CJP seeks urgent night hearing in Delhi High Court against judicial custody of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka
The CJP moved the Delhi High Court on 20 October, The Hindu reported. It is challenging the judicial custody of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Ratna Singh, the CJP's legal head, said the group had requested an urgent night hearing. ABP News reported that Mamata Banerjee reacted angrily after the custody of Ashutosh and Saurav was extended and that the CJP replied. The Hindu separately reported that the CJP's Abhijeet Dipke thanked Delhi Ramlila organisers for 'free publicity' over a cockroach effigy.
Judicial custody means a court, not the police, has ordered a person held, so a challenge goes to whether the court's order should stand. Asking for a night hearing signals that the petitioners treat each day in custody as urgent.
The case shows how quickly political disputes reach the Delhi High Court and how custody extensions become public political flashpoints.
The CJP's side says the custody is unjustified and has gone to court for urgent relief, as Ratna Singh's statement shows.
Critics of the CJP's approach, as reflected in the political exchange reported by ABP News, view the dispute as a public contest, while the court is the place where the grounds for custody will be tested.
Confirmed: the plea was moved and an urgent hearing was requested. Not confirmed: the charges, whether the court listed the plea, or any order. Watch whether the Delhi High Court hears the plea today.
DailyDrop India edition No. 17 · Morning · WED., OCT. 21, 2026