Students disrupt CJI Surya Kant's London lecture; High Commission condemns act as indecorous

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's lecture at Birbeck, University of London on June 4 was privy to a tense exchange of words between certain attendees and the organisers over alleged suppression of dissent in India and CJI's recent "cockroach" remarks.

The incident occurred during the question-and-answer session following the CJI's address on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law”.

During the interactive session, an attendee attempted to question CJI Kant on India’s democratic record and alleged growing hostility toward dissent. In video clips circulating online, the attendee is heard referring to concerns raised by legal observers saying,

"We now hear from a number of legal observers within the country as well as internationally that there's a great deal of concern about growing hostility to dissent within India. And it does seem that this hostility is somewhat reflected in His Lordship's speech and it's very well publicised."

Another questioned the CJI about his “cockroach” remarks made on May 15 in India.

The exchange, however, was cut short by the moderator, who said,

“With all due respect, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic is concerning artificial intelligence and international law.”

Clips from the event show visible disruption, with some attendees standing and gesturing. In one video, organisers can be heard appealing to the audience,

“Please, let’s just calm and put an end to this, can we? Thank you.”

The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom on Friday condemned the disruptions.

In a statement, the High Commission said the June 4 event featured a lively discussion after the lecture, before an individual tried to disrupt the event.

“Such indecorous behaviour is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse. Differences of option are a natural part of a democratic society. However, they must be expressed in a manner that is civil and respectful,” the High Commission said.

The cockroach remarks in question were made by CJI Kant in open court on May 15 during the hearing of a case, when he expressed concerns over unemployed youth drifting away toward social media and Right to Information (RTI) activism.

CJI Kant, in his oral comments, said that such youngsters "like cockroaches" were becoming "parasites" in society. CJI Kant later clarified that he was referring to those with fake degrees who engage in such activities.

Clips of the exchange were widely shared online, including by individuals linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political movement inspired by CJI Kant's comment. It used the remark to critique issues such as unemployment and institutional accountability.

The CJP has scheduled a massive protest to be held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6 demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent NEET and CBSE controversies.