Karnataka Police Bars Most Officers from Speaking to Media, Citing Misinformation
The Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem has issued a circular that restricts media communication to designated senior officers, effective immediately. The order aims to prevent unauthorised disclosure of official information, which the police say can compromise investigations, violate privacy, and spread misinformation.
The circular, issued on Monday, states that the police headquarters has noticed officers at various levels sharing information about crimes, investigations, law and order incidents, and departmental matters with media organisations, digital platforms, and social media before official release. Such disclosures, the circular notes, can prejudice legal proceedings, harm public order, and damage the reputation of the force.
Under the new rules, only specific senior officers will be allowed to brief the media. At the state level, the ADGP (Law & Order) or the DIGP (Law & Order) will serve as the official spokesperson. At the range level, the Range IGP or DIGP may speak. In city commissionerates, the Police Commissioner or an authorised Additional, Joint, or Deputy Commissioner can address the press. District-level briefings will be handled solely by the Superintendent of Police. Heads of special units will speak on behalf of their respective units.
All other police personnel are now prohibited from issuing statements, giving interviews, participating in media discussions, or sharing official information without written authorisation. The order also bars officers from posting, uploading, forwarding, or commenting on official police matters through personal or official social media accounts without prior approval. This includes investigation-related information, internal communications, crime scene visuals, operational details, and any confidential government material.
However, the circular provides an exception for field officers during emergencies such as disasters, traffic diversions, rescue operations, or urgent law-and-order situations. In such cases, they may issue factual public advisories limited to public safety requirements. Whenever possible, they should inform the designated authorised spokesperson.
The move has been interpreted as an effort to control the narrative and prevent leaks, but it also raises questions about transparency and the public's right to information. Critics argue that restricting media access could hamper accountability and timely dissemination of information. The police maintain that the order is necessary to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of investigations.
