One of the premier law institutes in the country, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation scheduled for September 12 after a row over invitations to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The NLSIU has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation citing “unavoidable circumstances”.&nbsp;The university informed graduating students about the decision through an official notice issued on Thursday, August 27. The university said that despite its “collective best efforts”, it would not be able to hold the annual convocation as planned.&nbsp;&nbsp;The institute had earlier communicated the proposed date of Sept 12 to graduating students on August 3.&nbsp;<h2>Graduating students to be conferred degrees in absentia</h2>&nbsp;The university said all graduating students would be conferred their degrees in absentia, subject to approval from its governing bodies.“All graduating students will be conferred their degrees in absentia after due approvals by the Governing Bodies. Students may elect to receive their certificates by courier or collect them at campus. The university will share a new form and the process with all graduating students to choose their preferred option later today.”&nbsp;The students had objected to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending their convocation. They also demanded an unconditional apology from BCI to the students and faculty members of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad.&nbsp;<h2>BCI recalled order freezing enrolment of entire 2026 NALSAR batch&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;A campaign opposing the invite to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest in the university’s convocation by NALSAR graduating students had led to an uproar. The Bar Council of India chairman had then issued an order freezing the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. It had directed all state bar councils not to enroll any student from the batch pending an inquiry into a campaign opposing CJI Surya Kant’s participation in the convocation.&nbsp;The BCI, however, withdrew the orders within hours, and its Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, said that the Council had “thoroughly discussed and deliberated” on his earlier letter and modified the direction imposing the enrolment ban.&nbsp;He said the Council was of a unanimous view that the vast majority of NALSAR’s 2026 graduating students had not intended to participate in any move to show disrespect.&nbsp;“Accordingly, the Council modifies the order of chairman with regard to the ban on the enrolment of the NALSAR students with the State Bar Councils. All the students will be entitled to get enrolled with the state bar councils of their choice,” the amended order said.&nbsp;Cockroach Janta Party co-convenor Saurav Das reacted to the convocation cancellation, saying he hoped the graduating batch would organise its own ceremony and invite a special guest to felicitate the students.&nbsp;“I hope the NLSIU graduating batch organises its own graduation ceremony and invites the most honourable guest to felicitate them. Do it the Gen-Z way!” he said.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, said its 34th Annual Convocation scheduled for September 12 stands cancelled and all graduating students would be conferred their degrees in absentia, subject to approval from its governing bodies.

One of the premier law institutes in the country, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation scheduled for September 12 after a row over invitations to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The NLSIU has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation citing “unavoidable circumstances”. The university informed graduating students about the decision through an official notice issued on Thursday, August 27. The university said that despite its “collective best efforts”, it would not be able to hold the annual convocation as planned. The institute had earlier communicated the proposed date of Sept 12 to graduating students on August 3. Graduating students to be conferred degrees in absentia The university said all graduating students would be conferred their degrees in absentia, subject to approval from its governing bodies. “All graduating students will be conferred their degrees in absentia after due approvals by the Governing Bodies. Students may elect to receive their certificates by courier or collect them at campus. The university will share a new form and the process with all graduating students to choose their preferred option later today.” The students had objected to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending their convocation. They also demanded an unconditional apology from BCI to the students and faculty members of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad. BCI recalled order freezing enrolment of entire 2026 NALSAR batch A campaign opposing the invite to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest in the university’s convocation by NALSAR graduating students had led to an uproar. The Bar Council of India chairman had then issued an order freezing the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. It had directed all state bar councils not to enroll any student from the batch pending an inquiry into a campaign opposing CJI Surya Kant’s participation in the convocation. The BCI, however, withdrew the orders within hours, and its Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, said that the Council had “thoroughly discussed and deliberated” on his earlier letter and modified the direction imposing the enrolment ban. He said the Council was of a unanimous view that the vast majority of NALSAR’s 2026 graduating students had not intended to participate in any move to show disrespect. “Accordingly, the Council modifies the order of chairman with regard to the ban on the enrolment of the NALSAR students with the State Bar Councils. All the students will be entitled to get enrolled with the state bar councils of their choice,” the amended order said. Cockroach Janta Party co-convenor Saurav Das reacted to the convocation cancellation, saying he hoped the graduating batch would organise its own ceremony and invite a special guest to felicitate the students. “I hope the NLSIU graduating batch organises its own graduation ceremony and invites the most honourable guest to felicitate them. Do it the Gen-Z way!” he said.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, said its 34th Annual Convocation scheduled for September 12 stands cancelled and all graduating students would be conferred their degrees in absentia, subject to approval from its governing bodies.

