CJP Leaders Sourav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Granted Bail After Eight Days in Custody

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been granted bail and are set to be released from jail after spending eight days in judicial custody, with the court rejecting Delhi Police’s request for a further three days of custody.

The two leaders were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court after their existing custody period expired. They were granted relief during the hearing.

High Court Questions Direct Approach Under Article 226

During the proceedings, the High Court questioned the petitioners’ decision to approach it directly under Article 226 of the Constitution when other legal remedies, including an appeal, were available.

The court also raised questions about alleged violations of bond conditions, the rejection of sureties and the legal powers of the Magistrate.

‘You Are Not Gen Z’: Court Questions Leaders’ Ages

The leaders’ ages also came up during the hearing. Their lawyer told the court that Sourav Das is 27 and Ashutosh Ranka is 31.

The court remarked that the two did not fall into the Gen Z category and also asked what age group qualified as millennials.

The court observed that children had also been involved in the protest, but the situation had since taken a different turn, with the individuals remaining the same while the issue itself had changed.

FIRs Registered at Two Delhi Police Stations

Two FIRs have been registered against the CJP leaders at Connaught Place and Sansad Marg police stations.

The FIR registered at Connaught Place invokes Sections 223A, 332 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to the details provided. The allegations concern disobedience of a lawful order, offences relating to entry into premises and criminal conspiracy.

The separate FIR registered at Sansad Marg invokes Sections 221, 115(2), 132, 121(1) and 3(5) of the BNS. These provisions relate to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, causing hurt, using criminal force against public servants and acts committed with common intention.

The bail order provides relief to both leaders as the legal proceedings linked to the protest continue.