CJP Leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das Remain in Custody for Two More Days
The judicial custody of CJP leaders has been extended as they continue to challenge the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das's custody extended by two days.
They were arrested for entering Jantar Mantar, a recently denotified protest site.
CJP alleges deliberate delays by authorities to prevent their release.
The judicial custody of Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been extended by an additional two days following their initial five-day detention. The extension was granted today after the duo was arrested on October 13 for unlawfully entering Jantar Mantar, a site that has recently been stripped of its designation as a protest area. They were subsequently placed in custody on October 14.
During the proceedings at Mandir Marg police station, both leaders were presented before a Special Executive Magistrate before being returned to Tihar Jail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday. Ratna Singh, the legal head of CJP, criticized the proceedings, describing them as chaotic and lacking in justification for the continued detention of Ranka and Das. She emphasized that the arguments presented by their legal team were grounded in law, while the opposing side failed to provide any credible reasons for the leaders' custody.
Singh expressed concerns over the handling of the case, stating that the atmosphere in the courtroom was troubling. She called for an inquiry into the treatment of individuals' liberties and criticized the SDM courts for their perceived bias. Singh pointed out that the rejection of sureties was not a valid reason for maintaining judicial custody, asserting that there was no threat or apprehension of a breach of peace from their side.
The CJP has been vocal about its opposition to the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, claiming that this move infringes on the rights of citizens to demonstrate. The arrests occurred amid the CJP's campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which the party argues threatens voters' rights. The CJP has vowed to continue its protests and legal challenges against these actions.
Looking ahead, the CJP has indicated that if Ranka and Das are not released by the end of the week, they will pursue legal action against those responsible for their continued detention. The party has warned that the use of delaying tactics will not go unchallenged, and they are prepared to hold accountable those who are seen as obstructing justice.
