'You Are Not Gen Z': Delhi High Court Pulls Up CJP Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Over Procedural Lapses

The Delhi High Court delivered a sharp rebuke to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday, questioning their decision to bypass lower legal channels after violating peace bond undertakings during recent demonstrations.

A single bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad pulled up the petitioning duo for advancing to the High Court before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court could convene on their scheduled hearing. The bench reminded counsel Abhik Chimni that procedural norms under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) must take their natural course.

High Court Warns Against Unchecked Agitations

Addressing the risk of mass gatherings turning chaotic, Justice Prasad underscored global precedents where peaceful student-led mobilisations spiraled into arson and widespread vandalism. The court noted that breaking barricades at previously denotified protest sites like Jantar Mantar invites untoward elements beyond organizational control.

"Police permissions are not meant merely to restrict organizers; they prevent unwanted actors from infiltrating your movement and causing damage," the court observed, pointing to strict provisions under BNSS when bail bonds are breached.

Age Dispute Dismisses 'Gen Z' Label

During the proceedings, counsel argued that the movement represented youthful 'Gen Z' aspirations. Upon examining the ages of Saurabh Das (27) and Ashutosh Ranka (32), the bench dismissed the classification, clarifying that individuals born before 1997 do not fall within the demographic tag.

Following the stern observations and the court's direction to await the SEM magistrate's afternoon order, CJP legal representatives formally withdrew the petition.

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