CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka to Move Delhi HC Challenging Custody Extension

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are set to approach the Delhi High Court seeking their release after challenging a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court order extending their judicial custody in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case.

The move comes a day after the SEM court extended their custody until October 21, citing concerns over their alleged conduct and the possibility of further breaches of peace.

In its order, SEM Ritu Raj, sitting at Mandir Marg police station, observed that the conduct of the two leaders “shows no respect for law” and reflected what it described as their “habitualness in calling protest at de-notified areas”.

The two leaders were remanded to judicial custody until October 21 after their earlier five-day custody period ended on Monday.

The SEM court said the investigating officer had placed substantial material on record indicating the possibility of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity.

It also noted allegations that Das and Ranka had violated the bonds furnished before the SEM, South-West District, on October 11, and subsequently committed a breach of peace in the present case.

The court observed that their assurance that they would not repeat the alleged offence did not inspire confidence, considering their previous conduct and the material submitted by the investigating officer.

Das and Ranka, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13 after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructing police personnel from performing their official duties.

The CJP members were protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Delhi Police opposed their release, citing alleged repeated violations of the law and apprehensions that their release could lead to further violations and encourage others to engage in similar activities.

The SEM court had also found the sureties submitted on behalf of the two leaders unsuitable following an inquiry. The court cited discrepancies in identity documents and the inability of the individuals standing as sureties to provide basic details about the persons they had agreed to guarantee.

It subsequently directed the two leaders to furnish fresh sureties.

The proposed move before the Delhi High Court will challenge the extension of their custody as the case arising from the protest at Jantar Mantar continues.

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