Raipur Introduces Rs. 500 'Protest Fee', Critics Slam 'Tax on Dissent'

New Delhi: Raipur's municipal corporation has imposed a Rs. 500 fee for holding protests or demonstrations, a move opposition groups are blasting as an undemocratic "tax on dissent."

The decision comes as the city's primary protest site, Tuta Dharna Sthal, has been banned for demonstrations for two months by Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, who cited ongoing maintenance work. This leaves citizens with no sanctioned protest space, and once the ban is lifted, they will have to pay to voice their dissent.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and mayor Meenal Choubey defended the new fee, stating it was based on state government instructions. She said the policy was necessary for "cleaning and maintenance" of protest sites and that the permission process also helps the administration get "complete information about the route" of any procession.

Opposition leaders and activists rejected the justification, arguing that the policy is designed to discourage people from raising their voices on public issues.

According to the resolution passed in the general meeting, a separate charge of Rs. 5 per square foot will also be levied for setting up a stage or pandal.

Officials have also indicated that the protest fee could soon be doubled to Rs. 1,000, a proposal that was reportedly passed unanimously during the same municipal meeting.

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