The lecture by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck, University of London on June 4, was disrupted by a heated exchange during the question-and-answer session. The disruption arose from the CJI’s previous comments and concerns about the suppression of dissent in India.
While discussing the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and International Law,” CJI Kant faced questions from attendees who challenged India’s democratic practices and his recent controversial remarks. One participant highlighted worries noted by both national and international legal observers, stating, “There is a growing concern about the hostility towards dissent in India, which seems reflected in His Lordship’s speech.” Another attendee questioned CJI Kant about his “cockroach” comments made in India on May 15.
The moderator attempted to redirect the focus to the lecture’s theme, saying, “With all due respect, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic concerns artificial intelligence and international law.” Despite these efforts, clips from the event showed visible disruptions, with some attendees standing and gesturing. Organizers were recorded asking the audience to maintain decorum, “Please, let’s just calm and put an end to this, can we? Thank you.”
The High Commission of India in the UK criticized the disruptions, stating that the behavior was “indecorous” and inconsistent with the respectful engagement expected in public discourse. The Commission’s statement emphasized that while differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, they should be expressed civilly and respectfully.
The “cockroach” remarks by CJI Kant, made during a court hearing on May 15, referred to unemployed youth engaging in social media and Right to Information (RTI) activism, likening them to “cockroaches” becoming “parasites” in society. CJI Kant later clarified he was referring to those with fake degrees involved in such activities.
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These remarks were widely circulated online, particularly by members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical group using the comments to highlight issues like unemployment and lack of accountability. The CJP has announced a large protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent NEET and CBSE controversies. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has declined to expedite a hearing on a plea against the CJP’s planned protest.
