CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Move Delhi High Court Against 2-Day Custody Extension

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a Special Executive Magistrate’s (SEM) decision to extend their judicial custody by two days. The petition was filed in the afternoon through their advocate, Abhik Chimni, following the magistrate’s order issued on Monday.

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The development comes amid a legal dispute over the detention of the two leaders, who were arrested for allegedly trespassing at Jantar Mantar, which had recently been de-notified as a designated protest site. They were initially remanded to five days of judicial custody before the SEM extended their detention by another two days.

Ratna Singh, head of legal affairs at CJP, confirmed that the party had approached the High Court and requested an urgent hearing at night. She argued that the leaders’ liberty should not be curtailed for political reasons.

In a post on X, Singh said, “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.

SEM cites alleged breach of bonds, concerns over public order

The challenge follows the SEM’s two-page order extending the custody of Das and Ranka. According to the order, the magistrate observed that the two leaders had allegedly “deliberately breached” their October 11 bonds.

The magistrate also referred to concerns about their previous conduct and their alleged involvement in organising protests at areas that were no longer officially 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 further custody, arguing that releasing the two leaders could disrupt peace and tranquillity. The police also alleged that the duo had mobilised members of the public to assemble and protest at Jantar Mantar despite the site’s de-notification.

According to the submissions cited in the order, the police maintained that the leaders had previously secured permission to organise demonstrations after assuring authorities that they would comply with the prescribed conditions. The authorities alleged that those assurances had not been honoured.

However, advocate Abhik Chimni disputed the claims, telling Hindustan Times that there was no evidence to establish that the two leaders posed a threat or that their release would disturb public order.

CJP alleges suppression of dissent

The custody extension has drawn sharp criticism from CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate young protesters and suppress dissent.

In a post on X, Dipke claimed that Das and Ranka remained undeterred despite spending five days in jail. He said the two had appeared in court with smiles on their faces and their spirits unbroken.

“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,” Dipke wrote.

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the continued detention of the two leaders, referring to their ages and accusing the government of relying on police and the courts to intimidate protesters.

Dipke asked whether keeping the young leaders behind bars over their alleged role in the Jantar Mantar protest reflected strength on the part of the government.

Ratna Singh separately described the proceedings as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices. Speaking outside the police station, she alleged that the case had faced repeated delays and criticised the grounds cited for extending the leaders’ custody.

“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.

The CJP leaders’ petition now places the custody extension before the Delhi High Court, with their legal team seeking urgent intervention. The dispute centres on the legality of the continued detention, the authorities’ concerns over public order and the party’s allegations that the action amounts to an attempt to curb dissent.

The High Court’s response to the plea will be the next significant development in the case.

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