CJP's Saurav Das & Ashutosh Ranka Vow No Jantar Mantar Calls

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were ordered to be released from Tihar Jail by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in New Delhi after submitting written undertakings pledging not to issue any future protest calls at Jantar Mantar. The legal relief came after the two leaders spent seven days in judicial custody following their arrest on October 13 for scaling the locked gates of the iconic historic venue and unfurling the national flag in defiance of its recent denotification.

What Lead To The Judicial Custody Of The CJP Leaders?

The sequence of legal actions began when authorities officially revoked Jantar Mantar Road's status as an authorized demonstration site. In response to the government's decision, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka led a "Tiranga March" towards the location. During the demonstration, the political activists scaled the locked security barricades surrounding the premises to hoist the Indian national flag, leading Delhi Police to take them into custody for alleged violation of peace bonds and unauthorized entry. They were formally remanded to judicial custody on October 14.

What Undertaking Did Das And Ranka Offer To The Court?

To secure their release upon the completion of their seven-day custody period, both CJP leaders offered explicit personal assurances to the presiding Special Executive Magistrate. In their identical written statements, Das and Ranka declared: "I undertake and promise not to commit any breach of peace. Further it is also expressed that I have full faith in the judiciary and all its instruments, including the learned SEM Court." They further committed to refraining from organizing or encouraging any public gatherings at Jantar Mantar while its denotified status remains legally active.

Why Did Police Seek Further Extension Of Custody?

During the hearing, investigating authorities sought a three-day extension of judicial custody for the duo, arguing that potential risks to public order and peace remained active. Delhi Police pointed toward perceived contradictions between media statements issued by party representatives and official court submissions. However, legal counsel representing the CJP leaders tendered an unconditional apology for any procedural lapses and assured the magistrate that strict compliance with all constitutional frameworks would be maintained going forward.

What Was The Role Of The Delhi High Court Proceedings?

Earlier on the same day, the legal team representing the CJP had approached the Delhi High Court seeking emergency intervention against extended detention. A bench headed by Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned the decision to approach the High Court while proceedings were actively pending before the Magistrate court. Following judicial observations emphasizing that statutory remedies under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) should be exhausted first, the petitioners opted to withdraw their High Court plea and await the magistrate's final verdict.

How Have Political Figures Reacted To The Release?

The court's release order was met with widespread commentary across political circles. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke welcomed the outcome on social media, while senior political figures including AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal expressed solidarity with the released leaders. Representatives from CJP’s legal cell stated that while the decision brought immense relief to the party and its volunteers, the organization remains focused on navigating future political campaigns through standard legal and constitutional avenues.