The detention of three Cockroach Janta Party leaders has triggered a legal move in the Supreme Court and further uncertainty over the organisation's planned protest in Delhi.
CJP chief Abhijeet Deepke, co-convener Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport after landing from Mumbai on Saturday morning. Police took them into custody before they could leave the aircraft.
The three leaders were detained ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They remained in police custody late in the day, even as other detained CJP supporters were released.
Supreme Court plea withdrawn
Gaurav Bhati approached the Supreme Court seeking habeas corpus relief and the release of Deepke, Das and Ranka. The petition also sought the public identification of everyone detained, along with the circumstances and legal basis in each case.
Bhati later asked to withdraw the petition within a few hours. He said he had filed it in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the CJP. The material does not establish why the withdrawal was sought.
A separate contempt petition concerning restrictions imposed on trains, the Metro and other transport services is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing on Sunday.
Thousands detained during protest preparations
More than seven thousand protesters were detained as authorities moved to prevent the Jantar Mantar demonstration. Those detained included senior CJP figures, four former chief ministers and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.
Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site, remained deserted throughout the day. More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed across Lutyens' Delhi, while multiple layers of barricades were placed to keep protesters away from the area.
The large-scale security arrangements came as the CJP pressed its demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The organisation has announced another protest for Sunday and remains determined to reach Jantar Mantar.
What remains unclear
The available information does not state when Deepke, Das and Ranka will be released. It also does not specify the Delhi Police's next action if CJP supporters attempt to proceed with the announced Sunday demonstration.
The legal position therefore remains divided between the withdrawn plea seeking release and the separate contempt matter listed for hearing. The CJP's announced protest is the next stated development in the dispute.
Conclusion
Three CJP leaders remained in police custody after their detention at IGI Airport, while a Supreme Court plea seeking their release was withdrawn within hours. The organisation has announced another Jantar Mantar protest for Sunday, but the timing of any release remains unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who was detained at IGI Airport?
Abhijeet Deepke, Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained after arriving from Mumbai.
Q. What did the Supreme Court plea seek?
It sought habeas corpus relief and the release of the three leaders. It also sought details about all detained people and the legal basis for their detention.
Q. Who filed the petition?
Gaurav Bhati filed it and said he acted in his personal capacity, not for the CJP.
Q. Was the petition heard by the Supreme Court?
The petition was withdrawn within a few hours. The available information does not give the reason for the withdrawal.
Q. How many protesters were detained?
More than seven thousand protesters were detained during preparations for the Jantar Mantar demonstration.
Q. What other Supreme Court matter is listed for Sunday?
A separate contempt petition concerning restrictions on trains, the Metro and other transport services is scheduled for hearing.
Q. What has the CJP announced for Sunday?
The organisation has announced another protest at Jantar Mantar.
