Delhi Police urges journalists covering protests to display ID cards, maintain distance

Delhi Police has urged journalists covering protests to display valid press identity cards and maintain a safe distance from tense situations, saying media personnel should not obstruct police operations or be confused with protesters.

"Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled," the police said in a post on X, with Additional DCP Manjeet Sheoran alleging that some individuals cover protests as journalists on one day and participate in demonstrations the next, following which they are detained.

Sheoran said police had repeatedly appealed to such individuals to cover protests from a distance, but they continued to interrupt personnel while they were discharging their duties.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the police asked journalists to carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations or valid Press Information Bureau (PIB) or other authorised accreditation cards and keep them visibly displayed at all times to facilitate identification by law enforcement personnel at protest sites.

The advisory also said media personnel should ensure their presence and activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel.

During tense situations, journalists were advised to maintain a reasonable and safe distance while covering and recording proceedings. They were also asked to position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from protesters.

The advisory comes amid police deployments at protest sites, where journalists may have to work in tense and crowded conditions.

The police said the measures were intended to facilitate the identification of media personnel and ensure they do not interfere with police operations or the movement of security personnel.