The Delhi High Court on October 21 dismissed the petition of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who had been placed in judicial custody after re‑entering Jantar Mantar following the protest site’s de‑notification.
The bench noted that both men, aged 27 and 32, do not belong to Generation Z, a point the court highlighted after the petitioners’ ages were supplied by Advocate Abhik Chimni.
The court questioned their decision to file a writ under Article 226, reminding them that the Sub‑Divisional Executive Magistrate sits only two kilometres away and that the alternative remedy was available.
Earlier this week, the CJP’s legal team had moved the court for an urgent hearing of bail pleas, but the bench said the petitioners could withdraw and await the SEM’s decision on October 22.
A 42‑year‑old bus conductor, Meera Singh, said the arrests caused her to miss shifts and lose wages, illustrating the ripple effect on ordinary citizens.
The court will hear the SEM proceedings on October 22; if the outcome is unsatisfactory, the leaders may file a fresh application with the Supreme Court.