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CJP leaders’ bail hearing put off as magistrate cites threat to life
The Times of India • • world
Key Points:
- The bail hearing for Cockroach Janta Party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka was postponed after the special executive magistrate (SEM) failed to appear on time and later recused himself, citing threats to his life.
- Delhi police have registered a case of criminal intimidation and threats against the SEM, alleging pressure to release Das and Ranka without delay.
- Das and Ranka were placed in five days of judicial custody on October 14 for breaching barricades at Jantar Mantar, a protest site that had been denotified.
- The Cockroach Janta Party has accused authorities of delaying the bail hearing and rejecting sureties on unclear grounds, while the SEM’s recusal was based on safety concerns amid attempts to influence him.
- Legal experts noted no statutory provision was cited for rescheduling the hearing, emphasizing the challenges judicial officers face under threatening circumstances.
