Cockroach Janta Party Asks Delhi High Court for Urgent Hearing on Custody

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) moved the Delhi High Court on October 20, 2026, seeking an urgent night hearing to stop the continued judicial custody of its co‑convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

Background of the custody

Police produced Das and Ranka at the Mandir Marg police station after they allegedly climbed over a locked gate at Jantar Mantar on October 13. The site had earlier been denotified as a designated protest area. While at the location, the two displayed the national flag and shouted slogans targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, leading to their preventive arrest and an initial five‑day judicial custody.

CJP’s legal move

Ratna Singh, identified as CJP’s legal head, announced on X that the party had filed a petition requesting an urgent night hearing. Singh argued that the leaders should not lose any more minutes behind bars and warned that the bail process was being deliberately delayed for political reasons.

ashutosh ranka and cjp anti cec protest strategy analysis

The incident forms part of a broader anti‑CEC protest strategy, where CJP activists have openly challenged the election commissioner’s authority. The party claims that the protest was a legitimate expression of dissent, not a criminal act, and that the extended custody undermines democratic protest rights.

Reactions and allegations

The CJP alleges that the court’s handling of the bail application is being used to suppress its political agenda. In response, the party’s legal team emphasizes the need for swift judicial intervention, stating that “justice must not wait.”

Next steps

The Delhi High Court, which is currently closed for the Dasara holidays, will consider the petition when it reconvenes. If granted, the night hearing could lead to the release of Das and Ranka pending further legal proceedings. The party has also warned that any further delay could be seen as a violation of fundamental rights.

For additional context on public displays involving a cockroach motif, see the recent coverage of the cockroach puppet used in a Delhi event.

Sources: The Hindu, Live Law, The Times of India.