New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from judicial custody on Wednesday after giving an undertaking before a Special Executive Magistrate court in New Delhi that they would not call for protests at Jantar Mantar while its status as a designated protest site remains unchanged under the law.
The two leaders had been in custody since October 14 following a protest on October 13, when they climbed over the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and waved the national flag to oppose the site’s denotification as a designated protest venue.
In their written undertaking, both leaders pledged to maintain peace and public order and expressed faith in the judiciary. They also stated that any future demonstrations would remain within constitutional limits and that they would not call for protests at Jantar Mantar until its status was lawfully restored.
The magistrate ordered their release after directing each leader to furnish a personal bond and a surety bond of Rs 50,000. However, the inquiry against them will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday.
The case began on October 10, when the two leaders were detained following a protest call over alleged electoral fraud. They subsequently signed peace bonds. The prosecution alleged that their October 13 actions violated those undertakings, leading to their continued detention.
They were initially sent to judicial custody for five days on October 14, which was extended by another two days on Monday. Delhi Police had sought a further three days of custody before their release.
The CJP challenged the extension before the Delhi High Court, alleging that the proceedings were being deliberately delayed to keep the leaders behind bars.
During the hearing, the High Court highlighted the seriousness of breaching a peace bond, observing that actions by prominent protest organisers could encourage others to follow, potentially leading to situations beyond their control.
The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission.
The allegations remain contested, while the proceedings against Das and Ranka are continuing.
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