New Delhi: Delhi Police is preparing new guidelines regarding rallies, public meetings and protests to be held in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Under the proposed rules, it is proposed to limit the number of people attending the events to 50 thousand and fix the time of the event from 10 am to 5 pm. However, these rules have not yet come into effect. Their draft has been sent to Delhi Police Headquarters for approval. According to a senior police officer, the draft of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is in the initial stage. It will be finalised only after investigation by the concerned officials and approval from the competent authorities.
Have organisers to apply 10 days in advance?
According to the proposed arrangement, to organise any rally or public programme at Ramlila Maidan, the organisers will first have to obtain approval for the availability of the ground from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). After this, permission can be sought from Delhi Police. The application must be submitted at least 10 days before the scheduled date of the programme.
Who will be responsible for handling the crowd and traffic?
The draft SOP proposes to put the responsibility of controlling the crowd on the organisers. They have to coordinate with the traffic police and make proper arrangements for parking. Apart from this, drop-off points will also have to be fixed for the movement of people and their disembarkation.
Organisers will have to ensure that roads and emergency routes are not blocked during the event so that ambulances and other emergency services are not hampered in their movement if needed.
What will be the rules regarding weapons and drones?
Under the proposed security rules, guns, swords, spears, sharp objects and other prohibited items will not be allowed at the venue. Prior permission will also have to be taken for flying drones in and around Ramlila Maidan. Along with this, the organisers will have to make arrangements for drinking water, medical aid, cleanliness and proper disposal of waste.
When will the new guidelines come into effect?
Delhi Police officer has clarified that currently a draft of SOP has been prepared and sent to the headquarters. The process of consideration and review is still pending. New guidelines can be implemented only after getting the approval of the competent authorities.
