HighLights
  1. CJP leaders challenge two-day custody extension in Delhi HC.
  2. Party seeks urgent judicial intervention for leaders' release.
  3. Custody extended over alleged Jantar Mantar protest breach.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have approached the Delhi High Court challenging a Special Executive Magistrate’s order extending their custody by two days. The petition was filed on Tuesday afternoon through advocate Abhik Chimni, with the party seeking urgent judicial intervention against the continued detention of its leaders.

Ratna Singh, CJP’s head of legal affairs, confirmed the development and said the party had requested an urgent hearing at night. She argued that the two leaders should not remain behind bars any longer.

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In a post on X, Singh wrote, “We have moved the Delhi High Court and requested an urgent night hearing. Saurav and Ashutosh should not spend a single minute behind bars. Their liberty must not be curtailed because of political games.”

“Justice must not wait,” she added.

Why Were The CJP Leaders’ Custody Extended?

The High Court challenge comes a day after a Special Executive Magistrate extended Das and Ranka’s judicial custody until October 21. The two had initially been remanded to five days of custody following their arrest over their alleged entry into Jantar Mantar, which had recently been de-notified as a designated protest site.

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In its order, the magistrate said the duo had “deliberately breached” the bonds they had furnished on October 11. The order also referred to concerns about their conduct and their alleged calls for protests at areas no longer designated for demonstrations.

“Considering the imminent apprehension, past conduct of the respondent and the submissions advanced on both sides, I deem it fit that an opportunity be given to the respondents to file and place on record their submissions in writing within 2 days, with advance copy to the Investigating Officer,” the order stated.

Delhi Police had sought an extension, arguing that the leaders’ release could disturb “peace and tranquillity”. According to the police submission, the two had mobilised people to assemble at Jantar Mantar despite the site no longer being authorised for protests and had allegedly failed to honour earlier assurances to follow the prescribed conditions.

However, advocate Abhik Chimni disputed the police’s concerns, saying there was no evidence that releasing the duo would threaten public order.

CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Criticises Order

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the decision to extend the custody of the two leaders, arguing that their detention would not deter them from continuing their protest.

ALSO READ: Jantar Mantar Trespassing Case Transferred To Crime Branch As Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das's Judicial Custody Extended

In a post on X, Dipke said, “Ashu and Saurav’s first crime was waving the Tiranga at Jantar Mantar. Their second crime? Refusing to back down. Even after five days in jail, they walked into court with smiles on their faces, their spirits unbroken.”

Singh separately alleged that the proceedings amounted to an attempt to suppress dissent, claiming that repeated delays had prevented the leaders from securing their release.

“A mockery was going on in the court. For the last 6 days, we have been saying that one or the other reason is being nitpicked ... They have been sent to judicial custody for a very vague reason,” she said outside the police station.

The Delhi High Court petition seeks to challenge the latest custody extension, as the CJP leaders’ legal team contests the grounds for their continued detention.


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