Delhi Police Advised to Stay Calm During Protests After Jantar Mantar Videos
Fresh guidelines issued by a central agency have instructed Delhi Police personnel to exercise restraint during protests, avoid reacting to provocation, and prevent themselves from being portrayed as villains in videos filmed by demonstrators, police sources said on Sunday. The directives follow allegations of police excesses during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar last month.
The guidelines warned officers that their anger serves as content for demonstrators looking to portray them negatively, reminding personnel that their actions and reactions are routinely recorded on mobile phones and circulated online. A senior police officer said the directions were aimed at ensuring professionalism and composure during crowd-management duties.
Under the fresh advisory, police personnel have been told to avoid unnecessary conversations, arguments, or responses to taunts, questions, and emotional appeals. When communication is unavoidable, officers are instructed to limit their response to a simple request for cooperation and otherwise maintain silence. Personnel were also cautioned against reacting to mockery, humor, songs, dances, mock salutes, or placards designed to provoke a reaction.
The advisory explicitly prohibits aggressive acts such as pushing away mobile phones, snatching or throwing objects, shouting, or entering physical confrontations unless strictly required as part of duty. Officers have also been instructed not to engage in discussions about personal circumstances, salaries, or family issues, and to decline flowers, food, or other items offered by protesters.
The instructions come after videos from the Jantar Mantar protest circulated widely online, showing verbal altercations as well as demonstrators offering flowers to officers after alleged lathi charges, prompting criticism across social media platforms.
The guidelines also noted that maintaining law and order must not compromise public safety, directing personnel to assist injured or unwell protesters and ensure clear passage for ambulances, schoolchildren, and the elderly. The advisory extends to personnel across district, railway, and metro units.
