The Indian High Commission in London has criticised the disruption of a lecture by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant in London. In an official statement, the High Commission described the incident as ‘indecorous audience behaviour’ that was ‘unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement’. It said that while people may have different opinions, they should express them in a civil and respectful way.
CJI Surya Kant delivered a lecture at Birkbeck College in London on June 4. His talk focused on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’. During the question-and-answer session, some members of the audience raised concerns about the alleged suppression of dissent in India. They also attempted to question the Chief Justice about his recent “cockroach” remark. However, organisers stopped the questions, saying they were not related to the topic being discussed.
What Did the Audience Member Ask?
Videos of the event later spread widely on social media. In one clip, a woman first referred to the Chief Justice’s earlier remarks before raising concerns about dissent in India. “His Lordship made some very important points, I think, about the Indian track record of protecting democracy in the context of AI,” she is seen asking in the clip.
“We now hear from a number of legal observers within the country as well as internationally that there’s a great deal of concern about growing hostility to dissent within India. And it does seem that this hostility is somewhat reflected in His Lordship’s speech and it’s very well publicised.”
Why Was the Question Stopped?
The moderator interrupted the woman and said her question was not related to the subject of the lecture.
“With all due respect, I’m so sorry, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic is concerning artificial intelligence and international law. So sorry. I’m extremely sorry, I’m extremely sorry. We’ll have to cut it off,” the moderator is seen telling the attendees.
How Did the High Commission Respond?
Following the incident, the Indian High Commission in London condemned the disruption and defended the need for respectful discussion during public events. Earlier in his lecture, CJI Surya Kant described artificial intelligence as a powerful force that is changing governance, commerce, warfare, communication, public administration, and the exercise of judicial and sovereign power.
He stressed that technological progress must remain accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy, and human dignity.
The Chief Justice also said that decisions made during this decade would shape the future relationship between technology, power, freedom, and justice. He described this challenge as one of the most important tests facing international law in the modern era.
