New Delhi, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were ordered to be released from judicial custody on Wednesday after giving written undertakings before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) that they would maintain peace and refrain from calling protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is de-notified in accordance with law.
SEM Ritu Raj directed their release after they furnished personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each, valid until the conclusion of the inquiry into the Jantar Mantar trespassing case.
In their undertakings, the two activists pledged not to disturb public peace and said any future protest would remain within the constitutional framework. They also expressed faith in the judiciary and the SEM court.
The magistrate observed that the requirements under Section 135(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), aimed at preventing a breach of peace or disturbance of public tranquillity, could be met through the bonds and written assurances. Continued judicial custody was therefore not considered necessary at this stage.
The release came after Delhi Police sought a further three-day extension of their custody, citing concerns over public order and alleging that the activists had taken conflicting positions in court and in media statements about refraining from similar activities.
During the proceedings, counsel for the activists tendered an unconditional apology to the court over remarks allegedly made by a party member while the two leaders were being taken to Tihar Jail on an earlier occasion.
The SEM directed Das and Ranka to attend every hearing and comply with the conditions of their bonds and undertakings. The investigating officer was also asked to submit a report verifying the sureties at the next hearing. The inquiry will continue, with the matter listed for Friday at 3 p.m.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court allowed the two leaders to withdraw their petition challenging the extension of their custody, without commenting on the merits of the case. Justice Subramonium Prasad had advised their counsel to await the SEM proceedings before pursuing an appropriate legal remedy.
Das, Ranka and 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 performing their duties. The group had been protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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