New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from judicial custody on Wednesday, October 21, after giving a written undertaking to a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court that they would not call for protests at Jantar Mantar while its status as a designated protest site remains withdrawn.
The two leaders had spent seven days in judicial custody following a protest over the removal of Jantar Mantar’s designated protest-site status. Their release came after the court directed them to submit personal bonds and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each. The inquiry against them will continue, and the matter is scheduled for its next hearing on Friday.
CJP Leaders Give Written Undertaking to Court
In their written statements, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka promised to maintain peace and respect the judicial process. They also expressed confidence in the judiciary and committed themselves to maintaining public order.
The undertaking specifically stated that the two would not issue calls for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until its denotification was addressed in accordance with the law. They further said that any future protest would remain within the constitutional framework.
The court’s decision to release them came with conditions, while the proceedings against both leaders remain ongoing.
Why Were Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Arrested?
The case relates to events on October 13, when the two CJP leaders climbed over the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and waved the national flag to protest against the site’s denotification as an authorised protest venue.
According to the prosecution, their actions violated a peace bond they had signed following their detention on October 10. That earlier detention was linked to a planned demonstration over allegations of electoral fraud.
The leaders were placed in judicial custody on October 14. Their initial five-day custody was extended by another two days on Monday before the magistrate ordered their release on Wednesday.
The Delhi Police had sought a further three days of judicial custody.
Delhi High Court Raises Concerns Over Breach of Peace Bond
The matter also reached the Delhi High Court after the CJP challenged the extension of the leaders’ judicial custody. The party alleged that the proceedings were being delayed deliberately to keep its leaders behind bars.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the High Court referred to the alleged breach of the peace bond. The bench observed that breaking barricades during a protest could encourage others to follow, potentially creating situations that organisers might not be able to control.
The court also referred to instances in other countries where student-led demonstrations had escalated into violence and damage to public buildings.
During the proceedings, the bench asked about the ages of the two leaders, who were identified as 27 and 31. It also discussed the role of young people in recent protest movements, including demonstrations linked to allegations of examination paper leaks.
CJP Continues Its Campaign Over Election Issues
The developments come as the Cockroach Janta Party continues its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has demanded his resignation, alleging irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The issue of voter-roll revision has also become a point of political debate, with opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, raising concerns about electoral processes.
After their release, Das described the outcome as a victory for truth. However, the legal proceedings concerning the alleged breach of the peace bond remain pending.
The next hearing on Friday is expected to provide a further update on the case.
