The Press Council of India (PCI) has said in detailed guidelines aimed at protecting media personnel and promoting responsible reporting. The guidelines urge journalists to prioritise safety over live-broadcast commitments or exclusive footage, maintain neutrality and coordinate with newsrooms and law enforcement authorities wherever feasible.

The PCI has advised journalists to visibly display valid press identification issued by their media organisation, a Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation card or accreditation from a state government’s Directorate of Information and Publicity. They should identify themselves calmly when approached by police, follow lawful instructions, particularly those concerning immediate safety, and refrain from participating in demonstrations or provoking confrontations.