CJP Leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das Get Two-Day Judicial Custody Extension

The judicial custody of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das has been extended by two days in Delhi, with the next hearing in the case scheduled for October 21. The decision came as their legal team sought their release after submitting sureties before the Special Executive Magistrate.

The extension follows a dispute over the duo’s detention after they entered Jantar Mantar, a day after the Delhi protest site was officially denotified as a designated location for demonstrations. Delhi Police opposed their release, citing concerns about maintaining public order, while the defence argued that there was no evidence to suggest the two leaders posed a threat.

Why Were Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das Detained?

Ranka, the national spokesperson of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), and Das, the party’s chief spokesperson, were detained by Delhi Police on October 13.

The incident took place at Jantar Mantar, where the two leaders allegedly entered the premises by climbing over locked gates. The site had been denotified as a designated protest venue a day earlier.

Following their detention, Ranka shared a video on his X account showing himself, Das and CJP national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde climbing over the gates and entering the premises. Police personnel intervened at the site and detained those involved.

On October 14, a Special Executive Magistrate ordered five days of judicial custody for Ranka and Das following arguments by the police. Authorities expressed apprehension that releasing the two leaders could lead to further unlawful activity.

Why Has Their Judicial Custody Been Extended?

During the latest proceedings, Delhi Police sought to oppose the immediate release of the two leaders, arguing that their release could affect public peace and tranquillity.

The CJP legal team challenged the police’s position, maintaining that there was no evidence to establish that either leader would disturb public order if released.

The defence also sought their release after submitting sureties on record. The sureties had reportedly not been available when the leaders were initially detained, which had affected the release process.

Despite the application, the Special Executive Magistrate extended their judicial custody by another two days. The matter is now scheduled to come up again on October 21.

CJP Alleges Delay in Release Process

The party has questioned the handling of the release proceedings, alleging that the submission and acceptance of surety bonds have contributed to delays.

According to the CJP’s position, the leaders should be released once the necessary sureties are submitted and the applicable procedure is completed. Delhi Police, however, has maintained that procedural requirements must be followed and has raised objections to the bonds submitted.

The dispute highlights the difference between the defence’s demand for release and the police’s concerns regarding public order. The next hearing is expected to bring further clarity on the matter.

What Is the CJP Protesting Against?

The detention comes amid the party’s ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The CJP has alleged that the voter-list revision exercise could threaten voters’ rights. The party has also opposed the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site.

The controversy has therefore brought together two issues: the party’s opposition to the electoral roll revision process and the restrictions surrounding access to a recognised protest venue.

Jantar Mantar has historically served as a prominent location for demonstrations in the national capital. Changes to its designated status can affect where political groups and other organisations are permitted to stage protests.

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Separate FIR Over Alleged Threats to Magistrate

The proceedings have also drawn attention following reports that the Special Executive Magistrate received threatening messages and that an FIR was registered over allegations of criminal intimidation.

CJP representatives have disputed the account and alleged that the issue was being used to delay the proceedings involving their leaders. These allegations remain contested, and the claims by the police and the party should be assessed separately from the custody decision.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is whether Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das will be released after the next hearing on October 21. Their legal team has sought their release following the submission of sureties, while Delhi Police has raised objections based on its assessment of public-order concerns.

The next proceedings are likely to clarify the position on their custody and the outstanding issues surrounding their release. Until then, the case remains a point of contention between the CJP and Delhi Police over protest restrictions, procedural requirements and the grounds for continued detention.