Story perspectives

Magistrate Orders Release of CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 4:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Delhi Magistrate Orders Release

Delhi Special Executive Magistrate ordered the release of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
Their custody, extended to October 21, expired, prompting the release order.
Police said their October 13 flag-waving protest at Jantar Mantar violated peace bonds signed after an October 10 arrest.
Assistant Commissioner Ritu Raj, acting as SEM, accepted their sureties and ordered release.
The Delhi High Court declined to hear their petition, so they withdrew it.

Summary

CJP Forms Splinter

Special Executive Magistrate took over the bail hearing after the previous magistrate reported threats.
The former magistrate alleged unknown persons threatened him, leading to his replacement.
CJP announced formation of a splinter group named “Lal Hit Janata Party” in Delhi.
CJP, after consulting senior advocate Kapil Sibal, warned of legal action if leaders are not freed by Sunday.

History

Historical Context

During the 21-month Emergency (25 June 1975 – 21 March 1977), Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked Articles 352 and 356, suspended civil liberties and detained over 100,000 opponents, including Janata Party leaders, while courts struggled to issue writs amid curfews. Today, Delhi’s Special Executive Magistrate ordered the release of CJP activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, echoing the long-standing clash between security forces and dissent.

1 of 3

Delhi Magistrate Orders Release

Delhi Special Executive Magistrate ordered the release of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
Their custody, extended to October 21, expired, prompting the release order.
Police said their October 13 flag-waving protest at Jantar Mantar violated peace bonds signed after an October 10 arrest.
Assistant Commissioner Ritu Raj, acting as SEM, accepted their sureties and ordered release.
The Delhi High Court declined to hear their petition, so they withdrew it.

1 / 3