No More Jantar Mantar Demonstrations: CJP Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Released After Vowing Court Compliance

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening after a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in Delhi ordered their immediate release. The decision came after both leaders submitted a formal undertaking pledging that they would make no future calls for protests at Jantar Mantar and promising to conduct all future demonstrations strictly within constitutional boundaries.

Das and Ranka had been held in judicial custody since October 14 following their detention for allegedly trespassing at Jantar Mantar—a site recently denotified as a designated protest zone—and violating peace bonds signed earlier in the month. Their custody was initially set for five days and later extended by two days on October 19.

Formal Undertaking and Court Conditions

Appearing before the Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg police station as their extended remand expired, counsel representing the duo submitted a specific commitment on their behalf.

The undertaking explicitly stated:

• No Jantar Mantar Protests: The leaders promised not to issue calls for demonstrations at the denotified Jantar Mantar site or any other restricted zones.
• Constitutional Compliance: Future agitation or political activities would be carried out strictly "within the four corners of the Constitution".
• Bail Bonds Furnished: The court ordered both CJP spokespersons to furnish personal bonds and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each to secure their liberty.

While ordering their release, the magistrate clarified that the inquiry into the alleged breach of peace bond conditions will continue, scheduling the next formal hearing for Friday.

High Court Pulls Up Activists over Barricade Breaches

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court severely reprimanded the duo during a hearing challenging the extension of their executive remand. The High Court questioned their conduct during the October 13 demonstration, emphasizing that barricades are erected for public order and safety.

"Barricades have a purpose," the High Court observed, noting that scaling locked gates and breaching security perimeters could not be condoned under the guise of youth political activism. Following the stern observations from the bench, the petitioners chose to withdraw their plea from the High Court before returning to the magistrate's court to secure their release order.

Upon stepping out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday night, Das and Ranka declared that "truth has triumphed" as CJP supporters gathered outside the premises.