NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has issued a fresh advisory for journalists covering protests, asking media personnel to carry and prominently display valid identity cards while urging them to maintain a safe distance from tense situations and avoid obstructing police operations.
The advisory, issued on October 5, comes days after three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest near Jantar Mantar on October 3. The complaints have been referred to the Crime Branch for further inquiry, even as journalists have demanded the registration of FIRs against the alleged offenders.
In its advisory, Delhi Police said journalists assigned to cover protests should carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations or valid Press Information Bureau (PIB) or Delhi Information and Publicity (DIP) accreditation cards. They have also been asked to keep their identification cards visibly displayed at protest sites to facilitate identification by law enforcement personnel.
Some social media handles are claiming that female protesters were subjected to physical assault. These allegations are baseless and misleading. Female protesters are handled by female staff and are treated with dignity and due regard. Detentions and releases are carried out in… pic.twitter.com/zW6FnLrvbV
— ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2026
“The story matters, so does how you get it!” Delhi Police said in a post on X while issuing the guidelines. The police further advised journalists to ensure that their presence or activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel.
Advisory follows allegations by three women journalists
The timing of the advisory has drawn attention as it comes shortly after allegations of sexual harassment were made against police officers during Saturday’s protest in the New Delhi area. According to Delhi Police, the October 3 demonstration resulted in what it described as a “law and order situation”, during which three female journalists alleged sexual harassment by police personnel.
The New Delhi district police received the complaints and subsequently transferred them to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial enquiry. Several independent journalists subsequently staged a protest outside Parliament Street police station, demanding FIRs and accountability over the allegations.
Police asks journalists to keep their distance
Under the latest advisory, journalists covering demonstrations have been asked to maintain a “reasonable and safe distance” during tense situations while recording or reporting events. The police also asked media personnel to position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from protesters.
The guidelines appear aimed at enabling police personnel to identify journalists in crowded protest locations and distinguish them from demonstrators, particularly during situations where police and protesters come into close contact.
Earlier, the Delhi Police flagged a viral purported CCTV image linked to the sexual-harassment allegations against ACP Vivek Bhagat as AI-generated and manipulated, warning that those circulating it could face legal action.
