Jantar Mantar Protest: Court Extends Judicial Custody Of Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka By Two Days

A Special Executive Magistrate court in Delhi has extended the judicial custody of activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days following their arrest for breaching a peace bond at Jantar Mantar. The two leaders had entered the site and unfurled the national tricolour on 13 October, leading to an initial five-day remand. Delhi Police had requested a five-day extension citing prior misconduct and the upcoming festive season, specifically Dussehra. However, the court granted two days of judicial custody, scheduling the next hearing for 21 October. The proceedings faced previous delays after the earlier magistrate recused himself citing death threats, while police pointed to procedural discrepancies in surety paperwork submitted by the defence. Defence counsels argued that all requisite documents were provided and contended that the prolonged custody constitutes an attempt to intimidate their clients, pointing out that others facing identical charges were earlier released.