SEM Court orders release of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka

October 21, 2026

New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka will be released from judicial custody in the Jantar Mantar encroachment case. The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) issued the release order on Wednesday.

After the expiry of their previous judicial custody, both activists were brought to the Mandir Marg police station to be produced before the SEM court. CJP’s legal affairs chief, Ratna Singh, also arrived at the police station before the hearing.

Permission granted to withdraw petition from Delhi High Court

Earlier on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court granted permission to Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to withdraw their petition. In this petition, the two had sought release and challenged the SEM court’s order extending their detention. The High Court did not comment on the merits of the case.

A single bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad asked the lawyers representing the two activists to consider withdrawing the petition and await the proceedings of the Special Economic Zone (SEM) Court before pursuing appropriate legal recourse.

The High Court stated that if the activists receive relief from the Special Economic Zone (SEM) Court, there would be no purpose in continuing the proceedings.

SEM Court Extends Detention Until October 21

This development comes after Special Economic Zone Ritu Raj on Monday extended the judicial custody of the two CJP leaders until October 21. The magistrate stated that their conduct raised the possibility of a breach of peace and a disruption in public order.

The order stated that the two leaders had allegedly violated the terms of the bond they had given before the Special Economic Zone (SEM) of the Southwest District on October 11, which subsequently led to a breach of peace in the current case.

The magistrate also noted the material presented by the investigating officer, which raised the possibility of a breach of peace and a disruption in public order.

Additionally, both were directed to furnish new sureties after the investigation found the previously submitted sureties to be unsuitable.

14 People Detained During SIR Protest

CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, along with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were among the 14 people detained on October 13. They are alleged to have entered Jantar Mantar through a private premises and obstructed police officers from performing their official duties.

The CJP members were protesting against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. They also raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The Delhi Police had previously opposed the release of the two leaders, citing alleged repeated violations of the law and the possibility of similar incidents occurring or inciting others after their release.