A special executive magistrate court in Delhi ordered on October 19 that the judicial custody of two leaders of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, be extended by two days. The decision came after the Delhi Police filed an application seeking a further five‑day extension, citing alleged violations of peace bonds and prohibitory orders.
Background of the case
Das and Ranka were first taken into custody at an airport on October 10 under preventive provisions of Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The arrests preceded a series of protests announced against the Chief Election Commissioner. After posting a peace bond of ₹50,000, both were released on the same day.
Four days later, on October 14, the two activists were apprehended again after attempting to unfurl the national flag at Jantar Mantar, a location that had been de‑notified as a designated protest site. Executive Magistrate Mahesh Kumar Meena had earlier remanded them to five days of judicial custody on that date, and the matter was scheduled for further hearing on October 19.
Police allegations and defence arguments
During the October 19 hearing, Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj, who presides over the New Delhi district court at Mandir Marg, heard the police application. Investigating officers alleged that Das and Ranka had breached bonds dated October 11, 2026, by urging the public to assemble at Jantar Mantar for their protest demands. According to the police, the activists had previously been permitted to protest on the condition that they would strictly adhere to the terms of permission, a condition they allegedly ignored.
The police further claimed that both respondents, identified as members of the CJP, repeatedly called for gatherings at non‑designated sites, including Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, through social‑media posts. The prosecution argued that these actions demonstrated a pattern of disregard for de‑notified protest zones and raised concerns about the likelihood of future breaches of peace.
Representing the respondents, counsel argued for immediate release, asserting that the two would not repeat the alleged offence. The defence highlighted that no calls for protest had been made after October 10, 2026, and pointed to the recent release of CJAR co‑founder and national co‑convenor Abhishek Dipke, who had also been arrested in the same case.
Magistrate’s observations and orders
After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Ritu Raj observed that Das and Ranka had deliberately violated their bonds and committed an immediate breach of peace. The magistrate noted that the material presented by the investigating officer raised serious concerns about the respondents’ habitual conduct of calling protests at de‑notified areas.
While acknowledging the defence’s assurance that the activists would not repeat the conduct, the magistrate expressed a lack of confidence in that promise, citing the police‑submitted evidence. Consequently, the court found the police application for further detention to be supported by material indicating a risk of disturbance to public tranquillity.
The court ordered the respondents to file written submissions within two days, providing an advance copy to the investigating officer. Additionally, the magistrate directed that fresh sureties be furnished, as the original sureties were deemed unfit. Discrepancies were noted between the photographs on the bond documents and the Aadhaar cards of the sureties, and the sureties failed to provide satisfactory answers during inquiry. The magistrate also observed that the sureties had no control over the respondents and had not produced them before the court when required.
The matter has been listed for further proceedings on October 21 at 2 PM. Until that hearing, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka will remain in judicial custody.
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