Protesting in India's capital has become significantly more expensive and restrictive with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) managed Ramlila Maidan now serving as a designated protest venue. Unlike the previously free Jantar Mantar, booking the historic 12-acre ground comes with a daily charge of ₹1.21 lakh, inclusive of taxes and a refundable security deposit.
Booking Challenges and Costs
Organizers face substantial hurdles, primarily the cost and extremely limited availability. For the next two and a half months, only three dates—December 29, 30, and 31—are open for booking. The daily booking fee is ₹50,000, complemented by a ₹55,000 refundable security deposit, bringing the total initial outlay to ₹1.21 lakh.
This fee structure contrasts sharply with Jantar Mantar, which required no payment for demonstrations. While Ramlila Maidan can accommodate up to 50,000 people, applicants must secure a no-objection certificate from Delhi Police before the MCD grants permission. A small section of the ground is available free of charge for gatherings of up to 150 individuals.
Shift from Jantar Mantar
The change follows a Delhi Police order on October 11, which de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Ramlila Maidan is one of three new designated venues, alongside Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi. A detailed revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for demonstrations at these new locations is anticipated.
The move has sparked concern, with figures like AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioning the practicality of using Ramlila Maidan for protests, especially given its frequent booking for major festival programs like Dussehra and Diwali, which are known to cause significant road blockages.
Historical Significance and Impact
Ramlila Maidan holds a deep-rooted place in India's political narrative, serving as a stage for numerous significant gatherings. Developed in 1951, it has hosted events ranging from Syama Prasad Mookerjee's satyagraha in 1952 to addresses by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal's oath ceremony as Delhi Chief Minister in 2013. The ground also witnessed a pivotal rally on the day of the Emergency declaration in 1975.
Despite its historical importance, its location, approximately 4 km from Jantar Mantar, in a bustling commercial area near three hospitals and the municipal corporation headquarters, means large events frequently lead to traffic diversions and congestion, impacting daily life in the vicinity.