What the Press Council of India's guidelines for journalists covering protests say

The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations, according to reports published on October 16 and 17. Reports describe them as covering identification, conduct, physical safety and reporting standards.

Who issued them and why

The PCI released the guidelines on Thursday, October 15, according to the Free Press Journal. It reports the stated purpose as facilitating orderly and effective media coverage of protests. It says the guidelines followed large protests in Delhi demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an end to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and that at least 12 journalists were detained on a Sunday during the protests. Scroll.in puts the number detained on that Sunday at at least nine. The Free Press Journal notes that the council's jurisdiction is limited to print media under the Press Council Act of 1978. A report by ANI carried by ThePrint says the PCI expressed concern over the safety of media personnel during unrest.

Identification and conduct

The reports list these points:

• Journalists should carry valid identity cards from their media organization, or accreditation from the Press Information Bureau or the Directorate of Information and Publicity, and keep it visible. Cards should be on lanyards secured to avoid tangling.
• They should not take part in demonstrations, take sides, provoke confrontations or interfere with protesters, counter-protesters or police.
• They should be respectful, follow lawful police orders, avoid unnecessary arguments and calmly state that they are journalists.

Physical safety

• Keep a reasonable distance when tensions rise or police action is expected.
• Do not attach cameras or recording equipment to police barricades, vehicles or equipment.
• Plan escape routes and note exits, according to the Free Press Journal.
• Carry a compact emergency kit with first aid, water, snacks, a flashlight and eye protection. The Free Press Journal adds that, depending on risk, journalists may consider protective headgear and body armor.
• Do not touch or move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices or smoke grenades.
• News organizations should name a contact person to track journalists' locations, and freelancers should tell a trusted contact where they are, according to the Free Press Journal.

Reporting standards

According to the Free Press Journal, the guidelines tell journalists to prioritize accuracy, objectivity and impartiality, verify information through multiple sources, scrutinize statements from protesters, organizers, police and government equally, separate verified facts from allegations and opinion, and protect the privacy of minors, injured people and other vulnerable individuals. ThePrint's ANI report says journalists should not publish real-time police positions, tactical movements or escape routes where this could compromise safety, and should not let the pursuit of exclusive footage override safety.

What the reports do not say

The reports read reproduce different subsets of the guidelines, and none gives the full text. They do not describe an enforcement mechanism or penalties, and the Free Press Journal carries no statement from the council's chair.