Controversy erupted during a lecture by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck University in London. Some participants raised questions about the climate of dissent in India and his earlier ‘cockroach’ comment. An argument broke out during the question-and-answer session, creating a tense atmosphere at the event, and videos of the incident were later widely shared on social media.
The incident took place on June 4, when Chief Justice Surya Kant delivered a lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law”. During the interactive session held at the end of the programme, a participant tried to raise questions about democratic values and the alleged growing intolerance towards dissent in India.
“We hear from many legal observers within the country and internationally that there is serious concern about the growing hostility towards dissent in India. And this hostility appears to be reflected to some extent in the Honorable Judge’s speech, which has been widely discussed,” the participant said, according to the video viral on social media.
#watch CJI Justice Surya Kant Faces Heated Q&A in #London lecture
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant delivered a public lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law” at Birkbeck University of London on June 4, 2026. During the Q&A, an audience member… pic.twitter.com/Z8y9qpYHdB
— Thepagetoday (@thepagetoday) June 5, 2026
Another participant then attempted to ask a question about comments made by the Chief Justice during a court hearing on May 15, which had sparked widespread debate in India. However, the operator of the program refused to accept these questions. “With all due respect, I will not be able to take this question because today’s topic relates to Artificial Intelligence and international law,” he said.
Tension increased during the program
In the video related to the incident, some participants were seen standing, gesticulating and raising objections. The organizers had to intervene when the atmosphere became tense. In a video, organizers can be heard appealing to spectators to maintain peace. The organizer said, “Please calm down and end this situation here. Thank you.” After the video of this incident surfaced, widespread discussion started on social media and the issues raised in the program again became the subject of public debate.
Indian High Commission expressed objection
The Indian High Commission in Britain reacted to the incident and criticized the disruptive behaviour. In a statement issued on Friday, the High Commission said that an active and interesting discussion was going on after the lecture, but a participant attempted to disrupt the programme.
“This type of undignified behavior is unacceptable and is not in keeping with the spirit of respectful dialogue that should underpin public discourse. Differences of opinion are a natural part of a democratic society, but they must be expressed in a civil and respectful manner,” the statement said.
Controversy started with ‘cockroach’ comment
The background of the dispute is related to a court hearing held on May 15. During that time, Chief Justice Surya Kant had expressed concern over unemployed youth being attracted towards social media and Right to Information (RTI) activities and had remarked that such youth were becoming “parasites” in the society “like cockroaches”.
These comments had sparked criticism and debate on social media and in various forums. The Chief Justice later clarified that his remarks were not aimed at ordinary unemployed youth, but at those who indulge in such activities on the basis of fake degrees.
Following this controversy, a satirical political group called “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) made these comments a part of their campaign. People associated with the group shared videos of the London incident on social media and raised issues such as unemployment and institutional accountability.
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