Please Give Us Respect, Ruckus at CJI Surya Kant’s program in London! Students angry at being stopped from asking questions on ‘Dissent’

CJI Surya Kant London viral video: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant A tense situation arose at an event organized during D.C.’s visit to London when a participant tried to ask questions on issues related to dissent and democratic freedom in India. The incident occurred during a lecture organized at Birkbeck, University of London, where CJI Surya Kant addressed the topic ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’.

What was the question?

During the interactive session, a participant said that the CJI has made important points in his speech regarding the protection of democracy in India. He then began mentioning the concerns raised by various legal observers regarding growing anti-dissent trends in India and democratic rights.

However, before the question could be completed, a moderator present on the stage intervened and said that the topic of the program was artificial intelligence and international law, hence that question could not be taken. He repeatedly apologized and said that the question was not related to the topic and could not be taken further.

Participants expressed displeasure

It can be seen in the viral video clips on social media that some participants expressed their displeasure after the questions were stopped. A person was also heard saying ‘Please give us some respect’. Videos of the incident were shared on social media, sparking debate over the entire incident.

‘Cockroach Janta Party’ raised the issue

Saurav Das was also among those who shared the video of this incident on social media. An online movement called ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ has been active in the recent examination controversies and other issues. The name of this group came into discussion last month after a comment by the CJI, in which he made sharp remarks about fake degree holders and some self-proclaimed activists.

What did CJI say on AI?

In his lecture, CJI Surya Kant said that artificial intelligence could become one of the biggest challenges to law, democracy and human rights in the coming years. He said that technology in itself is neither good nor bad. Its impact depends on within which legal, political and moral frameworks the society uses it.

The CJI said that the responsibility of the law is not to oppose technological progress, but to ensure that technological power remains accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy and human dignity.

Concern expressed on AI and international law

The Chief Justice said that the biggest challenge in the age of AI is to ensure that humanity retains control over the principles on which society operates. He warned that if responsibility and accountability become so dispersed that the person or institution responsible for a decision cannot be identified, then the entire structure of accountability may weaken.

CJI is on a six-day visit to Britain

CJI Surya Kant is currently on a six-day visit to Britain. Expressing his gratitude to the university, he said that in this era of technological change, dialogue between the judiciary, universities, governments and civil society is very important.