In a major legal escalation following the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday ordered five days of judicial custody for Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka. Both leaders are being lodged in Tihar Jail.
Meanwhile, fellow CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde was released after completing formalities on a personal bond.
Magisterial Hearing and Police Arguments
The CJP leaders were produced before the magistrate at the Mandir Marg Police Station at approximately 8:30 AM on Wednesday.
Representing the detained leaders, advocate Abhisht Hela stated that the Delhi Police pressed charges including criminal trespass, violation of prohibitory orders, and obstruction of public servants discharging official duties.
Key arguments presented by the prosecution included:
- Violation of Peace Bond: Police argued that Das and Ranka had violated the conditions of a peace bond signed on Sunday before a Special Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station, in which they had committed to maintaining peace for a year.
- Apprehension of Offence: Law enforcement asserted before the court that there was a strong presumption that the accused might commit further offences if released on bail.
- Unauthorised Assembly Call: Police highlighted that the duo had issued public calls urging supporters to breach barricades at the restricted venue.
Backlash and Backstory
The detentions follow an early-Tuesday incident where CJP leaders scaled locked perimeter gates at Jantar Mantar, unfurled the national flag, and chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Reacting sharply to the court’s remand order, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke condemned the government’s approach:
”Ashu and Saurav have been sent to 5 days judicial custody. Their fault? Unfurling tricolour at Jantar Mantar. Show some guts… If you’re so determined to crush dissent, have the courage to officially declare an Emergency instead of hiding behind these cowardly tactics.”
The development comes immediately after the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police officially de-notified Jantar Mantar as an authorized venue for public demonstrations, redirecting future assemblies to Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in Shahdara.
