CJP Leaders Sent to Judicial Custody Following Jantar Mantar Trespass Arrest

UPDATE - follow-up to Anti-CEC protest LIVE | Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde under preventive arrest for trespassing into Jantar Mantar: Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following their preventive arrest. They will be lodged in Tihar Jail after being booked under charges including criminal trespass, breach of bond, and disobedience of orders. A third member, Ajinkya Shinde, was released on a personal bond.

Reactions and Protests

The arrests occurred after CJP members entered the Jantar Mantar area, which was de-nosed as a designated protest site on October 12, 2026, under an order issued by Commissioner Anurag Kumar. Demonstrations have been moved to Ramlila Ground, CBD Ground, and Burari Ground. CJP legal head Ratna Singh confirmed the arrests at Parliament Street Police Station. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated that Congress respects the judiciary while political resistance will continue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded by criticizing the mobilization efforts of the Congress party.

Venue Shortages

Meanwhile, the newly designated Ramlila Maidan has no free dates available for the next two and a half months, with only December 29, 30, and 31 open for booking. The 12-acre ground accommodates up to 50,000 people. The daily booking rate is ₹50,000, along with a refundable security deposit of ₹55,000, bringing the initial outlay with taxes to ₹1.21 lakh for a day.

Context

Jantar Mantar has served as a central venue for public demonstrations in New Delhi for decades before recent administrative changes restricted access. Protests and political disagreements over designated public spaces often create friction between activist groups and law enforcement authorities in the capital.