The group’s advocate then asked whether it was the Centre’s stand that there could be no protests in Delhi. The advocate said: “Fair enough, let them say so that there will be no democratic, peaceful protests in Delhi. The government’s response was not known, but all governments in India have thought—and continue to think—that protest is a nuisance that gets in the way of ‘good governance’. Where it is allowed, after written permission, it is usually in so-called ‘designated areas’ allocated for protest. And it is for this reason that we must ensure that we do not lose our right to peaceful assembly.