CJP Leaders Withdraw Petition Challenging Detention Orders Before Delhi High Court
Court asks petitioners to pursue alternative legal remedies in the Jantar Mantar protest case, clarifying that it has made no observations on the merits.
New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das on Wednesday withdrew their petition before the Delhi High Court challenging orders passed by the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) in connection with their detention following a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The development came after the High Court questioned why the petitioners had approached it instead of pursuing alternative legal remedies and allowing the proceedings before the SEM to continue. The court clarified that it had made no observations on the merits of the case.
Advocate Abhik Chimni, appearing for the CJP leaders, informed the bench that they were withdrawing the petition.
Additional Solicitor General, representing the authorities, sought time to raise certain issues. He pointed out that the petitioners had invoked Article 226 of the Constitution and argued their case before the court for nearly an hour.
The High Court said it had given the petitioners an opportunity to present their arguments and suggested that they withdraw the plea and await the proceedings before the SEM scheduled for that day.
The withdrawal means the High Court did not rule on the merits of the challenge. The proceedings concerning the leaders’ detention will continue through the relevant legal process.