Full Breakdown
Congress Secures Police No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Ramlila Maidan Rally Amid SIR-Related Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Delhi Police issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing the Indian National Congress to hold a one-day rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The venue is booked for the Congress from October 25 to November 3. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said the ground was allocated after the party obtained a venue-availability certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and after security arrangements were discussed.
Background & Context
The rally is part of a broader campaign by the INDIA bloc and allied civil-society groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The government de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest site on October 12, naming Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternatives. The SIR controversy has triggered multiple demonstrations and a Supreme Court hearing on petitions challenging the removal of Jantar Mantar.
Timeline
- October 10 – CJP activists detained; released after appearing before an Executive Magistrate on October 11.
- October 12 – Delhi Police de-notifies Jantar Mantar; designates three new protest sites.
- October 14 – Two activists placed in five-day judicial custody.
- October 17 – Women’s organisations march to Delhi Police headquarters alleging sexual violence during SIR protests.
- October 25 – November 3 – Ramlila Maidan booked for the Congress rally.
- November 1 – Scheduled date for the Congress mega rally.
Data & Statistics
- Three alternative protest venues have been officially designated.
- Police reported detaining “over a hundred” demonstrators in central Delhi during earlier SIR protests; other reports cite “around 150” detainees during the October 16 Tiranga rally.
- The Supreme Court has taken up 46 petitions related to the SIR row and the de-notification of Jantar Mantar.
Official Statements & Responses
Police officials emphasized that the NOC was issued after verifying venue availability and assessing security needs. Singh noted that the same booking procedure applies to any stakeholder wishing to use the designated sites. The Election Commission asserted that all its orders are “fully legal” and follow statutory procedures. The Delhi High Court recorded assurances from the police that “all possible measures” would be taken to regulate forthcoming CJP protests under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Criticism & Opposition
Women’s groups, including the All India Democratic Women’s Association, accused the police of using sexual assault as a tool to silence female protesters. Union Minister Rajnath Singh charged that the Congress and its allies are seeking “regime change” and fomenting “anarchy.” CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke denounced the detentions as an “undeniable crackdown” on democratic dissent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the scale of police detentions during recent protests: Hindustan Times cites “over a hundred” detainees, while ANI-linked reports mention “around 150” individuals detained during the October 16 Tiranga rally. No definitive figure has been confirmed by an official tally.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and Delhi Police, seeking responses on petitions challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar and the legality of the SIR process. The Court will also examine petitions from street vendors seeking compensation for loss of livelihood during the protests.