Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from Tihar Jail after spending seven days in judicial custody following their arrest during a demonstration at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Their release was ordered by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) after both activists submitted written undertakings assuring the court that they would strictly uphold peace and refrain from organizing demonstrations at the denotified site.
Who are the key individuals involved in this legal case?
The primary individuals central to this development are Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Both youth activists had been remanded to judicial custody following their attempt to conduct the "Tiranga protest" at Jantar Mantar. Alongside them, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and party legal team head Ratna Singh have actively followed the legal proceedings. The legal representation for Das and Ranka was led by Advocates Abhik Chimni and Pranjal Abrol, while the proceedings were adjudicated by Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj.
What led to their arrest and subsequent seven-day detention?
The controversy originated on October 14, when Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka attempted to gather for a public demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Local police authorities intervened, citing that Jantar Mantar currently stands as a denotified protest site where unauthorized political assemblies are prohibited under preventive security orders. After an initial detention requiring peace bonds, the duo was re-apprehended when police alleged intentional breaches of peace bonds and repeated attempts to stage demonstrations at restricted zones. Consequently, the magistrate court initially remanded them to five days of judicial custody, which was later extended by an additional two days.
Why did the magistrate court decide to grant them bail?
During the bail hearing before the Special Executive Magistrate court, police authorities had initially requested a three-day extension of custody, alleging potential risks of repeat political gatherings and citing concerns regarding public statements made during transport to Tihar Jail. However, the defense counsel offered an unconditional apology on behalf of the activists for any perceived disrespect and filed detailed undertakings. The magistrate noted that continuous judicial detention was no longer required given the written commitments submitted before the court. Each activist furnished a personal and surety bond worth ₹50,000 to secure their release.
Where and under what conditions are the activists allowed to function?
The release order comes with strict legal parameters and binding conditions. Under the assurances accepted by the court, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka must completely refrain from issuing protest calls or gathering supporters at Jantar Mantar as long as the venue remains officially denotified. Furthermore, they pledged to maintain public peace, strictly comply with all constitutional frameworks during future activism, and attend all scheduled hearings as required by the executive magistrate's inquiry process.
How have political figures and party members reacted to the release?
The release of both leaders drew wide political and organizational support. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal publicly congratulated the two activists, emphasizing that the public stands in solidarity with their peaceful civic efforts. Within the party, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke welcomed them back warmly on social media, praising their leadership and resilience throughout the week-long detention. Legal representative Ratna Singh also expressed satisfaction with the court's verdict, reiterating the party's commitment to constitutional methods