'Unacceptable': India Slams 'Indecorous Behaviour' At CJI Surya Kant's Lecture At London University

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s address at Birbeck, University of London, on Thursday, witnessed a tense exchange of words between some audience members and the hosts over questions about the alleged suppression of dissent in India.

The Indian Embassy in the United Kingdom has expressed concern over the episode, asserting that such “indecorous” behaviour by certain attendees violates norms of “respectful public engagement.”

In a post on ‘X’, the Indian Embassy wrote, “On June 4, 2026, Hon’bleChief Justice of India attended an event at the University of London, Birkbeck, at the invitation of the organisers to deliver a lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law'”.

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— India in the UK (@HCI_London)

June 5, 2026

The embassy flagged the disruption caused by a “certain individual”, slamming the behavior as “unacceptable”. While it acknowledged that differences of opinion are a part of a democratic society, it noted that views must be presented in a respectful and civil manner.

“A lively discussion followed his address. Thereafter, a certain individual tried to disrupt the event. Such indecorous behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse. Differences of opinion are a natural part of a democratic society. However, they must be expressed in a manner that is civil and respectful”, according to the statement by the Indian Embassy.

What Happened During CJI’s Lecture?

At CJI Kant’s lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law” at the University of London, a tense episode unfolded as an individual sought to question him on India’s democratic record and alleged suppression of dissent in the country.

In videos circulating on social media, the attendee highlighted concerns raised by various legal observers. “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”, she said.

Another attendee questioned the CJI about his “cockroaches” and “parasites” remarks made last month in India. The exchange, however, was cut short by one of the organisers who declined to accept the question.

“With all due respect, I would not be able to take up that question since the topic is concerning artificial intelligence and international law”, he said.

What CJI Said In His Address

In his address, the Chief Justice of India opined that the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) largely hinged on the legal, political, and ethical frameworks deployed in a society.

While noting that technology is neither “inherently benevolent” nor “inherently harmful”, he said: “The responsibility of law, therefore, is neither to resist technological progress nor to surrender unquestioningly before it. Its responsibility is to ensure that technological power remains accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy, and human dignity,” according to news agency PTI.

“The central challenge before us is to ensure that, in an age of intelligent machines, humanity retains authorship of the principles by which it is governed. If international law can rise to that challenge, artificial intelligence may become not merely a technological revolution, but an opportunity to reaffirm the values that lie at the foundation of democratic civilisation itself”, he added.