Delhi Police is preparing a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for rallies, protests and public gatherings at Ramlila Maidan, with a proposed limit of 50,000 participants and fixed event hours from 10am to 5pm. The draft is still at an early stage and has been sent to Delhi Police headquarters for approval, according to a senior police officer quoted by Live Hindustan – NCR.
The proposed SOP is intended to bring events at the central Delhi ground within a defined framework for safety, security and administrative coordination. The provisions have not yet been finalised, and the guidelines will come into force only after approval by the competent authorities.
Under the proposed process, organisers would first need to obtain clearance from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) confirming the availability of the venue before seeking permission from Delhi Police. Applications for rallies, demonstrations and public meetings may also have to be submitted at least 10 days before the proposed event.
The draft places responsibility for crowd management on event organisers. They would be required to coordinate with traffic police officials, arrange parking and identify designated drop-off points for participants. Organisers would also have to ensure that surrounding roads and emergency routes remain clear during the event.
The proposed security rules include a ban on firearms, swords, spears, sharp objects and other prohibited items. Organisers would also need prior permission to operate drones around Ramlila Maidan. These provisions are intended to address security risks associated with large public gatherings and regulate activity in and around the venue.
The draft also lists basic public-service arrangements that organisers would be expected to provide. These include drinking water, medical assistance, sanitation facilities and proper waste disposal. The requirements would make organisers responsible not only for obtaining permission but also for arranging essential services for participants.
Ramlila Maidan is regularly used for political rallies, protests and other large public meetings in central Delhi. Events at the ground can affect traffic movement, pedestrian access and emergency connectivity in the surrounding area, making coordination between police, civic authorities and organisers necessary.
The senior officer said the draft SOP had been sent to Delhi Police headquarters for examination. The final rules will depend on scrutiny and approval by the competent authorities; until that process is completed, the proposed crowd limit, timings and application requirements do not constitute an operative regulation.
