Journalists Detained During Protests Despite Court Assurances, Says Committee to Protect Journalists

UPDATE - follow-up to CJP Tiranga protest LIVE | Massive security for CJP's 'Tiranga' march; SC refuses urgent hearing on Central Park closure: The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that police detained journalists in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai even after the Supreme Court secured assurances that the press would not be impeded. Authorities detained at least 43 journalists temporarily and assaulted some while they covered protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10 and 11, 2026.

Details of Incidents

Police seized at least five phones and pressured one journalist to delete footage, while taking some detainees to sites up to 65 kilometres away. Journalist Rana Ayyub stated that police beat her with a baton, and The Caravan's Ryan Thomas said he was hit on the head and slapped. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted these actions continued despite assurances given by the Solicitor-General to the Supreme Court.

Context

This follows an earlier report, covered earlier on 16 Oct 2026: 'CJP Tiranga protest LIVE | Massive security for CJP's 'Tiranga' march; SC refuses urgent hearing on Central Park closure'. Professional journalists and media workers regularly face challenging conditions while covering high-tension public demonstrations and political events across the country.