Pune: PMC Makes Permission Mandatory for Election Meetings, Fixes Charges for Chowk and Corner Rallies

Pune, 20th December 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made civic permission mandatory for holding election meetings at street corners and public squares, warning candidates of strict action if rallies are conducted without paying the prescribed charges.

According to an order issued by the PMC’s Sky Signage and Encroachment Department, a uniform rate of ₹9 per square metre has been fixed for public meetings. If meetings are held without paying the required fees, the concerned ward office will inform the election decision officer, who will initiate further action.

For chowk (public square) meetings, candidates will have to pay a minimum of ₹20,000, while corner (kopra) meetings will attract a minimum charge of ₹8,200. The decision follows instances where candidates were conducting campaign meetings after obtaining only police permission, without seeking approval from the civic body.

As per the rate card, chowk meetings accommodating 4,000 to 5,000 people will require around 2,000 square metres of space. The rent has been fixed at ₹18,000, along with ₹2,000 as cleaning charges. A refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 will also be mandatory.

For corner meetings with a capacity of 2,000 to 2,500 people, about 800 square metres will be allotted. The rent has been fixed at ₹7,200, with an additional ₹1,000 as cleaning charges and a ₹4,000 refundable security deposit.

Meetings held on school grounds, amenity spaces or vacant plots will be charged at ₹9 per square metre, along with ₹1,000 as cleaning fees. In such cases, candidates will also be required to pay a security deposit equivalent to 50 per cent of the daily rent.

The civic body has laid down strict conditions, including a penalty of one-and-a-half times the applicable charges for meetings held without permission. A police no-objection certificate will be mandatory. Stages must be limited to 10 feet in length and width, and digging of pits will not be allowed. Digging pits will attract a fine of ₹2,000 per pit. If more than one application is received for the same venue, the election decision officer will take the final decision.

PMC officials said the move aims to regulate election-related gatherings and prevent the misuse of public spaces during the campaign period.