A lecture delivered by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at Birkbeck, University of London, was disrupted by a group of attendees during the question-and-answer session, prompting the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom to condemn the incident as “indecorous” and inconsistent with respectful public discourse.
The event, held on June 4, featured a lecture by the CJI on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law.” The disruption occurred during the interactive session when some attendees attempted to raise questions relating to India's democratic record, freedom of dissent and the CJI's controversial “cockroach” remarks made in court earlier this year.
According to videos circulating online, one attendee referred to concerns expressed by legal observers regarding alleged hostility towards dissent in India and suggested that such concerns were reflected in recent public remarks attributed to the Chief Justice.
Another attendee sought to question the CJI regarding his May 15 courtroom comments in which he used the term “cockroaches” while discussing unemployed youth and alleged misuse of social activism and RTI mechanisms.
However, the moderator declined to entertain the questions, stating that the discussion was limited to the lecture topic of artificial intelligence and international law.
“With all due respect, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic is concerning artificial intelligence and international law.”
Video footage from the venue showed a brief commotion, with some attendees standing and raising objections before organisers appealed for calm.
The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom issued a statement condemning the disruption.
The High Commission noted that the event had witnessed a productive and lively discussion before an individual attempted to interrupt proceedings.
“Such indecorous behaviour is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse.”
The statement further emphasized that while differences of opinion are natural in a democratic society, they must be expressed in a civil and respectful manner.
The controversy stems from oral observations made by CJI Surya Kant during a court hearing on May 15. While discussing concerns about unemployment and certain forms of activism, the CJI remarked that some unemployed youth with questionable credentials were becoming "like cockroaches" and acting as "parasites" in society.
Following criticism, the Chief Justice clarified that his comments were directed specifically at individuals possessing fake degrees who misuse social activism and similar platforms, rather than unemployed youth generally.
The remarks subsequently sparked significant debate on social media and led to the emergence of the satirical “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), which has used the controversy to highlight issues relating to unemployment, education and institutional accountability.
The incident highlights the growing intersection between judicial figures, public scrutiny and international academic forums. It also underscores the challenges faced by public institutions in balancing open dialogue with maintaining decorum during official events.
Click to see Students Disrupt CJI Surya Kant’s London Lecture; Indian High Commission Condemns Conduct
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