Story perspectives

Court Extends Custody of CJP Leaders by Two Days

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj extended judicial custody of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days.
The magistrate cited alleged breach of peace bonds and risk of disorder after they entered de-notified Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police had requested a five-day extension, arguing the leaders could incite further protests.
The court rejected fresh sureties because bond photographs did not match the guarantors’ Aadhaar cards.

History

Historical Context

In August 2011, Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption sit-in at Jantar Mantar prompted Delhi police to invoke Section 144 and detain over 1,200 supporters. The 2026 CJP protest at the same location relied on that precedent, with magistrate Ritu Raj extending custody of leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. This continuity illustrates Indian courts’ emphasis on public order over protest freedoms.

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Story summary

Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj extended judicial custody of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days.
The magistrate cited alleged breach of peace bonds and risk of disorder after they entered de-notified Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police had requested a five-day extension, arguing the leaders could incite further protests.
The court rejected fresh sureties because bond photographs did not match the guarantors’ Aadhaar cards.

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