The Karnataka Police restricts interaction with the media to designated senior officers

MA Saleem, DG and IGP of Karnataka Police. | Photo credit: File photo

Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) MA Saleem has issued a circular restricting media communication for certain police personnel and tightening norms governing disclosure of information on social media in a major step to curb unauthorized disclosure of official information.

A circular issued on Monday said the police directorate found that officers at various levels were sharing information related to crimes, investigations, law and order incidents and departmental matters with media organisations, digital platforms and social media before it was officially released through authorized channels. Such disclosures, circulars, may jeopardize investigations, prejudice legal proceedings, violate privacy rights, spread misinformation and adversely affect public order.

Effective immediately, only designated senior officers will be able to brief the media. At the state level, the ADGP (Law & Order) or in his absence the DIGP (Law & Order) will be the official spokesperson. At the range level, only Range IGP or DIGP can address media. At municipal commissionerates, the press may be briefed by the commissioner of police or a designated other, joint or deputy commissioner. At the district level, only the police inspector is mandated, while the heads of special units will speak on behalf of their respective units.

The circular categorically prohibits all other police personnel from issuing statements, giving interviews, participating in media discussions or sharing official information without written permission from the relevant authority.

The order further prohibits police officers from posting, recording, forwarding or commenting on official police matters through personal or official social media accounts without prior permission. This includes information related to the investigation, internal communications, crime scene footage, operational details, confidential government communications and any material that could prejudice the investigation, prosecution or public order.

However, the circular allows field officers to issue substantive public notices during emergencies such as disasters, traffic diversions, rescue operations or law and order emergencies. Such communications must be limited to public safety requirements and must be conducted whenever possible with the knowledge of a designated authorized spokesperson.

Published – 29 Jun 2026 22:32 IST