India: PIB urges responsible reporting amid journalist detention protests

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has upheld the Press Council of India’s (PCI) guidelines for responsible journalism. The directive comes amid allegations of misinformation regarding protests calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following a controversy involving the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The PIB emphasized that journalists must distinguish facts from conjecture, speculation, and opinion to maintain public trust. It noted that while satire and caricature are accepted forms of expression, they must not be used to disguise defamatory statements or cross the line into personal attacks.

Concurrently, media professionals held a meeting and a silent march organized by the Press Club of India to condemn the harassment and detention of journalists covering recent protests. Reporters reported facing curbs on the ground, including being detained by police and having their phones seized. Some journalists expressed frustration over security personnel demanding PIB cards as a primary means of verifying professional credentials, arguing that such cards are not the sole indicator of journalistic status.