Delhi Court Orders Release of Cockroach Janta Party Leaders After Week in Tihar Jail
A special executive magistrate court in Delhi on Wednesday ordered the release of two prominent leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who had been lodged in Tihar jail for a week following their arrest by Delhi police in connection with a trespassing case at Jantar Mantar. The release came after the duo submitted written undertakings assuring they would not call for protests at the site until it is de-notified in accordance with the law. The order, passed by SEM Ritu Raj, directed their release upon furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each, to remain in effect until the conclusion of the inquiry. Despite police efforts to keep them in custody, the magistrate allowed the release, marking a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between the state and the youth-led movement.
In their undertakings, Das and Ranka stated, “We reiterate our undertaking and commitment towards peace, law and order, public tranquillity and further we specifically state that we will not make any calls for protest at Jantar Mantar till such a time that it is de-notified in accordance with law.” The arrest and subsequent release have drawn attention to the broader crackdown on the Cockroach movement, which has been mobilizing young people across the country. The movement, which began as a protest against perceived institutional failures, has faced increasing scrutiny from authorities, with ruling coalition representatives arguing that such demonstrations seek to undermine legitimate institutional processes and keep political tensions elevated in major urban centers.
The case has also reignited debates over the role of public spaces in a democracy. Jantar Mantar has long served as a platform for workers, students, and activists to bring grievances directly to public attention. “Public spaces must remain available for people to peacefully assemble, challenge those in power, demand accountability, and make their grievances heard,” said Aakar Patel, Chair of the Board at Amnesty International India. He emphasized that the accessibility and location of such spaces, allowing protesters to assemble within sight and sound of their intended audience, are essential considerations for any democratic society. The release of the CJP leaders, while conditional, underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and upholding the right to peaceful
Shimanta Das 
