Raipur Introduces Controversial Rs 500 Tax on Public Protests: Democracy Under Financial Constraint

Oct 31, 2025 10:48 pm CST

Raipur municipal authorities have implemented a Rs 500 tax on public protests and demonstrations, charging Rs 5 per square foot for pandals and stages. This controversial move, defended as necessary for maintenance and crowd management, coincides with a two-month ban on protests in Naya Raipur, raising significant concerns about democratic expression in Chhattisgarh's capital.