New Delhi: The Press Council of India (PCI), in a release dated October 15, has announced guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations. These come at the back of detentions of multiple journalists, more of whom faced severe harassment in the hands of the Delhi Police while covering the protests against the special intensive revision of rolls and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The PCI is a statutory and quasi-judicial body in India tasked with “preserving the freedom of the press by maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and the news agencies” in India.The guidelines were adopted at a Council meeting on October 14, the PCI says, adding that they are being issued in “view of the prevailing scenario and the need to facilitate the orderly and effective coverage of protests and demonstrations.”“The guidelines seek to facilitate the effective discharge of journalistic duties while promoting the safety of media personnel, responsible reporting and better coordination among journalists, media organisations and law enforcement authorities,” it says.‘When using a lanyard…’The PCI advises journalists to “carry a valid identity card issued by your media organization/newspaper and/or valid PIB/DIP accreditation, as applicable.”Several journalists are freelancers or on YouTube, and do not have identity cards. The government, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and its selected supporters have also begun a campaign against the legitimacy of ‘journalists’ and who can be called so in the backdrop of so many undeniable visual accounts of police brutality. Ordinary citizens recording videos have often been made to delete them.“When using a lanyard, ensure that it is worn and secured carefully to minimize the risk of entanglement during crowd movement or confrontations. Clearly and calmly identify yourself as a journalist when approached by law enforcement personnel,” the advisory says.The guidelines do not appear to acknowledge the role of what has appeared to be a police force which has been keen to ignore its own set of guidelines.The Delhi Police, which had, in the days leading up to the protests released a controversial set of guidelines for journalists, had noted in it that reporters on the ground should display their press cards prominently. However, on October 10 and 11, police displayed little regard for the press card and several journalists were detained.‘Maintain neutrality’The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ,) challenging the mass detentions of journalists, which happened despite it having asked authorities to ensure that journalists can do their job.The PCI has also asked journalists to “maintain neutrality and professionalism.”“Do not participate in demonstrations, take sides, provoke confrontations, or interfere with protesters, counter-protesters, or police,” it says.However, the PCI’s make bellies few ambitions of neutrality. The body is chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a retired judge who heads several committees and commissions, including the Delimitation Commission, and committees to bring the Uniform Civil Code to at least two states.‘Follow police orders’The advisory also asks journalists to remain “respectful and “follow police orders”. In what is clearly an overreach, it also asks them to “avoid arguments during tense situations” as well. It says to “comply with lawful instructions, particularly those issued for immediate safety reasons, while calmly asserting your Press status when necessary.”The PCI’s guidelines also seem to go against the very idea of journalism. It asks journalists to “maintain a reasonable and safe distance from confrontations, particularly when tensions escalate or police action is anticipated.”It also asks journalists to “take short steps to reduce the risk of falling or being trampled.”While it has asked journalists to “keep an escape route in mind and update it as conditions change,” this is a taller task than the words indicate thanks to an extraordinary number of curbs put on roadways by the authorities. Several exits and entries are blocked by either security personnel themselves or with layers of barricades.The guidelines also advise journalists to “leave the affected area” in case of smoke or tear gas use, “without moving deeper into the crowd”.Among other practical guidelines is the one asking freelancers to ensure “that a trusted editor or contact knows their location, assignment plan, and expected return time.” However, this is easier said than done during internet shutdowns at sites of protest, as had happened on October 10.The guidelines also urge fact-checking. “Treat statements from protesters, event organisers, police, and government authorities with equal journalistic scrutiny. Attribute claims clearly and seek corroboration. Do not broadcast or publish real-time police positions, tactical movements, or escape routes when doing so could compromise safety or operational security,” it says.