CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Withdraw Plea Against Judicial Custody After Delhi HC Flags Technical Issues

Last Updated:October 21, 2026, 1:57 pm IST

Cockroach Janta Party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka withdrew their plea challenging judicial custody from the Delhi High Court due to technical issues

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das, national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, and other supporters inside a police van. (File image)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday withdrew their plea before the Delhi High Court challenging orders passed by the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) in connection with their detention over a protest at Jantar Mantar.

The bench, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, questioned why the petitioners had not considered pursuing alternative legal remedies and waited for the SEM to hear the matter. The bench said it had made no observations on the merits of the case.

“Liberty is sacrosanct . But if the Code provides for remedy… when there is already provision available,” said the court, reported LiveLaw.

Advocate Abhik Chimni, appearing for the CJP members, informed the bench that the petitioners were withdrawing the plea.

The Additional Solicitor General (ASG), appearing for the authorities, sought time to raise certain issues. They highlighted that the petitioners had invoked Article 226 of the Constitution and argued for nearly an hour.

What Is The Case About?

The hearing concerned a petition challenging the Special Executive Magistrate’s (SEM) October 19 order extending the two CJP members’ judicial custody until October 21 in preventive proceedings under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The two activists are accused of trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which was de-notified as a protest venue.

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Why did CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka withdraw their plea in the Delhi High Court?

Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka withdrew their petition challenging orders passed by the Special Executive Magistrate after the Delhi High Court flagged technical issues and questioned why they had not pursued alternative legal remedies first.

What legal provisions and case background led to the CJP leaders’ detention?

The leaders were detained in connection with a protest at Jantar Mantar, following proceedings initiated under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after earlier being taken into custody.

What constitutional article was invoked in the withdrawn petition regarding judicial custody?

The petitioners invoked Article 226 of the Constitution and argued for nearly an hour before choosing to withdraw the plea after court inquiries.

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A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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