For the past few days, we have been witnessing a brutal crackdown in Delhi on protesting voices. Even before the shameful lathi-charge in Ramlila maidan on June 5th 2011, the UPA had been threatening to curb down on protests in Delhi. And now, Delhi has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in some parts of Delhi, including Jantar Mantar – thus effectively trying to ban any kind of protest in Delhi. This is nothing but a highly condemnable attempt to muzzle dissenting voices and to curb democratic spaces. Not just has Section 144 been imposed, the Delhi government now demands that prior 'permission' will be required for holding any protest! This is a completely unacceptable assualt on the right to protest.