Protests Get Costly in Delhi: Ramlila Maidan Fully Booked for Months with Fees Exceeding One Lakh

Protesting at Delhi's newly designated Ramlila Maidan has become an expensive and challenging affair. With no dates available for booking over the next two and a half months, and hefty fees crossing the one lakh rupee mark, activists and organizations are facing major hurdles.

The Shift from Jantar Mantar

Following administrative directives, Jantar Mantar has been removed from the list of official protest sites. Ramlila Maidan, Burari ground, and the CBD ground in East Delhi have been designated as the new alternatives. However, securing Ramlila Maidan has become exceedingly difficult due to prior bookings.

High Costs and Strict Regulations

Spanning 12 acres, Ramlila Maidan has a capacity of 50,000 people. While a tiny designated space can accommodate around 150 people for free protests, regular booking costs 50,000 rupees per day plus a refundable security deposit of 55,000 rupees. Inclusive of taxes, the total initial daily expense surges to approximately 1.21 lakh rupees.

Bookings are processed through the MCD horticulture department, requiring a mandatory NOC from Delhi Police. Protesters argue that these steep charges impose a severe financial burden compared to the previously accessible Jantar Mantar site.