Top law institute NLSIU cancels convocation after row over invite to CJI Surya Kant

The Special Lok Adalat at the Supreme Court of India resolved over 400 cases on its first day, on August 21, as part of Samadhan Samaroh 2026, Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonisation Across the Nation. Launched Friday under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, the Special Lok Adalat will run for two days, wrapping up on August 23. According to a Supreme Court press release, the initiative is designed to help parties reach amicable settlements in pending cases, giving litigants a chance to resolve disputes through discussion and mutual consent. "More than 600 cases were listed for settlement before 16 Special Lok Adalat Benches, each comprising two sitting Judges of the Supreme Court of India, along with senior advocates, Advocates-on-Record (AORs) and other advocates, with more than 400 cases being amicably settled. The benches facilitated dialogue between the parties and assisted them in exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement," it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-court-rejects-bail-plea-of-pulwama-terror-case-accused-insha-jan-cites-ongoing-trial-1787374257492">NIA court rejects bail plea of Pulwama terror case accused Insha Jan, cites ongoing trial</a><h3>Dispute resolution methods</h3>The initiative includes matrimonial and property disputes, land acquisition and compensation cases, motor accident claims, tax matters, and service and labour disputes. Since the launch of the Samadhan Samaroh initiative on April 21, the cases had undergone a pre-settlement process with litigants and their counsel being involved to help the possibility of an amicable resolution. The Special Lok Adalat seeks to bolster consent-based dispute resolution and ease the strain of drawn-out litigation. The Supreme Court said the effort is part of its ongoing push to embed mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods more firmly within the justice system. Samadhan Samaroh 2026 will wrap up on August 23, once the Special Lok Adalat proceedings are complete.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-gurdwara-knife-attack-man-stabs-two-a-day-after-release-from-prison-1787372355832">Canada gurdwara knife attack: Man stabs two a day after release from prison</a>

The Supreme Court said the effort is part of its ongoing push to embed mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods more firmly within the justice system.

The Special Lok Adalat at the Supreme Court of India resolved over 400 cases on its first day, on August 21, as part of Samadhan Samaroh 2026, Supreme Court Action for Mediated Adjudication and Disputes Harmonisation Across the Nation. Launched Friday under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, the Special Lok Adalat will run for two days, wrapping up on August 23. According to a Supreme Court press release, the initiative is designed to help parties reach amicable settlements in pending cases, giving litigants a chance to resolve disputes through discussion and mutual consent. "More than 600 cases were listed for settlement before 16 Special Lok Adalat Benches, each comprising two sitting Judges of the Supreme Court of India, along with senior advocates, Advocates-on-Record (AORs) and other advocates, with more than 400 cases being amicably settled. The benches facilitated dialogue between the parties and assisted them in exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement," it added. Also read: NIA court rejects bail plea of Pulwama terror case accused Insha Jan, cites ongoing trial Dispute resolution methods The initiative includes matrimonial and property disputes, land acquisition and compensation cases, motor accident claims, tax matters, and service and labour disputes. Since the launch of the Samadhan Samaroh initiative on April 21, the cases had undergone a pre-settlement process with litigants and their counsel being involved to help the possibility of an amicable resolution. The Special Lok Adalat seeks to bolster consent-based dispute resolution and ease the strain of drawn-out litigation. The Supreme Court said the effort is part of its ongoing push to embed mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods more firmly within the justice system. Samadhan Samaroh 2026 will wrap up on August 23, once the Special Lok Adalat proceedings are complete. Also read: Canada gurdwara knife attack: Man stabs two a day after release from prison

The Supreme Court said the effort is part of its ongoing push to embed mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods more firmly within the justice system.

