GUWAHATI: Ramlila Maidan, one of the three new venues designated for protests and demonstrations in Delhi, has only three dates available for bookings this year, with December 29, 30 and 31 currently open, officials reportedly said.
ALSO READ: ‘India Is the Mother of Democracy’: PM Modi Says Digital Power Can Give Millions a Greater Voice
Booking the 12-acre ground, which can accommodate around 50,000 people, requires an initial payment of ₹1.21 lakh for a day, including taxes and a refundable security deposit, according to reports.
A small portion of the ground can be used free of charge for protests and gatherings, but it can accommodate only around 150 people.
The ground is booked through the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s horticulture department. Organisers must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the police before permission is granted.
The booking charges and limited availability have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and protesters, who say the conditions could make it difficult for organisations and resident groups to organise demonstrations.
Protesters have also pointed out that the costs could make Ramlila Maidan an expensive option compared with Jantar Mantar, where demonstrations did not require such payments.
The development follows the removal of Jantar Mantar from Delhi’s designated protest venues, with Ramlila Maidan and two other locations identified as alternatives.
Ramlila Maidan has a long history as a venue for public gatherings. The area was a pond until 1930, when it was filled and levelled to make space for Ramlila performances. The tradition began there in 1932 and continues to this day, giving the ground its name.
After Independence, the area was developed in 1951 to provide livelihoods to refugees who had arrived from Pakistan. It later became an important venue for political rallies, protests and public gatherings.
