Protesting at Delhi’s new official protest site will not come cheap. Booking Ramlila Maidan, one of three venues that replaced Jantar Mantar this week, costs Rs 1.21 lakh a day upfront, and only three dates are available till the end of the year, according to reports citing officials.
Why Jantar Mantar is no longer a protest site
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a standing order on October 11, 2026, de-notifying Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. The order came amid calls to gather at Jantar Mantar for protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Three new venues have been designated in its place:
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- Ramlila Maidan
- Burari Ground, North Delhi
- CBD Ground, East Delhi
Police said a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for protests at these sites will be issued separately.
How much does it cost to book Ramlila Maidan?
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| MCD booking charge (per day) | Rs 50,000 |
| Refundable security deposit | Rs 55,000 |
| Total upfront, including taxes | Rs 1.21 lakh |
Protesters at Jantar Mantar did not have to pay any booking fee.
Only three dates available this year
The ground is open for booking on only three dates till year-end: December 29, 30 and 31. Officials said it is already booked for other programmes, including Ramlila, Dussehra and Diwali events.
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said on X that the ground is occupied with two Ramlilas and asked how anyone could hold a protest there.
Is there a free option?
A small portion of the ground can be used free of charge, but it can hold only about 150 people. The full 12-acre ground can accommodate around 50,000 people.
A civic official said that if the ground were given for protests without fees, the corporation would lose at least Rs 50,000 a day.
How to book Ramlila Maidan for a protest
- Get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Delhi Police.
- Apply to the MCD’s horticulture department, which clears the booking.
- Pay the booking charge and security deposit.
Traffic concerns
Ramlila Maidan sits in a busy commercial area near three hospitals and the MCD headquarters. During large events, police often turn Asaf Ali Road one-way and divert traffic towards Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Officials say both roads are already congested.
A ground with a history of protests
Ramlila Maidan has hosted several major political events, including the 1975 rally by Jayaprakash Narayan on the day the Emergency was declared, and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption fast in 2011. Arvind Kejriwal took oath as Delhi chief minister there in 2013, 2015 and 2020.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to protest at Ramlila Maidan?
Booking costs Rs 50,000 a day plus a Rs 55,000 refundable deposit, which comes to Rs 1.21 lakh upfront including taxes.
Which dates are available at Ramlila Maidan?
Only December 29, 30 and 31, 2026 are available for booking till year-end.
Is Jantar Mantar still a protest site?
No. Delhi Police de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site on October 11, 2026.
What are Delhi’s new protest sites?
Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground in North Delhi and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
Is there a free area for protests at Ramlila Maidan?
Yes, a small portion is free, but it can hold only about 150 people.
Sources: The Tribune, Business Today. Photo: Hemant Banswal / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (crowd at Ramlila Maidan in 2011, file photo).
