News Desk: The Delhi High Court has begun hearing a petition filed by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who have challenged an order extending their judicial custody in a case related to an alleged violation of a peace bond.
The petition questions the decision of a special executive magistrate to extend their custody. The matter has brought renewed attention to the legal proceedings involving the two CJP leaders, who are seeking relief through the High Court.
The case centres on an alleged breach of peace bond conditions, a legal mechanism that authorities can use to require individuals to maintain peace and refrain from conduct that could disturb public order. Such proceedings are generally intended to prevent potential disturbances rather than determine guilt for a separate criminal offence.
The two leaders were detained following an incident linked to protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest took place after the site’s status as an authorised demonstration venue was withdrawn. The developments have since triggered legal action by the CJP leaders, who are challenging the grounds on which their custody was extended.
According to reports, the Special Executive Magistrate initially ordered five days of judicial custody on October 14. On October 19, their custody was extended by a further two days after the magistrate rejected the sureties submitted on their behalf. The order reportedly raised concerns about the suitability of the sureties and their ability to ensure that the two leaders would comply with the required conditions.
In their petition before the High Court, Das and Ranka have challenged the legality of the custody extension. Their legal team has argued that the order was arbitrary and that their continued detention, despite repeated attempts to furnish sureties, infringes their fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. They are seeking judicial intervention against the magistrate’s decision.
The High Court’s hearing is significant because it will examine the challenge to the magistrate’s order and the legal grounds for continuing the leaders’ detention. The proceedings also bring into focus the use of preventive measures by authorities to maintain public order during protests.
The case comes amid wider demonstrations by CJP members over electoral issues and demands for accountability from the Election Commission. The party has alleged irregularities in the electoral process, while the authorities have taken action in connection with the protests.
As the hearing proceeds, attention will remain on the arguments presented by both sides and whether the High Court grants any immediate relief to the petitioners. The outcome could determine the next steps in the custody proceedings involving the two leaders.
For now, the central issue before the court is whether the order extending their judicial custody can stand under legal scrutiny. Any further decision on their release or continued detention will depend on the court’s consideration of the petition and the relevant legal provisions.
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