Delhi Police seeks 3-day custody extension for CJP leaders in Jantar Mantar case
Synopsis
Delhi Police sought three more days of judicial custody for CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on 21 October, as the SEM court hearing over the Jantar Mantar trespassing case continued. The activists' parallel Delhi High Court petition was withdrawn the same day on a judge's advice — narrowing their legal options while the lower court deliberates.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police sought an additional three days of judicial custody for Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka of the CJP on 21 October 2026 .
The two were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court at Mandir Marg Police Station after the expiry of their previous custody.
The Delhi High Court permitted withdrawal of their petition challenging custody, with Justice Subramonium Prasad advising them to await SEM proceedings first.
SEM Ritu Raj had previously extended custody citing breach of bonds and apprehension of breach of public peace.
The duo was among 14 people detained on 13 October for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructing police personnel.
The activists were reportedly protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against CEC Gyanesh Kumar .
Delhi Police on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, moved before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court seeking an additional three days of judicial custody for Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case. The two activists were produced before the court at Mandir Marg Police Station after the expiry of their previous custody period, with the magistrate yet to pronounce a decision at the time of reporting.
Key Developments in Court
CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh arrived at the police station ahead of the proceedings. The SEM hearing was underway as the custody request was being argued. Earlier the same day, the Delhi High Court permitted Das and Ranka to withdraw their petition challenging the SEM court's earlier custody extension order, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
A single-judge bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad advised the activists' counsel to await the outcome of SEM court proceedings before pursuing further legal remedies, observing that relief from the lower court would render the High Court petition infructuous.
What the SEM Court Previously Observed
On Monday, SEM Ritu Raj had extended the judicial custody of the two CJP leaders until 21 October, citing concerns over their conduct and the likelihood of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity. The court recorded that the two leaders had allegedly breached bonds furnished before the SEM, South-West District, on 11 October, and subsequently committed a breach of peace in the present matter.
The magistrate also directed the duo to furnish fresh sureties after finding the earlier ones unfit following an inquiry, citing material placed on record by the investigating officer regarding apprehensions of public order violations.
Background: The Jantar Mantar Trespassing Case
Das and Ranka, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on 13 October after they allegedly entered Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructed police personnel from discharging their official duties. The CJP members were reportedly protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and had raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police's Stand
Delhi Police had previously opposed the activists' release, alleging repeated violations of law and expressing apprehensions that their release could lead to further violations and the instigation of others. The force's request for an additional three-day custody period is consistent with this position, according to reports from the court proceedings.
What Happens Next
The SEM court's decision on the fresh custody request is awaited. Should the magistrate grant police the extended custody, Das and Ranka would remain in judicial custody beyond 21 October. If denied, the activists would be eligible for release subject to bail conditions. The case is being closely watched by civil society groups and legal observers tracking the government's response to protests over electoral roll revisions.
Point of View
But it also defers any higher-court scrutiny of the SEM's 'breach of peace' reasoning. With the Election Commission's SIR process itself contested, the arrest and prolonged detention of protesters is likely to draw sustained attention from civil liberties groups.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in custody?
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained on 13 October along with 12 others after they allegedly entered Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructed police personnel. They were reportedly protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
What did the Delhi High Court decide on 21 October?
The Delhi High Court permitted Das and Ranka to withdraw their petition challenging the SEM court's custody order, without ruling on its merits. Justice Subramonium Prasad advised them to first await the outcome of SEM proceedings before pursuing further legal remedies.
What was the SEM court's earlier reasoning for extending custody?
SEM Ritu Raj extended custody on Monday, citing the activists' alleged breach of bonds furnished before the SEM South-West District on 11 October and concerns over the likelihood of a breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity. The court also found earlier sureties unfit and directed the duo to furnish fresh ones.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an Election Commission of India process for updating and cleaning voter rolls. The CJP activists were reportedly protesting what they described as irregularities in this process, which formed the background to their demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
What happens next in the Jantar Mantar trespassing case?
The SEM court was deliberating on Delhi Police's request for three additional days of custody as of 21 October, with a decision awaited. If granted, Das and Ranka remain in judicial custody beyond 21 October; if denied, they would be eligible for release subject to any bail conditions the court may impose.
