Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka will remain in judicial custody until October 21 after a Delhi magistrate extended their detention by two days. The decision has intensified the political debate surrounding protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the order, accusing the government of using state machinery to intimidate young protesters. The case has also raised questions about protest restrictions, preventive detention and the rights of political activists.
The two leaders were produced before Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj at the Mandir Marg police station on October 19. The magistrate extended their custody after considering a request from Delhi Police, which had sought a further five days of detention, citing concerns about a possible breach of public order.
In the order, the magistrate observed that the two leaders had allegedly breached peace bonds furnished on October 11 and subsequently risked disturbing public peace. The magistrate also expressed concern over repeated calls for protests at locations that were no longer officially designated for demonstrations.
The order stated that their conduct showed a lack of respect for the law and that their assurances against repeating the alleged actions did not inspire sufficient confidence. However, the magistrate granted them two days to submit written representations before the next hearing.
Why were Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka detained?
The case relates to protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where the CJP and its supporters have been demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The group has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns about voter deletions and the electoral process.
Jantar Mantar had recently been removed from the list of designated protest sites. Police alleged that Das and Ranka mobilised people through social media to assemble at the location despite restrictions. Authorities also claimed that the leaders had called for gatherings at other non-designated locations, including Connaught Place.
The two were initially apprehended at Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 10, along with Dipke, ahead of planned protests. They were subjected to preventive proceedings under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and were released after furnishing peace bonds of ₹50,000 each.
They were detained again on October 13 over an alleged attempt to organise a protest at Jantar Mantar. A magistrate subsequently ordered five days of judicial custody on October 14, sending them to Tihar Jail.
What did the magistrate say?
In seeking a further extension, Delhi Police cited concerns about a possible disturbance to public order. The investigating officer also referred to an alleged anonymous WhatsApp message received by the previous magistrate, prompting a separate police entry and an investigation into the communication.
The previous magistrate recused from the proceedings after the reported threat, and the matter came before Ritu Raj.
The latest order also rejected fresh sureties submitted by the leaders’ legal team. The magistrate cited discrepancies in identity documents and concerns about whether the individuals offering surety could ensure the leaders’ appearance before the authorities.
The court directed Das and Ranka to furnish fresh sureties and allowed them to submit written arguments within two days. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on October 21 at 2 pm.
Lawyers challenge the detention
The defence disputed the police’s grounds for keeping the two leaders in custody and sought their immediate release. Their lawyers argued that the authorities had not established a specific likelihood of the activists repeating the alleged conduct.
The legal team also maintained that the two had not issued fresh calls for protests after October 10 and had gone to Jantar Mantar individually. Their counsel assured the magistrate that they would not repeat the alleged actions.
The rejection of the sureties and the extension of custody have drawn criticism from the party, whose leaders have alleged that procedural delays are preventing the activists from securing their release. Their lawyers have indicated that they intend to challenge the order.
Dipke’s message to PM Modi
Following the decision, Dipke posted a video on social media targeting PM Modi and questioning whether keeping young protesters in jail demonstrated strength in leadership.
He accused the government of using police action and restrictions to silence dissent. Dipke also shared a photograph of Das smiling as he appeared before the magistrate, describing the activists as determined despite their continued detention.
Dipke praised both leaders for remaining composed and said their detention would not discourage the movement. He also referred to the concerns of their families and argued that arrests would not stop young people from raising political questions.
The government and police have maintained that their actions are linked to public-order concerns and alleged violations of protest restrictions. The allegations made by the CJP and its supporters remain contested.
The next hearing on October 21 is expected to bring further clarity on the custody proceedings and the leaders’ request for release. The case continues to draw attention to the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the right to peaceful protest in the national capital.
