After the bail of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, actor Prakash Raj has raised questions on the terms of peace bond. He released the video and called it pressure on the protests. Investigation and judicial proceedings are ongoing against both the leaders.
New Delhi: After Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released on bail, actor Prakash Raj has raised questions about the judicial process and the terms of the peace bond. Prakash Raj released a video claiming that making the protesters fill such bonds in the name of maintaining peace is like pressurizing them to stay away from protests. At the same time, Saurav and Ashutosh have given a written assurance in the court not to organize a demonstration at Jantar Mantar and not to disturb the peace.
Both the leaders were ordered to be released after furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 50,000 each. However, the case against him is not over. Investigation and judicial proceedings will continue.
Prakash Raj's objection to the terms of peace bond
Prakash Raj said in his video that taking assurance from the protesters not to protest again is like putting pressure on them. He claimed that the youth of the country are watching these incidents and questions related to democratic rights cannot be ignored.
He also mentioned the demand for resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and cancellation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Prakash Raj said that there may be large-scale protests in the coming times regarding these issues.
His statement also included sharp political criticism towards the government. However, these are the views and claims of Prakash Raj. The legal validity of the peace bond and its terms should be assessed on the basis of the relevant order and applicable laws.
'Is the government James Bond?' taunted by saying
In his video, the actor took a dig at the government and said that the protesters are being made to sign peace bonds. He sarcastically asked whether the government was 'James Bond'. He also claimed that the youth of CJP will unite again and the voice of protest will not be suppressed.
Prakash Raj also mentioned the possibility of large-scale political protest under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. Disagreement towards the government and concern about the right to protest were prominent in his statement.
Amidst these comments, it is important to keep in mind that any political statement should be presented only as a claim or opinion of the person concerned. Final conclusions on legal questions related to protests, arrests and bail can be drawn only on the basis of court proceedings and related documents.
Arrest was made in the case of hoisting the tricolor
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the police after the incidents at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 13. According to available details, both the leaders crossed the closed gate of Jantar Mantar and reached there to hoist the national flag. They were reportedly protesting that Jantar Mantar had been removed from the list of places earmarked for protests.
The police and the protesters have different views regarding the action of the two leaders and the legal aspects related to it. The prosecution had alleged that the incident violated the peace bond that the duo had signed after they were taken into custody on October 10. At that time they were trying to protest against allegations of election rigging.
The final legal status of these allegations and incidents will be determined by the related investigation and judicial process.
Prakash Raj had earlier also raised questions on police action
After the detention of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Prakash Raj had criticized the action of Delhi Police and the government. He had raised questions as to why both were detained for hoisting the national flag and demanding a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Prakash Raj, in his earlier statement, had claimed that the two were taken around throughout the night and then produced before the magistrate in the morning, where they were ordered to be sent to custody. He had criticized this action calling it unfair.
These comments put forward Prakash Raj's side. Official records and court orders will be important for the final conclusion regarding police action, detention and charges.
Written assurance given to maintain peace in the court
On October 21, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared in the court of the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) in New Delhi. As per available information, both of them gave written assurance that they will not organize any kind of demonstration at Jantar Mantar and will not disturb the peace.
After this, the magistrate ordered the release of both of them on the condition of furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 50,000 each. After this process both the leaders came out of Tihar Jail.
Grant of bail does not mean that the investigation in the case has ended or that a final decision on the charges has been reached. Information has been given that investigation against both the leaders will continue. In the further hearing of the case, the court will consider the parties concerned and the available records.
Saurav, Ashutosh and Ajinkya will appear before the crime branch.
After the release, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police gave notice to Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to join the investigation. Information has also come to light that CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde has been called for questioning or taking part in the investigation process.
Notice of joining the investigation does not in itself prove guilt. The police can investigate the events of the case, the role of the persons concerned and other available facts. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and applicable legal process.
Debate over the right to protest and legal terms
The case has once again brought to the fore the debate over the right to peaceful protest, the responsibility to maintain public order and the use of legal terms such as peace bonds. On the one hand, the administration can take steps to maintain law and order in public places, while on the other hand, the rights of the protesters and the conditions imposed on them should be evaluated as per the law.
Prakash Raj has described peace bond as a means of pressure, while the bail conditions are part of the proceedings of the concerned magistrate. It is necessary to see the full details of the order and the applicable legal provisions in order to draw any comprehensive conclusions on the validity or reasonableness of these terms.
At present Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are released on bail, but investigation is going on against them. The upcoming hearing and investigation by the Crime Branch will clarify the next phase of the case.