Naveen Patnaik demands release of CJP leaders Ranka and Das from judicial custody
Synopsis
Odisha opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has publicly called for the immediate release of CJP activists Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, in judicial custody since 14 October for protesting at Jantar Mantar against alleged electoral roll irregularities. With custody extended to 21 October and a senior politician now intervening, the case has crossed from a local protest dispute into a national civil liberties flashpoint.
Key Takeaways
Naveen Patnaik , BJD president and Odisha LoP, on 20 October demanded the immediate release of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das .
The two were among 14 people detained on 13 October for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructing police.
They were protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj extended their custody by two days to 21 October , citing breach of earlier bonds and past conduct.
Patnaik argued that hoisting the national flag — even in a restricted area — does not justify prolonged detention.
Odisha's Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, publicly demanded the immediate release of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das from judicial custody, arguing that hoisting the national flag — even in a restricted zone — does not justify prolonged detention.
Patnaik's Statement
Taking to his official account on X, Patnaik wrote: 'The judicial custody of #AshutoshRanka and #SauravDas must be urgently reviewed and they must be released immediately. Hoisting the National Flag, even in a prohibited area, should not warrant such prolonged detention. The Judiciary and the Executive must rise to the occasion to ensure that the youth of this country do not lose faith in the rule of law and constitutional rights.'
The statement marks a notable intervention by a senior opposition leader in what began as a protest against alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
What Led to the Arrests
Ranka and Das were among 14 people detained on 13 October after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar — a de-notified protest site in New Delhi — through private premises and allegedly obstructing police personnel from discharging their duties. The two leaders had been demonstrating against purported irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raising slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They were initially remanded to five days of judicial custody on 14 October in connection with the case.
Custody Extended, Magistrate Cites Past Conduct
On Monday, Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj extended the judicial custody of both leaders by two days, until 21 October. The magistrate observed that their conduct showed 'no respect for law' and reflected their 'habitualness in calling protest at de-notified areas.'
The order further noted that the duo had deliberately breached the bonds furnished before the Special Executive Magistrate of the South-West district on 11 October, subsequently committing a breach of peace. According to the magistrate, assurances given by the two leaders during arguments — that they would not repeat the alleged offence — did not inspire confidence in view of their past conduct and the material placed on record by the investigating officer.
Broader Context: Electoral Roll Controversy
The protest that led to the arrests is part of a wider opposition to the Election Commission's ongoing SIR exercise. Critics have alleged that the revision process could disenfranchise legitimate voters. The demand for Chief Election Commissioner Kumar's resignation has amplified political tensions ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
This comes amid growing scrutiny of how authorities manage protests at Jantar Mantar, which was de-notified as a protest venue years ago but continues to draw demonstrators. Notably, the use of detention under preventive custody provisions to hold political activists has drawn repeated criticism from civil liberties groups.
What Happens Next
The custody of Ranka and Das is set to expire on 21 October, when a further judicial review is expected. Patnaik's intervention adds political weight to their cause and may prompt broader opposition solidarity. Whether the courts grant bail or extend detention will be closely watched by electoral reform activists and civil rights observers alike.
Point of View
He shifts the optics from trespass and obstruction to civil liberties — far more potent political terrain. The SIR controversy has already mobilised opposition parties, and this is unlikely to be the last senior leader to weigh in. The magistrate's order extending custody on grounds of 'habitualness' is itself legally significant and will likely be challenged at a higher court. The deeper question — whether de-notifying Jantar Mantar has become a tool to manage inconvenient protests — remains unaddressed by both the executive and the judiciary, and that silence will embolden critics ahead of electoral season.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das in judicial custody?
Ranka and Das were detained on 13 October after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar — a de-notified protest site — through private premises and obstructing police personnel. They were remanded to five days of judicial custody on 14 October, later extended to 21 October by a Special Executive Magistrate.
What were the CJP leaders protesting about?
They were demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and raising slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Critics have claimed the SIR exercise risks disenfranchising legitimate voters.
Why did Naveen Patnaik intervene in this case?
Patnaik, as Odisha's Leader of Opposition and BJD president, posted on X to demand the activists' immediate release. He argued that hoisting the national flag — even in a prohibited area — does not warrant prolonged detention, and urged the judiciary and executive to protect constitutional rights.
Why was judicial custody extended until 21 October?
Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj extended custody by two days, citing the duo's breach of bonds given on 11 October, their past conduct, and a lack of confidence in their assurances not to repeat the alleged offence.
What happens after 21 October in this case?
The judicial custody of Ranka and Das expires on 21 October, when a court will decide whether to release them or extend detention further. Patnaik's public intervention has added political pressure to the proceedings.
