NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Monday issued an advisory for journalists covering protests, asking them to carry valid identity cards and ensure that their presence or activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel.In a social media post on X, Delhi Police issued the guidelines for journalists and said, “The story matters, so does how you get it!”“All journalists assigned to cover protests are advised to carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations and/or valid PIB/DIP accreditation cards,” the guidelines read.“They should keep their identification cards visibly displayed at all times to facilitate identification by law enforcement agencies present at the site. They should also ensure that their presence or activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel,” it added.“During tense situations, journalists present at the site should maintain a reasonable and safe distance while covering and recording the proceedings. They should position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from protestors,” it further said.

This comes days after three women journalists accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment during Saturday’s protest against the Election Commission at Jantar Mantar.Delhi Police received the complaints and forwarded them to the Crime Branch for further inquiry.On Sunday, Delhi Police, on its official X handle, said that during the October 3 protest in the New Delhi area, which sparked a “law and order situation”, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. “New Delhi District has received their complaints and the same are transferred to Crime Branch for fair and impartial enquiry.”Following the allegations, several independent journalists held a protest outside Parliament Street police station, demanding FIRs against the officers.