Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convener Saurav Das has been directed by a special executive magistrate (SEM) to submit documents establishing his current residential address in Delhi, with the proceedings over an alleged peace bond violation adjourned until November 17.
SEM (New Delhi) Ritu Raj issued the direction on Friday after Das and fellow CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the court with their sureties. The magistrate noted that the documents submitted did not include a rent agreement or lease document establishing Das's Delhi residence.
Das's legal team sought additional time to arrange the required paperwork. Accepting the request, the magistrate scheduled the next hearing for November 17, when the documents will be examined.
Delhi Police counsel Prashant Prakash and Bhairav Dass opposed the position taken by Das, arguing that he had not submitted any proof that he was residing in the national capital.
Case stems from October 12 Jantar Mantar incident
The proceedings originate from preventive action initiated by Parliament Street police under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing concerns that the leaders could breach the peace.
Das and Ranka were detained after scaling a gate and entering the restricted Jantar Mantar protest site on October 12. The incident occurred amid demonstrations and calls for protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The two leaders spent a week in judicial custody before being granted relief on October 21 after furnishing personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each. The prosecution had opposed their release, contending that they posed a continuing threat to public safety and law and order.
Conditions attached to their release
As part of their release conditions, Das and Ranka submitted written undertakings promising to maintain peace and public tranquillity. They also agreed not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is officially re-notified as a designated demonstration area.
The leaders further undertook not to breach the peace, expressed faith in the judiciary and the SEM court, and stated that any protests they organised would remain within the bounds of the Constitution.
The latest direction concerns the documentation of Das's residential address, with the court set to examine the required papers at the next hearing on November 17.