A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in New Delhi ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday evening. The magistrate signed formal release orders after accepting verified local sureties of Rs 50,000 each. The court decision brings an end to their seven-day imprisonment inside Tihar Jail.
The two student organizers had remained in custody since October 14 under preventive security provisions. According to court developments reported by The Indian Express, the magistrate rejected police requests for extended detention. Defense counsels submitted verified personal bonds guaranteeing peaceful conduct. Therefore, the magistrate directed prison authorities to release both activists immediately upon verification of paperwork.
Week-Long Imprisonment Stemmed From Jantar Mantar Flag Demonstration
The legal saga began when the duo breached police cordons at the historic Jantar Mantar observatory. The leaders had carried the Indian national flag into the locked complex to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police arrested the activists for defying prohibitory orders and violating earlier peace bonds. As detailed by LiveLaw, the magistrate originally remanded them to five days in judicial custody. Furthermore, an earlier bail hearing on Sunday faced unexpected delays after the magistrate cited security threats. Consequently, the young organizers spent a full week behind bars before securing formal bail relief.
High Court Withdrawal Paved Way for Magistrate’s Relief
The release order followed intense legal maneuvering across Delhi courtrooms earlier in the day. The activists had initially approached the Delhi High Court to challenge their prolonged confinement.
However, Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned the petitioners over earlier peace bond violations. The high court suggested that the leaders pursue their release before the executive magistrate instead. Reporting by Hindustan Times confirmed that defense lawyers promptly withdrew the high court petition. The legal team refocused its efforts on satisfying the magistrate’s surety requirements. As a result, the strategic legal pivot enabled their prompt discharge on Wednesday evening.
CJP Readies for Friday Tricolour Gathering in Connaught Place
Party supporters and civil rights collectives celebrated the release orders outside Tihar Jail gates. CJP convener Abhijeet Dipke welcomed the judicial verdict, reiterating that holding the national flag remains a constitutional right.
Coverage by NDTV highlighted the party’s resolve to continue its campaign against voter list revisions. Meanwhile, the youth collective confirmed plans to proceed with a peaceful Tricolour rally at Connaught Place this Friday. On the other hand, Delhi Police transferred earlier protest cases to the Crime Branch for detailed financial scrutiny. Nevertheless, the release of both spokespersons provides a major morale boost to the student movement ahead of upcoming demonstrations.
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