Delhi HC Questions CJP Leaders' Age, Says 'You Are Not Gen Z' During Custody Hearing (X)
New Delhi: The petition of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka was heard in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. During this, the court made such comments regarding the age of both of them, which attracted everyone's attention. When the lawyer said that Saurav Das is 27 years old and Ashutosh Ranka is 32 years old, the court said, 'Then you are not Gen Z.' This case pertains to his challenging the extension of his judicial custody in a case related to his attempt to hoist the national flag at Jantar Mantar and violation of prohibitory orders.
During the hearing before Justice Subramaniam Prasad, counsel for the petitioners Abhik Chimni told the court that Saurav Das is 27 years old and Ashutosh Ranka is 32 years old. On this the court commented, 'Then you are not Gen Z. What is Gen Z?'
When the court was told that people born after 1997 are generally categorised as Gen Z, the judge reiterated his comment. This conversation became a topic of discussion during the hearing. However, the main hearing of the case focused on the order to extend the custody of the two leaders and the legal basis for challenging it.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka had challenged the October 19 order of the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM). Under this order, his judicial custody was extended till October 21. Both the leaders demanded revocation of the detention order and immediate release.
The petitioners claim that they have been kept in custody since October 13, while they repeatedly submitted surety bonds for their release. It was also said on his behalf that despite arrangements for additional sureties, executed bonds and fixed deposit receipts being made on October 19, he was not given an opportunity to appear.
During the hearing, the High Court asked the petitioners whether the concerned order could be challenged through revision. The court questioned why the petition was filed directly in the High Court when an alternative legal remedy could be available.
According to the Bar and Bench report, the court said that the case of the petitioners may come under the scope of revision. The judge suggested him to think about withdrawing the plea, wait for the outcome of the proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate and then consider the legal options available. The court also clarified that whether the petition is maintainable or not and whether it should be accepted at that time or not are different questions.
This matter is related to the demonstration that took place at Jantar Mantar on 13 October. According to the petitioners, they had reached there after the protest site was removed from the list of designated protest sites. Police took action on charges of violation of prohibitory orders. Preventive action was taken against both the leaders under relevant sections of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS).
The court also raised questions about the second incident of alleged breach of peace and compliance with the bail conditions. The judge expressed concern that breaking the barricade or violating prohibitory orders could lead to the crowd increasing and worsening the situation.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have cited their right to personal liberty as illegal, declaring their detention illegal. At the same time, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and advocate Ashish Dixit appeared in the court on behalf of Delhi Police.
Now the court's stance regarding further legal process and alternative measures in the case will be important. The comments made about Gen Z were definitely discussed in Wednesday's hearing, but the main question of the case is related to the validity of the order to extend the custody of both the leaders and the right legal route to challenge it.
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