A lecture by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck, University of London, turned contentious after attendees challenged him over concerns surrounding dissent in India and his recent “cockroach” remarks, leading to a disruption during the question-and-answer session.
The incident took place on June 4 after the CJI delivered an address on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law”.
During the interactive session, an attendee attempted to question CJI Kant on India’s democratic record and what he described as growing hostility towards dissent.
In video clips circulating online, the attendee can be heard 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 attendee sought to question the CJI about remarks he made in court on May 15 that later sparked widespread debate in India.
The exchange was interrupted by the moderator, who declined to entertain the questions.
“With all due respect, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic is concerning artificial intelligence and international law,” the moderator said.
DISRUPTION DURING EVENT
Videos from the venue showed a tense atmosphere as some attendees stood up and gestured while the discussion unfolded.
In one clip, organisers can be heard appealing to the audience to restore order.
“Please, let’s just calm down and put an end to this, can we? Thank you,” an organiser said.
The footage has since been widely shared on social media, drawing attention to the exchange and the issues raised by the attendees.
HIGH COMMISSION CONDEMNS INCIDENT
The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom criticised the disruption and described the conduct of those involved as inappropriate.
In a statement issued on Friday, the High Commission said the June 4 event had featured a lively discussion following the lecture before one attendee attempted to disrupt proceedings.
“Such indecorous behaviour is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse. Differences of opinion are a natural part of a democratic society. However, they must be expressed in a manner that is civil and respectful,” the statement said.
WHAT WERE THE ‘COCKROACH’ REMARKS?
The controversy stems from oral observations made by CJI Kant during a court hearing on May 15.
While expressing concern over unemployed youth gravitating towards social media and Right to Information activism, he remarked that such youngsters “like cockroaches” were becoming “parasites” in society.
The comments triggered criticism and debate online.
The CJI later clarified that his remarks were aimed at people holding fake degrees who engage in such activities, and not unemployed youth in general.
SATIRICAL GROUP SEIZES ON REMARK
The comments were subsequently embraced by people associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political movement that emerged in response to the remarks.
Members and supporters of the group circulated clips of the London exchange online and used the controversy to raise issues relating to unemployment and institutional accountability.
The CJP has announced a large protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6, where it plans to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent controversies linked to NEET and CBSE examinations.
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