Indian High Commission Condemns Disruption During CJI Surya Kant’s London Lecture on AI and International Law

June 6, 2026 : The Indian High Commission in London has strongly criticised what it described as “indecorous audience behaviour” during a lecture delivered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at Birkbeck, University of London. The diplomatic mission issued a statement after an exchange took place during the question-and-answer session following the Chief Justice’s address on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law.”

The incident occurred on June 4 when CJI Surya Kant delivered a lecture examining the growing impact of artificial intelligence on governance, commerce, warfare, public administration and judicial decision-making. During the interactive session that followed, some attendees attempted to raise questions concerning dissent, free speech in India and the Chief Justice’s recent remarks that had sparked public debate.

According to the Indian High Commission, a lively discussion followed the lecture before a “certain individual” attempted to disrupt the event by raising issues unrelated to the topic under discussion. The mission stated that while differing opinions are an essential feature of democracy, they should be expressed in a civil, respectful and dignified manner. It added that maintaining decorum is particularly important at academic events involving constitutional authorities and members of the judiciary.

Videos of the exchange later circulated on social media, showing audience members seeking to question the Chief Justice about concerns relating to dissent and freedom of expression in India. The moderator intervened and declined to entertain the questions, explaining that they fell outside the scope of the lecture, which was focused on artificial intelligence and international law.

One attendee attempted to refer to concerns raised by legal observers regarding dissent in India and also mentioned the Chief Justice’s widely discussed “cockroach” remarks. Before the question could be completed, the moderator interrupted and reiterated that only questions directly connected to the lecture topic would be considered.

Another video showed a member of the audience objecting to the interruption and shouting, “Give us some respect, please,” creating a brief moment of tension during the proceedings. Organisers maintained that the questions could not be accommodated because they were unrelated to the subject matter of the event.

In his address, CJI Surya Kant emphasised that artificial intelligence is no longer a theoretical concept but an operational reality transforming institutions and decision-making across the world. He stressed that technological innovation must remain accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy, the rule of law and human dignity.

The Chief Justice also warned that the regulation of artificial intelligence presents one of the greatest challenges facing modern international law. He said policymakers, courts and international institutions must develop legal frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring accountability and protecting fundamental rights.

The High Commission’s statement comes amid ongoing debate over the incident, with the mission reiterating that democratic discourse should be conducted within the bounds of civility and mutual respect, even when competing viewpoints and criticism are expressed.