The Indian High Commission in London has strongly condemned what it described as “indecorous audience behaviour” during a lecture delivered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck, University of London, where some attendees attempted to raise questions relating to dissent in India and the CJI’s recent “cockroach” remarks.
The incident occurred on June 4 during an academic event at which CJI Surya Kant delivered a lecture on the theme “Artificial Intelligence and International Law.” The programme was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session that witnessed a brief exchange between certain attendees and the organisers after questions were raised on issues unrelated to the subject matter of the lecture.
In a statement issued on Friday, the High Commission of India in London said that a lively discussion followed the Chief Justice’s address. It alleged that a “certain individual” attempted to disrupt the event during the interaction. Describing the conduct as unacceptable, the High Commission said it was inconsistent with the standards of respectful engagement that should govern public discourse.
While acknowledging that differences of opinion were a natural feature of a democratic society, the statement emphasised that such views must be expressed in a civil, dignified and respectful manner. It further underlined the importance of maintaining decorum at academic and public events, particularly those involving constitutional functionaries and members of the judiciary.
The controversy emerged after videos from the event circulated widely on social media. The footage showed audience members attempting to raise questions concerning the protection of dissent and free expression in India. The moderator intervened and declined to entertain the questions on the grounds that they were unrelated to the topic under discussion, namely artificial intelligence and international law.
In one of the videos, a woman in the audience referred to remarks made by the Chief Justice regarding India’s democratic record in the context of emerging technologies. She then sought to raise concerns reportedly expressed by legal observers, both within India and internationally, regarding what she described as growing hostility towards dissent. The attendee also appeared to refer to the CJI’s widely reported “cockroach” remarks.
Before she could complete her question, the moderator interrupted and informed her that questions falling outside the scope of the lecture could not be entertained. The moderator apologised and reiterated that the discussion was confined to issues concerning artificial intelligence and international law.
Another video from the event showed a member of the audience expressing dissatisfaction with the interruption and shouting, “Give us some respect, please,” leading to a brief moment of tension during the proceedings.
The organisers maintained that the questions raised were beyond the scope of the scheduled discussion and therefore could not be accommodated during the session. The exchange subsequently sparked debate on social media regarding the limits of audience participation and the handling of questions at academic events.
Prior to the disruption, CJI Surya Kant delivered an address focusing on the growing influence of artificial intelligence on governance, commerce, warfare, communication, public administration and the exercise of judicial and sovereign functions. He observed that artificial intelligence is no longer a theoretical concept but an operational reality reshaping institutions and decision-making processes across jurisdictions.
The Chief Justice stressed that technological innovation and digital transformation must remain accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy, the rule of law and human dignity. He cautioned that decisions taken by governments, courts and international institutions during the present decade would significantly shape the future relationship between technology, power, liberty and justice.
Highlighting the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technologies, the CJI observed that the regulation of artificial intelligence presents one of the most significant tests for contemporary international law. He emphasised the need for legal frameworks capable of balancing innovation with accountability while safeguarding fundamental rights and constitutional principles.
The High Commission’s statement came amid continuing discussion surrounding the incident, with the diplomatic mission reiterating that democratic discourse must be conducted within the bounds of civility and mutual respect, even at places where competing viewpoints and criticisms are expressed.
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