I rushed to try and cobble together a character certificate a few weeks ago. I was inspired by the Himachal Pradesh government, specifically an order issued by the Bilaspur superintendent of police for journalists to provide these certificates if they intended to cover the prime minister’s visit to that state. It was a brilliant move that would presumably allow the government to make sure only genuine journalists were let through, even though I was confused about the requirement given that the prime minister hasn’t been interested in answering any questions since 2002. If these journalists couldn’t ask questions, what harm could those without a character certificate possibly do?

Then again, mine is not the reason why. I’m sure the government had a good reason. Maybe journalists with character certificates are known to be better at capturing politicians on camera, from more flattering angles. The more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that only the right kind of journalists should be allowed to work in India. The wrong kind—those who question the government all the time, for no apparent reason—only discourage ministers from their otherwise unwavering commitment to political rallies.