A new decision by the Raipur Municipal Corporation to impose a Rs. 500 fee on holding protests or demonstrations has triggered outrage among opposition parties, who are calling it an undemocratic “tax on dissent.”

The move comes amid a temporary ban on gatherings at the city’s main protest venue, Tuta Dharna Sthal, which has been closed for two months by Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, citing maintenance work.

With no alternative site designated, residents currently have no space for demonstrations—and once the ban is lifted, they will have to pay to exercise their right to protest.

Defending the decision, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and mayor Meenal Choubey said the fee was introduced following state government directives. She described it as necessary for “cleaning and maintenance” of protest sites and added that the permission process ensures the administration obtains “complete information about the route” of any procession.

Opposition leaders and activists, however, have condemned the move, arguing that it is intended to deter citizens from speaking out on public issues.

According to the resolution passed in the general body meeting, organisers will also be charged Rs. 5 per square foot for setting up a stage or pandal.

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