Following the recent de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue by the Delhi Police, demonstrators are facing significant logistical and financial hurdles at the new government-sanctioned locations. The transition has placed the spotlight on Ramlila Maidan, which now serves as a primary hub for public grievances but comes with high administrative costs and restricted availability, according to recent reports.
Under a standing order issued on October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, Jantar Mantar has been removed from the list of approved sites for public demonstrations. In its place, the authorities have designated three locations: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. While these spaces are intended to accommodate large crowds—with reported capacities of 50,000 for Ramlila Maidan, 80,000 for Burari, and 15,000 for CBD Ground—protest organizers are finding that moving to these venues involves a shift away from the informal accessibility that characterized Jantar Mantar.
Booking the 12-acre Ramlila Maidan entails a significant financial commitment. Officials have confirmed that the daily booking rate is set at ₹50,000, complemented by a mandatory refundable security deposit of ₹55,000. When applicable taxes are factored in, the initial financial outlay for a single day of protest reaches approximately ₹1.21 lakh. This pricing model represents a stark contrast to the previous Jantar Mantar site, which did not require such substantial payments for public gatherings.
Availability is another pressing challenge for those seeking to hold demonstrations. Reports indicate that the ground is currently fully booked for the next two and a half months, largely due to ongoing festivities and various pre-scheduled programs. As of the latest updates, no slots remain open at the venue until December 29, 30, and 31. Civic officials noted that the ground’s central location in a busy commercial area, surrounded by hospitals and municipal offices, necessitates strict management of the site’s usage.
The process for securing space at the maidan is managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s horticulture department. To gain approval, applicants must first obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Delhi Police. While the majority of the grounds are subject to the standard booking fee, civic authorities have clarified that a very small, designated portion of the site is available for free, though it is restricted to a maximum capacity of only 150 people, making it insufficient for larger movements.
The historical and political significance of the Ramlila Maidan has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally a pond until 1930, the area was levelled to host Ramlila performances starting in 1932. Following Independence in 1951, the land was developed to support refugees arriving from Pakistan. Over the decades, it became a prominent venue for major political events, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 1952 satyagraha. Today, however, the logistics of hosting such events are more constrained, with authorities noting that large gatherings often require complex traffic management on the surrounding busy roads.
As Delhi adjusts to these new regulations, protest organizers and local groups are evaluating the long-term implications of these changes. Delhi Police has stated that a revised and detailed Standard Operating Procedure for demonstrations across these three new venues will be issued separately. Until that time, groups planning future protests must navigate the current booking system, keeping in mind the costs and limited availability inherent to these state-designated sites.
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