Supreme Court's Special Lok Adalat settles over 400 cases on day one of Samadhan Samaroh 2026

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on Saturday expressed regret over the “concern and anguish” among a section of law students following the controversy surrounding NALSAR University of Law.&nbsp;The controversy began after the BCI directed state units not to register 2026 graduates of Hyderabad's NALSAR as advocates over their objection to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant attending their convocation. The BCI later withdrew the order.&nbsp;The directive triggered widespread criticism, with the CJI also rebuking the BCI on Friday. He said the events at NALSAR were “a dialogue between students and me”.&nbsp;Mishra, who is also a BJP Rajya Sabha member, said students' concerns must receive attention whenever they feel aggrieved.&nbsp;He said, “If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego”, and described it as “simply an acknowledgement that the feelings and concerns of our students matter,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-protest-student-activist-mahto-alleges-assault-blocked-from-tiranga-yatra-1786811867028">Jharkhand protest: Student activist Mahto alleges assault, blocked from Tiranga Yatra</a><h2>The NALSAR row</h2>The controversy erupted on August 13 when Mishra directed state Bar Councils to prevent NALSAR's 2026 graduating class from enrolling as advocates.&nbsp;He also asked the university's Vice Chancellor to conduct an inquiry into students, faculty members and alumni who had opposed the CJI's proposed presence as chief guest at the convocation.&nbsp;A later modified letter allowed the graduates to enrol but retained the inquiry and alleged that a “handful of teachers and outsiders” had “instigated innocent students”.&nbsp;Following strong public criticism, Mishra announced on X that all proceedings against NALSAR had been cancelled.&nbsp;Earlier on Saturday, more than 700 students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, expressed support for NALSAR students.&nbsp;The NLSIU statement demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to NALSAR students and faculty over what it called an attempt to restrict their freedom of speech and expression.&nbsp;On the convocation issue, Mishra urged students to make their own choices without pressure. “No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain,” he said,&nbsp;He also called for the dispute to be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect instead of taking on a “political or extraneous colour through outside influence”.&nbsp;Mishra urged institutions to respect students' independent thinking and provide space for “dialogue and moving forward without bitterness”.

BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra expressed regret and apologised to law students amid backlash over the withdrawn directive against NALSAR graduates, while calling for dialogue and respect for students' views.

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on Saturday expressed regret over the “concern and anguish” among a section of law students following the controversy surrounding NALSAR University of Law. The controversy began after the BCI directed state units not to register 2026 graduates of Hyderabad's NALSAR as advocates over their objection to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant attending their convocation. The BCI later withdrew the order. The directive triggered widespread criticism, with the CJI also rebuking the BCI on Friday. He said the events at NALSAR were “a dialogue between students and me”. Mishra, who is also a BJP Rajya Sabha member, said students' concerns must receive attention whenever they feel aggrieved. He said, “If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same.” “An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego”, and described it as “simply an acknowledgement that the feelings and concerns of our students matter,” he added. Also Read: Jharkhand protest: Student activist Mahto alleges assault, blocked from Tiranga Yatra The NALSAR row The controversy erupted on August 13 when Mishra directed state Bar Councils to prevent NALSAR's 2026 graduating class from enrolling as advocates. He also asked the university's Vice Chancellor to conduct an inquiry into students, faculty members and alumni who had opposed the CJI's proposed presence as chief guest at the convocation. A later modified letter allowed the graduates to enrol but retained the inquiry and alleged that a “handful of teachers and outsiders” had “instigated innocent students”. Following strong public criticism, Mishra announced on X that all proceedings against NALSAR had been cancelled. Earlier on Saturday, more than 700 students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, expressed support for NALSAR students. The NLSIU statement demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to NALSAR students and faculty over what it called an attempt to restrict their freedom of speech and expression. On the convocation issue, Mishra urged students to make their own choices without pressure. “No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain,” he said, He also called for the dispute to be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect instead of taking on a “political or extraneous colour through outside influence”. Mishra urged institutions to respect students' independent thinking and provide space for “dialogue and moving forward without bitterness”.

BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra expressed regret and apologised to law students amid backlash over the withdrawn directive against NALSAR graduates, while calling for dialogue and respect for students' views.

NALSAR row: BCI chairman Mishra apologises after backlash over advocate registration order

The Bar Council of India has withdrawn its controversial order barring the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch with State Bar Councils.

The initial order came amid a controversy over a campaign by some students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation. Following widespread criticism, the BCI reconsidered the matter and said the vast majority of the students were innocent and should not suffer for the actions of others.

The revised order allows all NALSAR 2026 graduates to enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice. The BCI had initially sought an inquiry into those allegedly involved in the campaign, while the latest developments have also drawn the attention of the Supreme Court.

