CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Withdraw Delhi HC Plea After Judge Flags Alternative Remedy

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday, October 21, withdrew their petition before the Delhi High Court challenging the extension of their judicial custody in connection with protests at Jantar Mantar. The withdrawal came after Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned whether they should have approached the High Court directly when an alternative legal remedy was available.

The petition challenged an October 19 order by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) extending their custody by two days. The court suggested that the leaders withdraw the plea, appear before the magistrate as scheduled, and pursue the remedies available under the law. The development came as their extended custody period was due to expire on Wednesday, when they were scheduled to be produced before the SEM court. Delhi Police Transfers Second FIR Against Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das to Crime Branch in Jantar Mantar Case.

Why Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Withdrew Their Delhi HC Plea

During the hearing, Justice Prasad questioned the decision to approach the High Court when proceedings were scheduled before the Special Executive Magistrate later that day. The judge indicated that an alternative remedy was available to challenge the magistrate's order. He suggested that the petitioners withdraw their writ petition, see what happened during the proceedings before the SEM, and then decide on their next legal step.

Advocate Abhik Chimni, appearing for Das and Ranka, challenged the October 19 custody extension and argued that the order should be set aside. The withdrawal followed the court's expressed reluctance to entertain the petition in view of the alternative remedy.

What Is the Case Against the CJP Leaders?

The case stems from protests at Jantar Mantar, where Das and Ranka allegedly entered a barricaded area and attempted to unfurl the national flag despite restrictions on demonstrations at the site. The two leaders had earlier executed peace bonds. Authorities alleged that their subsequent actions violated the conditions imposed on them and raised concerns about public order.

They were detained on October 13 and remanded to five days of judicial custody on October 14 by Executive Magistrate Mahesh Kumar Meena. On October 19, the SEM extended their custody by another two days. CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Vows to Continue Legal Battle, Says ‘Will Neither Be Intimidated Nor Back Down’.

What Did the Petition Say About Judicial Custody?

In their petition, Das and Ranka argued that their continued detention was arbitrary and infringed on their fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Their legal team also questioned the rejection of sureties submitted for their release. The petitioners maintained that the sureties had been provided in accordance with the law and that their continued detention was not justified.

They relied on an earlier Delhi High Court ruling concerning the release of individuals on personal bonds while their sureties are being verified. They also disputed the authorities' assessment that their actions posed a threat to public order. The allegations and arguments in the petition represent the petitioners' position and should be distinguished from the findings recorded by the magistrate.

Jantar Mantar Protest Linked to Chief Election Commissioner Row

The protest was part of demonstrations organised by CJP and other groups against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protesters have raised concerns about the voter-list revision exercise and demanded accountability from the Election Commission. The commission has rejected allegations of political bias and maintained that voters whose names have been wrongly deleted can seek re-enrolment.

Jantar Mantar had been removed from the list of designated protest sites shortly before the incident. Police alleged that the leaders entered the restricted area by climbing over barricades, leading to their detention.

What Happens Next in the CJP Leaders' Case?

Withdrawing the writ petition means the High Court did not grant relief through that petition. The withdrawal itself does not establish whether the leaders will be released or whether their detention will continue. The next step was expected to take place before the Special Executive Magistrate, where the leaders were due to be produced after the expiry of their two-day custody extension on October 21.

The immediate outcome of those proceedings, including whether the leaders would be released or remanded again, was not confirmed in the latest reports available at the time of writing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 02:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).