New Delhi, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday withdrew their plea before the Delhi High Court challenging the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court’s order extending their judicial custody in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case.
A single-judge Bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad permitted the withdrawal without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter.
During the hearing, Justice Prasad asked the counsel representing the two activists whether it would be appropriate to withdraw the petition, await the proceedings before the SEM court scheduled for 2 p.m. and then pursue the appropriate legal remedy.
“Would it not be better for you to withdraw this, see what happens at 2 PM and then follow the course of law. It is for you to make a decision,” the High Court observed.
The court further noted that if the activists obtained relief from the SEM court later in the day, continuing with the High Court proceedings would serve little purpose. “Suppose things happen today in your favour at 4 PM, all gone,” Justice Prasad said.
The Bench then took a break to allow advocate Abhik Chimni, appearing for the activists, to consider whether to withdraw the petition or press for relief. After the counsel opted to withdraw it, the court permitted the request, clarifying that it had made no observation on the merits of the case.
The development came on the day the judicial custody of Das and Ranka was due to end, with both scheduled to be produced before the SEM court.
On Tuesday, CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh said the duo had approached the High Court seeking an urgent hearing. “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 said in a post on X.
On Monday, SEM Ritu Raj had extended their custody, observing that their conduct “shows no respect for law” and reflects their “habitualness in calling protest at de-notified areas”.
In its order, the SEM court stated that the investigating officer had placed substantial material on record raising concerns about the possibility of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity.
The court also recorded that the two leaders had allegedly violated the bonds furnished before the SEM, South-West District, on October 11 and subsequently committed a breach of peace in the present case.
The SEM further observed that their assurance that they would not repeat the alleged offence did not inspire confidence in view of their past conduct and the material submitted by the investigating officer.
Das and Ranka, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13 after they allegedly entered Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructed police personnel from discharging their official duties.
The CJP members were protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police had justified their continued custody, citing repeated violations of law and apprehensions that their release could lead to further violations and the instigation of others.
The SEM court had also found the sureties furnished on behalf of the two activists unfit following an inquiry. It cited discrepancies in identity documents and the sureties’ inability to provide basic details about the individuals for whom they had stood surety, and directed the activists to furnish fresh sureties.
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