Two spokespersons for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have been released from judicial custody after giving a formal written pledge to an Indian court promising no more protest calls at the denotified Jantar Mantar site in New Delhi.
The release of Saurav Das, 27, and Ashutosh Ranka, 31, after seven days in jail highlights ongoing political and judicial developments in neighbouring India that draw close attention across the region, reports NDTV.
Written pledge submitted to court
A special executive magistrate court in New Delhi ordered the release of the two leaders after accepting personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs50,000 each.
In their identical written commitments to the court, the two promised not to make any calls for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until the location is denotified in accordance with law.
They wrote that they had full faith in the judiciary, including the special executive magistrate court, and promised to maintain public tranquillity, peace, and law and order while ensuring any future agitations remain strictly within constitutional bounds.
The order was issued after 6 pm despite Delhi Police seeking three additional days of judicial custody for the pair.
While approving their release, the special executive magistrate confirmed that the legal inquiry against them will continue, scheduling the next hearing for Friday. Upon stepping out of court, Saurav Das said, “Truth has triumphed.”
High Court scrutiny, police pushback
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka had been in judicial custody since 14 October following their actions on 13 October, when they scaled the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and waved national flags to protest the site’s denotification as a designated venue for public gatherings.
Prosecution officials alleged that this act violated a peace bond signed on 10 October, when the two were previously detained during a demonstration over alleged electoral fraud.
After an initial five-day judicial custody ordered on 14 October, their remand was extended by two days on Monday.
The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, challenged the extension in the Delhi High Court, alleging deliberate administrative delays aimed at keeping its spokespersons behind bars.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the Delhi High Court bench pointed out the breach of the bond and observed that leaders breaking barricades risk inciting wider crowds beyond their control.
Drawing comparisons to international demonstrations, such as student protests in France, the court added that such agitations can escalate into arson and property destruction.
Evolving demands, past agitations
Addressing the petition, the bench asked about the ages of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, noting that at 27 and 31 they did not belong to Gen Z, the demographic most active in their previous agitations.
The judges also noted a shift in the focus of the party’s campaigns over time. In June and July, the CJP had organised protests concerning examination paper leaks, including the NEET leak, which subsequently led to a change of the education minister.
Currently, the CJP is seeking the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, chief election commissioner, over alleged unilateral functioning and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls.
Similar concerns regarding voter lists are also being raised by Indian opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
