Delhi Police proposes 50,000-person limit for Ramlila Ground gatherings
The draft guidelines include a fixed time window of 10 am to 5 pm for protests and public programmes.
Delhi Police has prepared a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate public demonstrations and gatherings at Ramlila Ground in Central Delhi, according to reports by The Indian Express, Deccan Chronicle and The New Indian Express.
The proposed rules suggest a maximum capacity of 50,000 people for the venue and restrict event timings to between 10 am and 5 pm. The draft also prohibits marches and processions from the site, intending for the location to serve as a static venue.
Under these proposed arrangements, organisers must first secure a venue availability certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) before seeking police permission. Applications should generally be submitted at least 10 days before an event occurs.
Organisers would be responsible for managing crowds, coordinating with traffic authorities, arranging parking, and designating drop-off points. They must also ensure that emergency access routes and roads remain clear.
Security measures in the draft include bans on firearms, swords, spears, lathis, and other sharp objects. Additionally, drone use near the ground would require prior authorisation.
A senior police officer told ANI that the draft has been sent to the Delhi Police Headquarters for approval. The guidelines will only come into effect once they are finalised by the competent authorities.