Can a Democracy Truly Function If People Cannot Protest Freely?

Imagine the government makes a decision you strongly disagree with. You believe it is unfair, and you want your voice to be heard. You speak up. Others join you. And together, you decide to protest peacefully. But what if you are denied permission? This question has come into focus after Delhi Police denied permission for CJP’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10. For an ordinary citizen, this raises a simple but important question: if speaking out is not enough, what options do people have when they feel their concerns are being ignored? At the same time, protests must be organised with public safety, traffic and the rights of other citizens in mind. So, should peaceful protest be treated as a basic way for citizens to express disagreement, or should authorities have the final say over when and where it happens? Because sometimes, democracy means more than having the freedom to agree. It also means having the space to disagree. What do you think? Share your perspective.