Press Council issues guidelines for journalists covering protests

The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued new guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations, emphasising safety, professional conduct, accurate reporting and coordination with law enforcement agencies.

The Council adopted the Guidelines for Journalists Covering Protests and Demonstrations at its meeting on October 14, 2026, 

The guidelines outline precautions across six key areas, including identification and professional conduct, crowd safety, emergency preparedness, newsroom coordination, verification of information, and protection of vulnerable individuals.

The PCI has advised journalists to carry valid identity cards issued by their media organisations and, where applicable, valid Press Information Bureau (PIB) or Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) accreditation cards. Identification should remain clearly visible, with lanyards secured to minimise the risk of entanglement during crowd movement.

Journalists should calmly identify themselves when asked by police personnel and maintain neutrality. They should not participate in protests, take sides, provoke conflict or obstruct protesters, counter-protesters or law enforcement officials. The guidelines also call for respectful conduct, avoidance of arguments in tense situations and compliance with lawful police instructions, particularly those concerning immediate safety.

The Council has urged journalists to maintain a safe distance from potential conflict zones, particularly when tensions are high or police action is anticipated. They should avoid attaching cameras or recording equipment to police barricades, vehicles or other equipment in ways that obstruct movement or damage property.

While moving through crowds, journalists should proceed cautiously and take small steps to reduce the risk of falling or being trampled. They should continuously assess their surroundings and remain alert to changes in crowd behaviour, emerging confrontations and other potential threats.

Planning exit routes in advance is another key recommendation. Journalists should identify nearby exits, open roads, sidewalks and safe areas, updating their plans as circumstances change. If smoke or tear gas spreads, they should use visible landmarks and safe routes to leave the affected area rather than moving further into the crowd.

The guidelines recommend carrying a basic first-aid kit, essential personal medication, drinking water, protein-rich snacks, a flashlight, a cloth or small towel, and protective eyewear. Depending on the assessed risks, journalists may also consider suitable safety helmets and body armour.

The Council has stressed that journalists should learn basic first aid and practise using safety equipment before assignments. It has specifically cautioned them against touching, picking up or attempting to remove tear gas canisters, flash-bang devices or smoke grenades, which may be hot, explode or contain hazardous residue.

The PCI has called for regular communication between journalists and their newsrooms while reporting from demonstrations. Media organisations should designate a liaison officer to monitor journalists' locations and coordinate assistance in emergencies.

Freelance journalists should ensure that a trusted editor or contact knows their location, assignment plans and expected return time. Journalists are also encouraged to stay in touch with colleagues, particularly when working alone.

For scheduled demonstrations, media organisations should, where possible, coordinate with relevant police authorities, public information officers or press relations officers. Such coordination can help clarify communication procedures and identify designated media locations.

The guidelines reiterate the need for accurate, objective and impartial reporting. Journalists should distinguish verified facts from allegations, opinions and unverified claims, and verify information through multiple sources wherever possible.

When assessing eyewitness accounts, reporters should consider the witness's proximity to the incident, the circumstances in which they observed it, the clarity of their perception and the reliability of their information. Potential biases should also be assessed.

Statements from protesters, organisers, police and government officials should be scrutinised according to journalistic standards. Claims should be attributed to the relevant individuals or organisations and corroborated where possible.

The Council has also cautioned against speculating about people's motives, intentions or emotions, advising journalists to report what is clearly visible at the scene.

The guidelines further state that information about police deployment, tactical operations or safe escape routes should not be broadcast or published when doing so could compromise operational security or the secrecy of an operation.

The PCI has called for particular care when photographing or identifying minors, injured people, civilians in distress and others in vulnerable situations.

Journalists should consider whether publishing an individual's image or identity could expose them to retaliation, harassment or other harm, and whether disclosure could violate their right to privacy.

The guidelines conclude with a reminder that personal safety must take precedence over equipment, live-broadcast commitments and the pressure to secure exclusive footage.