diff --git a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
index d4723fcbca4e..2279c044d542 100644
--- a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
+++ b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
@@ -2009,8 +2009,6 @@ lim_send_assoc_req_mgmt_frame(tpAniSirGlobal mac_ctx,
 
 		assoc_cnf.resultCode = eSIR_SME_RESOURCES_UNAVAILABLE;
 
-		cds_packet_free((void *)packet);
-
 		lim_post_sme_message(mac_ctx, LIM_MLM_ASSOC_CNF,
 			(uint32_t *) &assoc_cnf);