Magistrate finds no rent or lease document among Das’s papers; matter listed for November 17
New Delhi, October 24: A special executive magistrate (SEM) on Friday directed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Saurav Das to submit documents proving his current residential address in Delhi, in proceedings over an alleged peace bond violation.
SEM (New Delhi) Ritu Raj issued the direction after Das and fellow CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka appeared with their sureties. The magistrate noted that Das’s documents did not include a rent agreement or lease to establish a Delhi address. Delhi Police counsel Prashant Prakash and Bhairav Dass argued that he had offered no proof of residing in the city. Das’s lawyers sought more time, and the matter was listed for November 17.
The case stems from preventive action by Parliament Street police under BNSS Sections 126 and 170, citing fears of a breach of peace. Das and Ranka were detained earlier this month after scaling a gate to enter Jantar Mantar, which had just been de-notified as a protest site. The protests concern alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal.
After a week in judicial custody, the two were released on October 21 on personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each, despite opposition from the prosecution. As a condition of release, they gave written undertakings to keep the peace and not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar until it is re-notified as a designated venue. They also pledged that any future protests would stay within constitutional limits.
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