CJP Activists Face Further Proceedings in Jantar Mantar Protest Case
Cockroach Janata Party activists Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde are facing further proceedings in connection with a protest held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 13, 2026. The matter involves proceedings before a Special Executive Magistrate court and a separate investigation by the Delhi Police Crime Branch.
The latest developments follow the release of Das and Ranka from judicial custody on October 21. The court ordered their release after accepting their personal and surety bonds and written undertakings to maintain peace and comply with the law. The activists were subsequently summoned by the Crime Branch for questioning as part of the investigation.
According to reports published on October 22, the three activists did not appear for the scheduled police questioning and requested additional time. The police were expected to issue fresh notices. Further court proceedings concerning Das and Ranka were scheduled for October 23.
Background to the Jantar Mantar Protest
The case stems from a protest organised by members of the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar, a prominent protest location in New Delhi. The demonstration took place on October 13 and was connected to the party's demands concerning alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and the deletion of voters' names.
According to reports citing the Delhi Police, the activists allegedly entered an area that was no longer officially designated as a protest site. The police also alleged that they entered through a restricted or barricaded area and obstructed public servants while attempting to carry out the demonstration.
The allegations led to police action and preventive proceedings against the activists. Das and Ranka were detained and subsequently sent to judicial custody on October 14. Their custody was extended during subsequent proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate.
The legal proceedings relate to allegations concerning entry into the restricted area, obstruction of public servants and compliance with orders issued by the authorities. These allegations remain subject to the applicable legal process and should not be treated as established guilt.
Special Executive Magistrate Court Orders Release
On October 21, the Special Executive Magistrate court ordered the release of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka from judicial custody. The order followed the submission of personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each, along with written undertakings concerning their future conduct.
The court directed the two activists to maintain peace, avoid disturbing public tranquillity and comply with the conditions specified in their undertakings. They also agreed not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar while the location remains officially undesignated as a protest venue under the applicable rules.
The court considered the written assurances while deciding that continued judicial custody was not necessary at that stage. The release did not mean that the investigation or proceedings had ended. The court made clear that the inquiry would continue in accordance with the law.
Das and Ranka were also directed to attend subsequent hearings and comply with the conditions attached to their bonds. The investigating officer was asked to submit a report verifying the sureties furnished by them.
The proceedings scheduled for October 23 were expected to address compliance with the release conditions and the verification of the sureties.
Crime Branch Summons and Request for More Time
The Delhi Police Crime Branch separately summoned Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde for questioning in connection with the Jantar Mantar incident. The activists were asked to report to the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden on October 22.
However, reports published that day stated that they did not attend the scheduled questioning and sought additional time from the police. The authorities were expected to issue fresh notices directing them to join the investigation.
The cases were transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation, according to media reports. The investigation concerns allegations arising from the protest, including unauthorised entry into the area and obstruction of police personnel.
The Crime Branch investigation is separate from the preventive proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate. While the court proceedings concern the conditions imposed on Das and Ranka and their compliance with those conditions, the police investigation seeks to examine the circumstances of the protest and the allegations recorded in the cases.
The request for additional time does not, by itself, establish guilt or indicate the final outcome of the investigation. Any further action will depend on the notices issued, the activists' responses and the evidence examined by the investigating officers.
Conditions Imposed on the Released Activists
As part of the release process, Das and Ranka provided written assurances that they would not breach the peace or disturb public tranquillity. They also undertook to comply with the law and refrain from calling for protests at Jantar Mantar while it remains undesignated as a protest site.
These conditions formed an important part of the court's decision to release them from judicial custody. The court also directed them to attend subsequent proceedings and comply with the terms of their bonds.
The conditions do not amount to a final determination of the allegations connected with the October 13 demonstration. The investigation and related proceedings remain subject to the applicable legal process.
The case has also drawn attention to the rules governing demonstrations at designated protest locations. Organisers are required to follow the relevant permissions and restrictions imposed by the authorities. At the same time, allegations of violations must be assessed through the appropriate legal procedures.
What Happens Next
The immediate developments concern the scheduled proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate and the Crime Branch's efforts to question the activists. The court proceedings will address the matters listed before it, including compliance with the release conditions and verification of the sureties.
Separately, the Crime Branch may issue fresh notices requiring the activists to attend questioning. The investigation will continue in accordance with the law, and any further legal action will depend on the findings of the authorities.
As of the reports published on October 22, the activists had requested more time after missing the scheduled questioning. The outcome of the proceedings scheduled for October 23 should be confirmed through an updated report or an official statement before publication.
Conclusion
The case involving Cockroach Janata Party activists Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde continues following the October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Das and Ranka were released from judicial custody after submitting bonds and written undertakings to maintain peace, while the Delhi Police Crime Branch continues its investigation.
