Two CJP leaders, Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, sent to five days of judicial custody after Jantar Mantar protest

Two leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have been sent to five days of judicial custody following a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The order was issued on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, after the two were accused of crossing police barricades and entering the area to demonstrate against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protesters were demanding Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Their detention has renewed debate over the restrictions imposed on public demonstrations in the national capital and the right to peaceful protest.

Why were the CJP leaders detained?

According to The Times of India, cases have been registered against Das and Ranka on charges including criminal trespass, violation of prohibitory orders, breach of a bond to maintain peace, and obstructing a public servant in the discharge of official duties.

Police allege that the two leaders crossed barricades and entered a restricted area at Jantar Mantar on 13 October. CJP, however, maintained that staging a protest at the venue was the primary objective of their campaign.

Another party member, Ajinkya Shinde, was also detained in connection with the incident. According to media reports, proceedings relating to his personal bond were underway.

From detention to judicial custody

The latest action against Das and Ranka follows an earlier detention on 10 October, when Delhi Police detained CJP founder Abhijit Deepke, along with Das and Ranka, after they arrived in the capital to protest against the Election Commission.

Their demonstration was intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Media reports stated that the police had not granted permission for the protest.

On 11 October, the three were produced before an executive magistrate. They were ordered to be released after furnishing personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each, undertaking to maintain peace and good conduct for one year.

However, Das and Ranka were detained again following the incident at Jantar Mantar on 13 October. Police alleged that they had violated the conditions of their earlier bonds. They were subsequently sent to five days of judicial custody.

Why was Jantar Mantar removed as a protest venue?

Jantar Mantar has long been an important location for political demonstrations, social movements and public campaigns in Delhi. Over the years, it has provided a platform for citizens and organisations to raise concerns and demand government action.

However, the venue has recently become a point of contention between the administration and protesters.

On 11 October, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as locations for protests and demonstrations. Following the decision, Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of designated protest venues.

CJP has opposed the move, arguing that shifting demonstrations away from prominent political locations in the capital could reduce their visibility and public impact.

Against this backdrop, the party's leaders attempted to reach Jantar Mantar and stage their demonstration. Media reports stated that their programme included hoisting the national flag and raising slogans demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.

What is the protest about?

At the centre of CJP's campaign is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process undertaken by the Election Commission to review and update voter lists.

The exercise has drawn criticism from opposition parties and several organisations over concerns about the removal of large numbers of names from electoral rolls. Critics argue that eligible voters could be at risk of losing their right to vote if the process is not carried out properly.

CJP has been demanding the cancellation of the SIR exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revisions are intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists. Political allegations surrounding the process have been disputed by the BJP and the Commission.

CJP founder questions police action

CJP founder Abhijit Deepke has criticised the decision to send Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to judicial custody. He alleged that the action was intended to suppress dissenting voices.

Deepke also questioned whether hoisting the national flag at Jantar Mantar was an offence, challenging the grounds on which the police had acted against the party members.

His remarks have brought the issue of police action against protesters back into focus. While the authorities have cited alleged violations of restrictions and the need to maintain public order, CJP has questioned the action taken against its leaders.

The larger question: Where can citizens protest?

The incident raises a wider question about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the right to peaceful protest.

The Constitution of India guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully and without arms under Article 19(1)(b). However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order and other constitutionally recognised grounds.

Authorities can regulate public gatherings, including by imposing conditions on where and how demonstrations take place. At the same time, such restrictions remain subject to constitutional and legal scrutiny.

The detention of the two CJP leaders has therefore brought renewed attention to the limits placed on public demonstrations in Delhi.

As the dispute over the SIR process continues, the incident highlights a broader democratic challenge: how can authorities maintain public order while ensuring that citizens retain meaningful opportunities to express their grievances and hold public institutions accountable?