Don’t Take It So Sentimental: CJI Surya Kant as Cockroach Janta Party row reaches Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to urgently hear petitions linked to the controversial and viral “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) movement, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urging lawyers and litigants not to react “so sentimentally” to the ongoing debate.

A bench headed by CJI Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi, observed that there was “no such grave urgency” requiring immediate intervention and said the matter would be examined through the regular process.

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PILs Raise Concerns Over Online Campaign

The matter reached the apex court after advocates mentioned two separate public interest litigations before the bench.

One petition sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged fake law degrees and the commercial circulation of oral courtroom observations from recent hearings. Another plea focused specifically on the activities linked to the satirical Cockroach Janta Party campaign that has gained massive traction online.

During the hearing, advocate NK Goswami argued that the online movement was harming the image of the judiciary. In response, the CJI remarked, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”

Controversy Linked to Earlier Courtroom Remarks

The row began after oral observations made by the Chief Justice during a previous hearing involving allegations related to fake legal degrees and misuse of legal processes.

During that hearing, the CJI criticized what he described as attacks on institutions and allegedly compared certain elements exploiting media and activism to “cockroaches.” The remarks triggered sharp reactions on social media, with many users interpreting them as directed at unemployed youth.

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The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were aimed at individuals using “fake and bogus degrees” and not at unemployed citizens in general.

Satirical Movement Gains Massive Online Attention

Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party describes itself as a satirical digital movement representing frustrated youth. Over the past week, it has rapidly gained popularity across social media platforms through memes, satire and commentary on issues such as unemployment, inflation and governance.

The movement’s online campaigns and exaggerated political messaging have drawn both support and criticism. Its supporters describe it as a form of democratic expression, while critics allege it is targeting institutions and spreading misinformation.