Court extends custody of CJP leaders in Jantar Mantar trespass case

A Delhi court has extended the custody of Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders in connection with a trespassing case at Jantar Mantar, citing the accused's pattern of flouting legal norms. The court's order emphasized what it described as the 'habitualness' of rule-breaking and a demonstrated 'lack of respect for law' among the detained party leaders.

The CJP has strongly contested the custody extension, characterizing it as a 'complete mockery of legal process.' Party officials said the detention order was unjustified and signaled a concerning disregard for constitutional protections against arbitrary detention.

The leaders were initially arrested following an alleged unauthorized assembly at the iconic Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi. The trespassing charges emerged from the demonstration, which authorities claimed violated regulations governing the use of the public space.

The CJP announced its intention to immediately approach higher courts to challenge the custody order. Party representatives have framed the case as part of a broader pattern of alleged government suppression of legitimate political dissent and peaceful protest activities.

The matter is expected to proceed through the appellate process in coming days, with civil liberties organizations watching the case closely given its implications for protest rights in the capital.