New Delhi: The Delhi Police has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, subject to approval from the land-owning authority and compliance with a series of conditions, including a strict 5 pm deadline for the event to end and a ban on overnight stays at the venue.

The rally, scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm, is part of the Congress-led agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns about voter deletions.

In a letter to Manish Chatrath, in-charge of the Congress party headquarters and a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central District, said the request to use Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3 had been considered. The police clearance is subject to the land-owning authority's permission and the stipulated conditions.

Congress rally: What conditions has Delhi Police imposed?

The police have directed the organisers to conclude the rally by 5 pm on November 1 and begin dispersing participants immediately afterwards. The event cannot be extended under any circumstances, and participants will not be allowed to stay overnight at Ramlila Maidan before or after the rally.

Organisers must install high-definition CCTV cameras at strategic locations, including entry and exit gates, the stage, surrounding areas and seating enclosures. The arrangements must include recording facilities, monitoring systems with at least five screens and a dedicated CCTV control room.

The police have also asked the Congress to provide adequate drinking water, sufficient toilet facilities with separate arrangements for women, and enough volunteers wearing identifiable clothing or common badges.

Vehicles, including buses, cars and tempos, must be parked at locations designated by the Traffic Unit. The organisers must also submit the list of invitees and volunteers, a minute-to-minute programme of the rally, and details of buses along with their registration numbers.
Also read | ‘We love you but...’: Rahul Gandhi tells Delhi traders protests will stop in ‘30 seconds’ if Modi sacks Gyanesh Kumar

No provocative speeches or marches outside Ramlila Maidan

The police have instructed the organisers to ensure that the rally remains peaceful and that no unruly, rowdy or radical behaviour is allowed.

Speakers must not make remarks concerning caste, creed or colour that could disturb public harmony, peace and tranquillity. If any speech is found to be instigating or intimidating, the public address system must be switched off immediately and the speaker removed from the stage.

The police have also made it clear that no march will be permitted from Ramlila Maidan towards any other location. Organisers must cooperate with officers deployed on duty and follow instructions issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, the Kamla Market Station House Officer and other senior police personnel.

The NOC may be revoked at any time if the organisers fail to comply with the conditions or other instructions issued by the police.

Congress alleges police stopped rally preparations

Earlier on Tuesday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal alleged that Delhi Police personnel had stopped preparations for the planned rally over the weekend.

Venugopal said the party had secured permission to use Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3, but alleged that police intervention had halted infrastructure work. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of directing the action.

The Congress leader alleged that the move was intended to suppress democratic protests against the removal of genuine voters from electoral rolls. 
Also read | 10 lakh at Delhi rally? Congress steps up campaign to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Why is Congress protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar?

The Congress and its allies have been protesting over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and concerns that eligible voters could be removed from the lists.

Venugopal said the INDIA bloc would continue its agitation until Gyanesh Kumar was removed as Chief Election Commissioner and the electoral system was “purified”.