A Delhi Police van carrying Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka arrived at the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in Delhi on Wednesday, as their two-day judicial custody extension came to an end.
Their legal representatives, advocate Abhik Chimni and CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh, also reached the court ahead of the hearing, which was expected to begin shortly.
The proceedings come amid a legal challenge by the two leaders against the extension of their detention. Das and Ranka had approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that their continued custody was unlawful. However, they withdrew their petition on Wednesday after the High Court advised them to await the outcome of the SEM court hearing and approach the appropriate appellate forum if their grievance remained unresolved.
CJP leaders detained after Jantar Mantar protest
Das and Ranka were detained on October 13 after allegedly entering the barricaded premises at Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as an authorised protest site. The two leaders and other CJP workers had gathered at the site to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raise concerns over electoral issues.
Following their detention, the two were sent to judicial custody for five days. On October 19, a Special Executive Magistrate extended their custody by a further two days after considering the police's submissions and rejecting their release pleas.
The authorities cited concerns over a possible breach of peace, while the leaders challenged the grounds for their continued detention.
Legal challenge over custody extension
The CJP leaders subsequently moved the Delhi High Court, questioning the SEM's decision to extend their custody. Their plea raised concerns over their continued detention and the rejection of their sureties.
During Wednesday's hearing, Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned whether the writ petition was the appropriate legal remedy, given that an alternative appellate mechanism was available. The court advised the leaders to first await the SEM court's decision before pursuing further legal action.
Das and Ranka withdrew their petition following the court's observations. The High Court clarified that it had not made any findings on the merits of their challenge.
Hearing to determine next course of action
With their judicial custody period ending on Wednesday, the two leaders were brought before the SEM court, where their legal representatives were present ahead of the hearing.
The proceedings are expected to determine the next steps in the case, including whether the leaders will be released or their detention will be extended further.
CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh has been involved in the legal efforts on behalf of the detained leaders. The party has been holding protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising allegations concerning electoral irregularities and the revision of electoral rolls.
The outcome of the SEM court hearing will determine the immediate course of action in the case against Das and Ranka.