Press Council of India Issues New Safety and Ethics Rules for Reporting Protests

New Press Rules

The Press Council of India has released detailed guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations, focusing on personal safety, professional conduct, and newsroom coordination. The advisory follows incidents where media personnel were detained or injured during recent demonstrations in New Delhi. Under the rules, reporters must visibly display a valid press identity card from their organisation, the Press Information Bureau, or a State government Directorate of Information and Publicity.

Safety And Equipment

Journalists are advised to keep a safe distance from confrontations and avoid attaching cameras to police barricades or vehicles. The guidelines recommend carrying a compact emergency kit with first aid, water, snacks, a flashlight, and goggles. Reporters are also strictly warned never to touch or move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices, or smoke grenades because they remain hot or hazardous. Newsrooms must designate a point of contact to monitor journalist locations and handle emergencies, while freelancers should inform a trusted contact of their plans.

Ethical Reporting

The council urges media professionals to remain neutral, avoid provoking confrontations, and treat statements from police, protesters, and government authorities with equal scrutiny. Reporters must not broadcast real-time police tactical movements or escape routes that could compromise security, and they must protect the privacy of minors and vulnerable individuals.

Context

The Press Council of India acts as a statutory watchdog to preserve the freedom of the press and maintain high standards of journalism in the country. Guidelines like these are periodically issued to help media personnel navigate high-risk situations safely while balancing the public's right to information.