Court Slams CJP Leaders for 'Deliberate' Bond Breach; Custody Extended
SEM Court extends judicial custody for CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, citing deliberate breach of bonds and risk to public peace.
The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) Court at Mandir Marg has extended the judicial custody of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, leaders of the CJP, until October 21. The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of the accused, stating that their promises to avoid future offenses did not inspire confidence.
Court Cites Lack of Respect for Law
Presiding SEM Ritu Raj observed that the respondents had deliberately breached the bonds they signed on October 11, 2026, before the SEM of the South-West District. The court noted that the accused immediately committed a breach of peace following the agreement.
In a scathing observation, the court highlighted that the conduct of Das and Ranka was not "above board" and demonstrated a blatant lack of respect for the law. The magistrate further pointed out their habitual tendency to organize protests in de-notified areas.
Serious Concerns Over Public Tranquillity
The extension of custody came after the Investigating Officer (IO), supported by Delhi Police Legal Consultants Prashant Prakash and Bhairo Das, filed an application seeking a five-day extension. The court found that the IO's application was backed by substantial evidence, raising serious concerns about the potential for further disturbances to public tranquillity.
While the defense counsel, Advocate Abhik Chimni and Pushp Sharma, argued for the immediate release of the leaders, claiming they had not called for any protests since October 10 and had only visited Jantar Mantar individually, the court remained unconvinced.
Sureties Found 'Unfit' After Inquiry
A significant turning point in the hearing was the court's scrutiny of the sureties provided for the accused. Upon inquiry, the SEM found the sureties to be completely unfit:
- Teerath: The court noticed a mismatch between the photograph on his bond and his Aadhar card. He failed to provide any other valid identity proof and gave vague answers.
- Mannu Raj Anand: During personal questioning, he was unable to provide basic details about Sourav Das, such as his parentage or address, which were listed in the surety bond.
The court concluded that neither surety had any actual control over the respondents to ensure their production before the court, which is the fundamental purpose of a surety bond. Consequently, the court directed the respondents to furnish fresh sureties.
What Happens Next?
The SEM has granted the counsel for the accused two days to file written submissions, with an advance copy to be provided to the Investigating Officer. The matter has been re-notified for October 21, 2026, for further proceedings and replies.
This follows the initial remand of the CJP leaders to five days of judicial custody on October 14.