Two leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party were ordered to be released from judicial custody after giving a written undertaking that they would not call for protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar while the site remains de-notified as a protest venue, Live Hindustan reported on Wednesday.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka gave the undertaking before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM), promising not to disturb public peace and stating that they had full faith in the judiciary and its institutions, including the SEM court. Their release was ordered after the court accepted their bail sureties.
According to the report, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ritu Raj, acting as the SEM, accepted the sureties and concluded that further judicial custody was not required at this stage. The decision followed the two leaders’ written assurances that they would maintain peace and comply with the law.
The court directed both men to submit personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each until the investigation is completed. Their next hearing is scheduled for October 23 at 3 pm, when they will be required to appear before the SEM court again with their sureties. The police have also been directed to file a verification report.
Das and Ranka were detained on October 14 after reaching Jantar Mantar to stage a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, despite restrictions at the location, the report said. They also allegedly hoisted the national flag at the site. Their detention followed an order restricting the proposed demonstration.
After their initial five-day period of judicial custody ended on October 19, the court extended their custody by another two days. The extension came after Delhi Police opposed their release, arguing that their return could affect public peace and order.
In its earlier order, the SEM court said the leaders’ conduct reflected a lack of respect for the law and raised concerns that they could disturb public order. The court also noted that they had allegedly become accustomed to calling protests in areas that had been de-notified for demonstrations.
The case highlights the continuing administrative significance of Jantar Mantar, a central Delhi location historically associated with public demonstrations. Restrictions at such sites determine how political groups and citizens can use public space to express dissent, while police and magistrates are responsible for enforcing public-order conditions.
The immediate legal issue now is whether the undertakings and the police verification report will be accepted at the next hearing. The court is scheduled to take up the matter on October 23.
