In a major development in Delhi, a special executive magistrate has ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The decision came on Wednesday, October 21, after the two leaders spent several days in judicial custody over a protest at Jantar Mantar. The case is linked to a protest held on October 13, during which CJP members raised slogans and displayed the Indian national flag. The protest was against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns related to the revision of electoral rolls. The authorities alleged that the protesters entered Jantar Mantar despite restrictions on holding protests at the site.
Das and Ranka were initially sent to five days of judicial custody, which was later extended by two more days. Delhi Police had also requested a further extension of their custody. Earlier on Wednesday, the two leaders approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the extension of their detention. However, the High Court suggested that they first use the other legal remedies available to them. The leaders later withdrew their petition.
Following the proceedings, the special executive magistrate accepted their surety bonds and ordered their release. The High Court clarified that the withdrawal of the petition did not mean it had decided the main issues in the case.
The development has brought attention to the legal questions surrounding public protests, restrictions at protest sites and the rights of citizens. The case also highlights the importance of following the legal process when challenging detention orders. The release order is a significant development in the ongoing matter, while questions related to the original protest remain separate from the decision to release the two leaders.
