Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 21: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders on Wednesday withdrew their petition before the Delhi High Court challenging orders passed by the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) in connection with their detention over a protest at Jantar Mantar.

The development followed the High Court questioning why the petitioners had approached it instead of pursuing alternative legal remedies and allowing the SEM to hear the matter. The court clarified that it had made no observations on the merits of the case.

Advocate Abhik Chimni, appearing for the CJP leaders, informed the bench that the petitioners were withdrawing their plea.

Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the authorities, sought time to raise certain issues, pointing out that the petitioners had invoked Article 226 of the Constitution and argued their case for nearly an hour.

The court said it had given the petitioners an opportunity to present their arguments and suggested that they withdraw the plea and await the proceedings before the SEM that day.