Delhi Police has drawn up a fresh set of proposed guidelines to regulate protests and public gatherings at Ramlila Ground in the national capital, including a ceiling of 50,000 participants and a fixed time window of 10 am to 5 pm, according to an ANI report.
The draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) seeks to establish a uniform framework for safety, security and administrative arrangements at the venue. It is currently at an initial stage and has been forwarded to Delhi Police Headquarters for approval, a senior police officer told ANI. Its provisions are yet to be finalised.
The proposed guidelines come after Delhi Police, through a standing order issued on October 11, de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest venue and designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as alternative sites for demonstrations. The decision followed recommendations by a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to identify alternative venues for exercising the right to organise protests. The police had said detailed and revised SOPs for the three venues would be issued separately.
Under the proposed arrangements for Ramlila Ground, organisers will first have to obtain clearance from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) confirming the availability of the venue before approaching the police for permission. Applications will ordinarily have to be submitted at least 10 days before the proposed event.
The draft also makes organisers responsible for managing the gathering and coordinating with traffic authorities. They will have to make parking arrangements, designate drop-off points for participants and ensure that roads and emergency access routes remain unobstructed.
The proposed security guidelines prohibit firearms, swords, spears, sharp objects and other prohibited items at the venue. Drone operations in the vicinity of the ground will also require prior authorisation.
Organisers will additionally have to ensure the availability of drinking water, medical assistance and sanitation facilities, besides making arrangements for proper waste disposal.
Ramlila Ground has recently hosted major political gatherings, including the Congress-led INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Police had granted clearance for the rally subject to conditions, including that it conclude by 5 pm, with organisers responsible for crowd management, traffic arrangements and other security measures.
The senior officer told ANI that further action on the proposed SOP would be taken after it is examined by the competent authorities. The guidelines will come into force only after receiving the necessary approval.
(With inputs from ANI)
