By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from preventive detention on Sunday, as the Supreme Court directed authorities to restore normal public transport and internet services and remove unnecessary barricades amid protests in the national capital.
The three leaders were released on furnishing bonds of ₹50,000 each. The court directed the three leaders to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year, according to the Delhi Police. They had been detained after their flight landed in Delhi on Saturday, ahead of the party’s proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
Following his release, Dipke vowed to continue the agitation, declaring, “Put me in jail a hundred times, we are not afraid of your dictatorship.” Das and Ranka also alleged that their detention from the aircraft was unlawful and accused authorities of using state power against peaceful protesters. They appealed to the people to continue protests.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission and the ruling BJP have rejected allegations of politically motivated voter deletions.
Meanwhile, a special Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took up petitions challenging restrictions imposed during the protests. It directed authorities to ensure normal Metro and railway operations, restore internet connectivity and facilitate free movement of citizens, subject to lawful public-order requirements.
The court also ordered authorities to review and remove barricades unless required for legitimate security reasons. It questioned the imposition of prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) near the Supreme Court premises, stressing that access to justice and citizens’ fundamental rights must not be obstructed.
The bench also sought explanations from authorities over the closure of 45 Metro stations on Saturday and issued notices in proceedings alleging non-compliance with its earlier directions. It emphasised that peaceful protesters must not face unlawful detention and that any restrictions must follow due process.
The court’s intervention came after widespread detentions, traffic restrictions and disruptions to public transport during the two-day agitation, with the protests continuing to trigger a debate over public order and the right to peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, CJP activists attempted to stage a protest near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday also. However, heavy police deployment and security restrictions prevented the demonstrators from holding their planned agitation at the designated site. Several activists were detained as they tried to proceed towards the protest venue, prompting the party to accuse the authorities of suppressing peaceful dissent.
Over 5000 CJP activists were detained on Saturday from different areas when they were trying to reach Jantar Mantar on Saturday.