Controversy over question in CJI Surya Kant’s program in London, Indian High Commission expressed objection

London. An incident that took place during the question-answer session at an event organized in London during the visit of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to Britain has now become a topic of discussion. In a video viral on social media, a woman was seen trying to raise questions about the climate of dissent in India, but the stage moderator interrupted her. After the incident, the Indian High Commission in London issued a statement criticizing the behavior at the event.

Chief Justice Surya Kant had delivered a lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’ at Birkbeck College, University of London during his visit to Britain. In the question-and-answer session held at the end of the program, a woman in the audience began raising the issue of the growing perceived hostility towards dissent in India, referring to the topic related to AI.

According to the viral video, the woman said that many legal observers have expressed concern about the climate of dissent in India and this stance is also reflected in recent public statements. However, before she could complete her question, the anchor present on the stage stopped her.

The anchor said that the topic of the program is ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’, so he would not be able to take such a question. After this the video ends. In another clip, voices of protest are also heard from among the audience, where some people are seen asking for permission to ask questions.

After the matter gained momentum, the Indian High Commission in London issued an official response. The High Commission said that in the program organized on June 4, CJI Surya Kant had given a lecture on invitation and after that a meaningful discussion also took place. The statement said that a person attempted to disrupt the program, which was described as unacceptable.

The High Commission said that differences of opinion are natural in a democratic society, but they should be expressed in a respectful and decent manner. It is important to maintain dignity during public communication.

This controversy is also being linked to a group called ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) on social media. This name came into discussion after the comment in which the CJI had made comments about some people during the hearing of the Supreme Court in the month of May. He later clarified that his statement was misrepresented and he was referring to people coming into the legal profession with allegedly fake degrees.

Meanwhile, the debate continues on social media regarding the viral video and its associated political and legal contexts.