‘We Will Present Our Side’: CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Appear Before SEM Court

CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Appear Before SEM Court; ‘Will Present Our Side’

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court at Delhi’s Mandir Marg Police Station on Friday, amid ongoing proceedings linked to the party’s protest at Jantar Mantar. Speaking to reporters before entering the police station, Das said the two would present their version of events.

“We will present our side. Let’s see what happens,” Das said. Their appearance came a day after they reportedly failed to respond to police summons issued in connection with the inquiry.

SEM Court Orders Release From Tihar Jail
On October 21, the SEM court directed the release of Das and Ranka after they submitted written undertakings promising to maintain peace and refrain from calling for protests at Jantar Mantar while the site remained denotified.

The court required both leaders to furnish personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each until the inquiry concluded. After the bonds were furnished, ACP Ritu Raj, acting as the Special Executive Magistrate, ordered their release from Tihar Jail.

The release followed a police request for a further three-day extension of their judicial custody. Police officials maintained that concerns about a possible breach of peace and disruption of law and order persisted, referring to the leaders’ previous conduct and media statements.

The police also alleged that the leaders had made contradictory statements before the court and in the media regarding their willingness to avoid similar activities. Their written response submitted during Wednesday’s proceedings was also cited in the court order.

The CJP welcomed the release. Party founder Abhijeet Dipke described Das and Ranka as “much, much bigger leaders” than himself, while legal head Ratna Singh said the decision should have been taken earlier.

What Are the Allegations Against the CJP Leaders?
According to the police, Das and Ranka allegedly violated peace bonds and entered Jantar Mantar after it had been declared a denotified protest site. Their detention was linked to the CJP’s protest and the alleged breach of restrictions at the location.

The two leaders were initially sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14. Their custody was extended by another two days on October 19 and was due to expire on Wednesday.

Proceedings were initiated by the Parliament Street Police under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The provisions were invoked as preventive measures amid concerns about a possible breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity during the protest.

The police allegations centre on the alleged violation of peace bonds and entry into the restricted protest area. Das and Ranka have said they will present their side as the proceedings continue.