NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has proposed tighter rules for protests and public gatherings at Ramlila Maidan, including a maximum attendance of 50,000 people and a permitted time window of 10 am to 5 pm.
The proposed measures are part of a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that is awaiting approval from Delhi Police Headquarters. A senior police officer told ANI that the guidelines are still at an initial stage and have not been finalised.
Under the draft, organisers will first need clearance from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) confirming that the venue is available. They must then approach the police for permission, ordinarily at least 10 days before the planned gathering.
The proposed rules also place responsibility on organisers for crowd management and coordination with traffic authorities. They will have to arrange parking and designated drop-off points while ensuring that roads and emergency access routes remain clear.
The draft prohibits firearms, swords, spears and other sharp objects at the venue. Drone operations in the vicinity will require prior authorisation. Organisers will also be expected to provide drinking water, medical assistance and sanitation facilities, along with arrangements for waste disposal.
The proposed restrictions follow a Delhi Police order issued on October 11 that removed Jantar Mantar's designation as a protest venue. Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi were identified as alternative locations for demonstrations following recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ramlila Maidan has recently hosted major political gatherings, including the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police had permitted the rally subject to conditions, including that it conclude by 5 pm.
The new SOP will take effect only after approval by the competent authorities.
(With inputs from media reports)