UPDATED: Oct 19, 2026 19:59 IST
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) national spokesperson Anish Gawande criticised the extension of judicial custody for Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, calling the court decision "an unjust order" driven by petty politics. Speaking on the detention of the two youth associated with the CJP, Gawande questioned keeping them detained for waving the national flag after already spending five days in Tihar Jail. He stated that the young demonstrators would continue to resist peacefully following Mahatma Gandhi's path. Meanwhile, legal correspondent Anisha noted the inexplicable nature of extending preventive detention under Section 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita without an FIR. Citing an Allahabad High Court judgment, she highlighted that magistrates cannot mechanically issue detention orders without evaluating facts or specific police justifications, as lawyers prepare to challenge the preventive detention in the Delhi High Court.
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Custody Extension Challenged as CJP Legal Team Slams Court Proceedings and Rejection of Sureties
The legal representatives of Cockroach Janta Party addressed the media after appearing before a Special Executive Magistrate court regarding the continued preventive detention of party members, including Saurabh. The defence counsel stated that the state filed a fresh plea seeking five to seven days of further judicial custody citing an imminent threat to public order and tranquility, without placing any substantive material on record to demonstrate genuine apprehension. Counsel highlighted that there is no First Information Report registered against the individuals and criticised the court for rejecting sureties on grounds such as photographs not matching due to shorter hair. Party legal representative Ratna questioned the court's conduct, stating the proceedings resembled a circus and calling for an inquiry into the handling of personal liberty. The defence announced that the order extending judicial custody would be legally challenged before a higher court, terming the preventive detention an unwarranted curb on youngsters' voices.
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.
CEC Selection Bill Row: YSRCP Backtracks on Support, Naidu Hits Back Over 'Double Standards'
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed regret over his party's previous decision to back changes to the Chief Election Commissioner selection bill, asserting that ruling parties should not nominate central or state election commissioners. Arguing that an examiner cannot be appointed by the student, he called for a neutral appointment body, triggering questions about YSRCP's future issue-based backing for the NDA on matters such as delimitation. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu lashed out at Reddy over his remarks, accusing him of double standards for supporting the process when in power and criticising it after electoral defeat.
Special Parliament Session, Delimitation Bill Politics and Numbers Game in Lok Sabha
The central government has confirmed a special session of Parliament to discuss the Delimitation Bill, sparking political friction across party lines. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for an all-party meet, stating he previously sought cooperation from Rahul Gandhi and Kharge on multiple occasions. The central challenge for the government remains securing the required two-thirds majority of 360 members in the 543-member Lok Sabha for the constitutional amendment bill. Floor managers estimate support at around 320 members, placing crucial focus on regional parties including the DMK, YSRCP, and BJD.