New Delhi, October 21, 2026: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from judicial custody on Wednesday after submitting a written undertaking before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court, promising not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar while its designated protest-site status remains withdrawn.
The two leaders had been in custody since October 14 following a demonstration against the denotification of Jantar Mantar as an authorised protest venue. Their release came with financial bond requirements, while the inquiry into the case will continue.
The court directed both leaders to furnish personal bonds and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each. The next hearing has been scheduled for Friday.
What Did the CJP Leaders Promise in Court?
In their written undertakings, Das and Ranka committed themselves to maintaining peace, respecting the judiciary and avoiding activities that could disturb public order.
They specifically stated that they would not issue calls for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until its denotification was addressed in accordance with the law. They also maintained that any protest they undertake in the future would remain within constitutional limits.
The court accepted their undertakings while directing that the ongoing inquiry should proceed.
How Did the Jantar Mantar Protest Case Begin?
The case dates back to October 13, when Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka climbed over the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and waved the national flag to protest against the withdrawal of the site’s status as a designated protest location.
The prosecution alleged that the incident violated a peace bond signed by the two leaders after they were detained on October 10. Their earlier detention was connected to a proposed demonstration over allegations of electoral fraud.
Both leaders were subsequently sent to judicial custody on October 14. Their initial five-day custody was extended by two additional days on Monday.
Before their release on Wednesday, the Delhi Police had requested another three days of judicial custody.
Delhi High Court Examines Alleged Bond Violation
The CJP had approached the Delhi High Court challenging the extension of the leaders’ custody. The party alleged that the proceedings were being unnecessarily prolonged to keep the two leaders in jail.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the High Court highlighted the potential consequences of violating a peace bond during a public demonstration. The bench observed that breaking barricades could encourage other protesters to follow, creating circumstances that organisers might struggle to control.
The court also referred to examples from other countries where student protests had escalated into violence and damage to buildings.
The bench asked about the ages of Das and Ranka, who are 27 and 31, respectively, and discussed the participation of young people in recent protest movements, including demonstrations linked to alleged examination paper leaks.
CJP Targets Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
The legal proceedings are unfolding amid the CJP’s wider campaign over electoral issues. The party has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Election Commission’s functioning and raising concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The revision exercise has also attracted criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, making electoral processes a significant subject of political debate.
Following their release, Saurav Das described the development as a victory for truth. However, the case is not over, as the inquiry into the alleged breach of the peace bond remains pending.
The next court hearing on Friday is expected to bring further clarity to the proceeding.
