A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days, keeping them in custody until October 21, 2026. The Special Executive Magistrate, Ritu Raj, cited concerns about a possible breach of peace and questioned whether the two leaders would comply with legal conditions if released.
The decision came on October 19 after the court rejected fresh sureties submitted on behalf of the two activists. The proceedings followed their earlier detention in connection with a protest at Jantar Mantar, which authorities had removed from the list of designated protest locations.
Court Questions Compliance With Peace Bonds
In its order, the court said the conduct attributed to Das and Ranka raised concerns about their willingness to follow legal directions. The magistrate noted that both leaders had previously furnished bonds undertaking to maintain peace but were subsequently accused of violating those conditions.
According to the investigating officer's submissions, the activists continued to call for demonstrations at locations that were no longer authorised for protests. The court considered the material presented by the police while assessing whether their release could lead to further disturbances.
The magistrate also found that assurances from the two leaders that they would not repeat the alleged conduct were insufficient to remove concerns about public order.
The extension means that the court will consider the matter again on October 21. Their counsel had sought their release and disputed the allegations made against them.
Court Rejects Fresh Sureties
The proposed sureties became another point of dispute during the hearing. A surety is a person who provides a legally recognised guarantee connected with an individual's appearance before a court and compliance with applicable conditions.
The magistrate found problems with the documents and verification presented for the two proposed sureties. In one case, the court noted a discrepancy between the photograph on the bond and the photograph on the individual's Aadhaar card. The person was also reportedly unable to provide another valid identity document or satisfactory answers during the inquiry.
The second proposed surety was found unable to provide basic information about Saurav Das. The court also questioned whether either individual could reliably ensure that the activists would appear when required.
On these grounds, the sureties were rejected, and the court directed that fresh sureties be furnished.
Dispute Follows Jantar Mantar Protest
The case stems from demonstrations involving CJP members at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Das and Ranka were detained after allegedly entering the barricaded area on October 13, despite restrictions on demonstrations at the location.
The protest was linked to the party's campaign against alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. The activists and their supporters have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns about the voter-list revision process.
The Election Commission has denied allegations of political favouritism in the electoral-roll exercise. The wider dispute has prompted demonstrations and political exchanges over the integrity of voter registration and the administration of elections.
The two CJP leaders had earlier been placed in judicial custody for five days. Police subsequently sought additional time, arguing that their actions and continued calls for demonstrations raised concerns about maintaining public order.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The latest order keeps the dispute centred on two questions: whether the activists breached their earlier peace undertakings and whether the proposed sureties meet the legal requirements for release.
The allegations remain part of the ongoing proceedings, and the court's custody decision does not by itself determine the outcome of the wider political dispute over electoral-roll revisions.
The matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 21, when the court is expected to examine the next steps in the proceedings.
