guidelines aim to help journalists discharge their professional responsibilities while minimising risks to their safety and promoting better coordination among journalists, media organisations and law enforcement authorities.
Under the guidelines, journalists have been advised to carry valid identity cards issued by their media organisations or newspapers and, where applicable, valid accreditation issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). They should keep their press identification visibly displayed, maintain professional neutrality and refrain from participating in demonstrations or interfering with protesters, counter-protesters or police personnel.
The Council has also stressed the importance of maintaining a safe distance from confrontations, exercising caution while moving through crowds and continuously assessing potential risks. Journalists have been advised not to attach cameras or recording equipment to police barricades, vehicles or other equipment in ways that could obstruct movement or damage property.
Emphasising situational awareness, the guidelines call on media personnel to remain alert to changes in crowd behaviour, identify potential hazards and keep escape routes in mind. In situations involving smoke or tear gas, journalists should use visible landmarks and safe routes to leave affected areas without moving further into the crowd.
The guidelines further recommend that journalists carry basic emergency supplies, including first-aid materials, essential personal medication, drinking water, snacks, a flashlight, a washcloth or hand towel, and eye protection. Depending on the assessed threat, suitable protective headgear and body armour may also be considered.
The Council has specifically cautioned journalists against touching, picking up or attempting to move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices or smoke grenades, warning that such objects may remain hot, explode or contain hazardous residue.
On coordination and communication, the guidelines recommend that newsrooms maintain regular contact with journalists deployed in the field and designate a point of contact to monitor their locations and respond to emergencies. Freelance journalists have been advised to keep a trusted editor or contact informed about their location, assignment plan and expected return time.
For planned demonstrations, media organisations have also been encouraged to coordinate with designated police and public information officers, wherever feasible, to clarify communication protocols and identify designated media staging areas.
Emphasising ethical and responsible reporting, the Press Council has advised journalists to report events accurately, objectively and impartially, distinguish verified facts from allegations and opinions, and verify information through multiple sources wherever possible. Statements from protesters, event organisers, police and government authorities should be subjected to equal journalistic scrutiny, with claims clearly attributed and corroborated.
The guidelines also caution against broadcasting or publishing real-time police positions, tactical movements or escape routes where disclosure could compromise public safety or operational security.
Journalists have further been urged to exercise particular care when filming or identifying minors, vulnerable individuals, injured persons and private citizens in distress, taking into account their privacy and the potential risks associated with publication.
The Council has made it clear that equipment, live-broadcast commitments or pressure to obtain exclusive footage should not take precedence over personal safety.
The guidelines underline the importance of balancing the public’s right to information with journalists’ safety, professional independence and ethical responsibilities while covering sensitive and potentially volatile situations.
(Source: Press Council of India press release dated October 15, 2026.) ANB
