Police refrained from holding briefings on sensitive cases

To avert communal polarisation during the ongoing election period, Delhi Police has been asked to refrain from holding press briefings on sensitive cases including those related to terrorism without the permission of the Election Commission.
In an advisory issued by the Delhi's Chief Electoral Office, the Commission has directed Delhi police to take due care while holding press briefings on important and sensitive issues while the model code of conduct is in force.
"Due care should be taken while briefing the press or media on important and sensitive issues, as such reportings could be blown out of proportion by political parties and others to take undue mileage which can effect the election," said the advisory issued recently.

The advisory further cited that Delhi police should take the permission of the Election Commission to hold such press briefings till the results are declared on May 16, said Ankur Garg, Chief Nodal Officer for model code of conduct adding that such briefings have the potential to adversely affect the electoral process.
The order was passed few days after the Delhi Police held two press conferences to announce the arrest of alleged top Indian Mujahideen operative Tehseen Akhtar, Pakistani national Waqas, and three youths from Rajasthan who were also suspected to be linked to the IM.
According to sources, the Commission had also sought explanation from Delhi police in this regard.