Two CJP leaders detained at protest site

Cockroach Janta Party co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were taken into custody on October 13 for allegedly climbing over a locked gate to enter Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as a designated protest…

Initial custody extended by two days

A Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg police station extended their judicial custody by two days on October 19 after they were initially remanded to five days of custody.

Challenge filed in Delhi High Court

Das and Ranka approached the Delhi High Court challenging the extension of their judicial custody, alleging that their continued detention is illegal and violates prescribed legal procedure.

Constitutional rights argument

The CJP leaders argue the detention violates their fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and that they have remained in custody for six days despite submitting required sureties multiple times.

Public order justification questioned

Their plea states that any restriction on liberty must be backed by a real and proximate connection with a disturbance of public order, rather than a remote possibility of such a disturbance.

“any restriction on liberty must be backed by a real and proximate connection with a disturbance of public order, rather than a remote possibility of such a disturbance”

Protest activity at denotified site

Das and Ranka were among CJP workers who displayed the national flag at Jantar Mantar and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar before being detained and placed under preventive arrest on October 13.

Hearing expected Wednesday

The Delhi High Court is likely to take up the petition for hearing on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after the court reopens following Dussehra vacation.