Press Club Raises Alarm Over Detention of Journalists

Press Club Raises Alarm Over Detention of Journalists

New Delhi, October 15, 2026: The Press Club of India has raised concerns over the detention of journalists covering recent protests in Delhi, including allegations that reporters were taken into custody despite showing press identity cards and that some had their mobile phones and reporting equipment seized. A meeting was held at the Press Club on October 13, followed by a silent march to protest the alleged harassment of media professionals. Source

Why Did the Press Club Hold a Meeting?

The controversy followed protests held in Delhi on October 10 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Several journalists covering the demonstrations were reportedly detained as police moved to control the gatherings.

The Press Club of India (PCI), the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Delhi unit of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists expressed concern over the treatment of reporters.

The organisations alleged that journalists carrying valid press identity cards were detained and that some had their phones and reporting equipment taken away. They called for accountability and action over the alleged interference with journalists performing their professional duties. Source

At the October 13 meeting, journalists described their experiences while covering the protests. A silent march around the Press Club building followed the meeting, bringing renewed attention to concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters.

Why Were Journalists Detained Despite Showing Press IDs?

One of the central questions raised by journalists is why reporters were detained even after identifying themselves and displaying their press cards.

According to media reports, some journalists said police personnel asked them to produce identification and, in certain cases, insisted on Press Information Bureau (PIB) cards rather than accepting identification issued by their media organisations.

Reporters also alleged that they were held for hours despite explaining that they were covering the demonstrations as part of their professional responsibilities.

The incidents have prompted questions about how journalists are identified during public gatherings and what safeguards should apply when police restrict access or detain people at protest sites. The circumstances of individual detentions, however, need to be assessed alongside official explanations and available records.

Allegations Over Seized Mobile Phones and Cameras

Journalists also reported that mobile phones and other reporting equipment were taken during the police action. These devices are essential tools for recording events, taking photographs, transmitting footage and communicating with newsroom editors.

A report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on October 12 said at least 37 journalists had been detained while covering the protests. It also documented allegations that police seized at least five phones and pressured at least one journalist to delete footage. Source

The allegations raise concerns about the handling of journalists' equipment and recorded material. Where devices are seized as part of a lawful investigation, the grounds for seizure and the process for returning the equipment should be clear. Allegations of pressure to delete journalistic footage also warrant appropriate scrutiny.

What Does the Incident Mean for Press Freedom?

The controversy has emerged amid demonstrations over electoral processes and voter-list revisions. The detention of journalists reporting on those protests has intensified debate about the ability of the media to cover public events independently.

Press freedom organisations argue that reporters should be able to perform their professional duties without unnecessary interference. At the same time, police authorities are responsible for maintaining public order. Any enforcement action must therefore be assessed against the applicable law, the circumstances of the incident and the need for accountability.

What Are Journalists' Organisations Demanding?

Press organisations have called for scrutiny of the alleged mistreatment of reporters and greater accountability over detentions and the handling of seized equipment.

Journalists argue that detaining reporters despite visible press credentials can disrupt news coverage and undermine public access to information. An examination of the individual complaints, official explanations and any available records will be important in establishing the full circumstances.

Conclusion

The Press Club of India's meeting and silent march have brought the safety of journalists and the right to report freely back into focus. Allegations involving detention despite press identification and the seizure of phones and cameras require a transparent examination, with clear answers about the grounds for police action and the treatment of journalists' reporting material.