London: A public lecture by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck College, University of London, was briefly disrupted on Friday, June 4, when an audience member confronted him over his recent highly controversial remarks labeling unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites."
The incident took place during the question-and-answer session of the lecture, which was focused on Artificial Intelligence and International Law. A student in the audience attempted to pivot the discussion toward the growing hostility to dissent within India, directly referencing the Chief Justice’s highly publicized comments.
"Growing hostility to dissent within India in his lordship’s very well-publicised remarks…" the student began, before being cut off by the event's host.
Undeterred by the interruption, the student pressed on, saying, "I will continue my question… when the respected Speaker has referred to Indian youth as cockroaches and parasites, he should be given a chance to respond…"
The host refused to entertain the query, shutting it down on the grounds that it was entirely unrelated to the scheduled topic of discussion. Separate videos circulating on social media also captured another student in the audience audibly asking the CJI to "give respect."
The backlash stems from remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing concerning the conferment of senior advocate designations.
"There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in profession," the CJI had stated. "Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, some of them become other activists, and they start attacking everyone…"
The comments provoked severe nationwide criticism, drawing sharp condemnation from political figures including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. While the CJI subsequently issued a clarification claiming he was misquoted by the media, the remarks had already triggered a massive public backlash.
The judicial remarks unexpectedly birthed the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP)—a satirical movement that began as a parody on social media. Young Indians chose to reclaim the "cockroach" label as a badge of honor to voice their dissent against institutional high-handedness.
The movement has since evolved far beyond internet satire. It has transformed into a structured platform of political resistance, organizing digital membership drives, online campaigns, and public forums addressing systemic issues like unemployment, freedom of expression, and institutional accountability. Activists have popularized defiant new slogans, including "Cockroaches for Democracy" and "Parasites Against Injustice."
Following the disruption in London, the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom issued a stern statement condemning the confrontation.
The High Commission labeled the student's behavior as "indecorous" and "unacceptable," emphasizing that while differences of opinion are natural in a democratic society, public discourse must be maintained in a civil and respectful manner.