NEW DELHI — Delhi Police has moved to tighten control over demonstrations at Central Delhi’s historic Ramlila Ground, drafting rules that slap a hard ceiling of 50,000 participants on public gatherings and restrict rallies to a seven-hour daytime window.
The proposal marks a decisive shift in crowd management at the national capital's primary protest hub. Under the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), all demonstrations, political rallies, and public programmes must operate strictly between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Indefinite overnight sit-ins face an outright bar.
Police officials confirmed that the blueprint has been submitted to Delhi Police Headquarters for review. The draft remains under administrative examination, with final provisions subject to executive sign-off before formal notification.
Under the proposed framework, securing the venue will no longer begin at the local police station. Organizers must first approach the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to secure formal clearance confirming the ground's availability. Only after obtaining municipal approval can organizers submit an application to the police.
Deadlines are rigid. Applications must reach licensing authorities at least 10 days before the scheduled event, eliminating last-minute assembly clearances.
The draft also shifts logistical liabilities squarely onto rally organizers. The rules require hosts to coordinate directly with traffic authorities, designate explicit passenger drop-off zones, and secure dedicated parking facilities. Crucially, organizers must guarantee that surrounding arterial roads and emergency corridors remain completely unobstructed.
Security protocols within the proposed SOP impose sweeping bans on personal weapons. The draft expressly prohibits firearms, swords, spears, and sharp objects across the protest perimeter. Unauthorized aerial surveillance is equally barred—any drone operations over or adjacent to Ramlila Ground will require explicit, prior police clearance.
Beyond perimeter security, organizers must shoulder primary civic and medical duties. Event managers will be legally tasked with establishing clean drinking water stations, functional sanitation booths, systematic waste disposal pipelines, and on-site emergency medical triage.
| Regulatory Parameter | Proposed Draft Mandate |
|---|---|
| Participant Ceiling | Maximum 50,000 attendees |
| Permitted Operational Hours | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Application Notice Window | Minimum 10 days prior to event |
| Venue Prerequisite | Prior clearance certificate from MCD |
| Aerial Operations | Mandatory prior authorization for drones |
| Prohibited Items | Firearms, swords, spears, sharp objects |
The proposal currently sits with competent authorities at Delhi Police Headquarters for institutional review. Police officials stated that the final Standard Operating Procedure will take effect only after receiving formal administrative clearance and legal ratification.
| Organizer Responsibilities |
| Parking, traffic lanes, sanitation, medical aid |