Indian Chief Justice faces embarrassment at University of London event
London : Indian Chief Justice Surya Kant, who has faced criticism over remarks likening youths to “cockroaches,” encountered an awkward situation during an event in the United Kingdom when audience members challenged him over democratic freedoms and dissent in India.
According to media reports, Surya Kant was speaking at a programme on Artificial Intelligence and International Law at the University of London when participants used the question-and-answer session to raise concerns about freedom of expression, democratic rights and the treatment of dissenting voices in India.
As attendees pressed for answers on the state of democracy and the right to criticize the government, organizers intervened, describing the questions as unrelated to the event’s theme. The move sparked tension in the hall, with several participants objecting to an attempt to sideline legitimate concerns.
Videos circulating on social media show audience members raising their voices in protest and demanding an opportunity to be heard. When references were made to the Chief Justice’s controversial remarks and broader concerns about civil liberties in India, the moderator stepped in and curtailed the discussion.
The situation became increasingly tense as some participants accused the organizers of suppressing dissenting views. One attendee was heard shouting, “Respect us,” expressing frustration over the handling of questions from the audience.
