Delhi/IBNS, Oct. 21 -- Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released by a Delhi Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday, ending several days in custody over their attempt to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Their release came hours after the two withdrew a petition before the Delhi High Court challenging an order extending their custody.

The protest had been planned for October 14 as part of their campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner.

Earlier on Wednesday, Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned why Das and Ranka had approached the Delhi High Court without first pursuing alternative legal remedies.

The judge suggested that they...