New Delhi, October 20, 2026: A Special Executive Magistrate in Delhi has extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days, observing that their conduct showed “no respect for law” and raising concerns about a possible breach of peace.
The order, passed on Monday, October 19, said the two leaders had allegedly violated bonds furnished on October 11 and were involved in another breach of peace soon afterwards. The magistrate extended their custody until October 21, citing concerns about public tranquillity and the possibility of further violations.
Court Questions Leaders’ Conduct
In its order, the court said the material submitted by the investigating officer raised serious concerns about the possibility of another disturbance if the two leaders were released.
The magistrate also questioned their assurances that they would not repeat the alleged conduct, saying those assurances did not inspire confidence in view of the circumstances presented before the court.
The order referred to what it described as repeated calls for protests at areas that had been removed from the list of designated protest sites. The magistrate said preventive action was necessary to address the apprehension of a breach of peace.
Sureties Rejected Over Credibility Concerns
The court also rejected the sureties presented on behalf of Das and Ranka after examining the individuals who had agreed to guarantee their appearance.
According to the order, one surety could not satisfactorily explain a discrepancy between the photograph on the surety bond and the photograph on the Aadhaar card. The person also failed to produce another valid identity document.
The second surety reportedly could not provide basic information about Saurav Das, including details of his parentage and address.
The magistrate concluded that the individuals had not established their credibility or demonstrated that they could ensure the leaders’ appearance when required. As no alternative sureties were available at the time, the two leaders were directed to furnish fresh sureties and remained in judicial custody.
What the Defence Told the Court
The legal team representing Das and Ranka sought their immediate release, assuring the magistrate that they would not repeat the alleged offence.
Their lawyers also argued that the two leaders had not called for a protest after October 10 and had visited Jantar Mantar individually. The defence questioned the grounds for continued custody and maintained that the leaders should be released.
The magistrate, however, found the assurances insufficient in light of the material placed on record by the investigating officer. The court allowed the respondents an opportunity to submit their arguments in writing within two days.
Background: Protest at Jantar Mantar
Das and Ranka were detained following a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where CJP members raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police alleged that the protesters entered the area through private premises after Jantar Mantar had been removed from the list of designated protest sites. Authorities also alleged that some protesters obstructed police personnel from carrying out their duties.
The case has unfolded amid demonstrations linked to concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters have raised questions about the revision process, while the Election Commission has defended its procedures.
Case Draws Attention to Preventive Legal Proceedings
The custody extension has brought renewed attention to the use of preventive legal proceedings in cases involving public demonstrations.
The magistrate’s order focused on the potential for a breach of peace and the credibility of the proposed sureties. The defence, meanwhile, challenged the grounds for keeping the leaders in custody.
The custody order does not amount to a finding of guilt on the underlying criminal allegations. Those allegations remain subject to the applicable legal process.
Conclusion
The judicial custody of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka has been extended until October 21 after a Delhi magistrate rejected their sureties and cited concerns about a possible breach of peace. While the court questioned their conduct and assurances, their lawyers sought release and disputed the grounds for continued custody. Further proceedings are expected to determine the next steps in the case.