Nalsar Rolls Back Order, Barring Nalsar Graduates

Indian Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has said on Thursday (Jul 23) that the top court will intervene if the Supreme Court metro station is not opened by afternoon. This came after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on shut down 16 metro stations around Jantar Mantar since 7.30 this morning but gave no reason of the closure. The CJI's reaction came after the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh flagged the difficulties faced by lawyers and court staff due to the closure of the metro station.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-breaks-silence-as-protest-demanding-edu-minister-resignation-grows-announces-big-decision-cjp-sonam-wangchuk-delhi-police-dharmendra-pradhan-1784778297392">'Nothing is more important than...': PM Modi announces BIG decision as Delhi student protest grows</a>&nbsp;In his plea, Singh said that lawyers and court staff using metro can be screened at the stations to avoid any issues but the station itself should not be closed. "The lawyers or registry staff can be screened at the metro. It is affecting us," Singh said. On this, the CJI said: “If by lunch time something does not happen to open it, I will intervene.” He assured the lawyers that he has directed judges not to pass adverse orders today in case lawyers are not able to appear due to the protests and logistical difficulties due to the same.&nbsp;This comes a day after the CJI refused to watch videos of alleged police brutality in New Delhi on July 20 as crowd gathered for Parliament march. The CJI dismissed a plea that urged the top court to take suo motu cognisance of the violation of fundamental rights and police brutality as well as an independent judicial inquiry into the matter. It also sought directions for registration of appropriate FIRs against the erring officials of the Delhi Police, and other concerned authorities. "Don't waste our time and yours," the CJI said, adding, "We don't want to watch any videos."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-calls-for-resignation-dharmendra-pradhan-s-1997-student-protest-against-paper-leak-surfaces-1784709415316">Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation</a><h2>Lawyers’ bodies in Delhi and Mumbai condemn violence</h2>Meanwhile, lawyers’ bodies in Delhi and Mumbai have condemned police violence against students protesting in the two cities over exam paper leaks. A group of 650 lawyers in Delhi, including senior advocates Indira Jaising, Raju Ramachandran, Chander Uday Singh, Sanjay Hegde and former judges, senior advocates and lawyers such as Vrinda Grover, Prashant Bhushan&nbsp;called the police brutality “unacceptable”. Police brutality against protesting students is an attack on the principles of free expression, human dignity, and the right to dissent. We stand in solidarity with everyone who has been harmed, intimidated and traumatized,” the statement read.&nbsp;The Bombay Bar Association also expressed their horror on plolice brutality on students. “If these reports are accurate, the use of force against students exercising their constitutional rights is deeply disturbing and cannot be countenanced in a society governed by the rule of law,” their statement read.

CJI Surya Kant said he would intervene if the Supreme Court metro station was not reopened by lunchtime after 16 stations near Jantar Mantar were shut amid protests. He also assured lawyers that judges would not pass adverse orders if lawyers were unable to appear.

Indian Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has said on Thursday (Jul 23) that the top court will intervene if the Supreme Court metro station is not opened by afternoon. This came after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on shut down 16 metro stations around Jantar Mantar since 7.30 this morning but gave no reason of the closure. The CJI's reaction came after the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh flagged the difficulties faced by lawyers and court staff due to the closure of the metro station. Also Read: 'Nothing is more important than...': PM Modi announces BIG decision as Delhi student protest grows In his plea, Singh said that lawyers and court staff using metro can be screened at the stations to avoid any issues but the station itself should not be closed. "The lawyers or registry staff can be screened at the metro. It is affecting us," Singh said. On this, the CJI said: “If by lunch time something does not happen to open it, I will intervene.” He assured the lawyers that he has directed judges not to pass adverse orders today in case lawyers are not able to appear due to the protests and logistical difficulties due to the same. This comes a day after the CJI refused to watch videos of alleged police brutality in New Delhi on July 20 as crowd gathered for Parliament march. The CJI dismissed a plea that urged the top court to take suo motu cognisance of the violation of fundamental rights and police brutality as well as an independent judicial inquiry into the matter. It also sought directions for registration of appropriate FIRs against the erring officials of the Delhi Police, and other concerned authorities. "Don't waste our time and yours," the CJI said, adding, "We don't want to watch any videos." Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation Lawyers’ bodies in Delhi and Mumbai condemn violence Meanwhile, lawyers’ bodies in Delhi and Mumbai have condemned police violence against students protesting in the two cities over exam paper leaks. A group of 650 lawyers in Delhi, including senior advocates Indira Jaising, Raju Ramachandran, Chander Uday Singh, Sanjay Hegde and former judges, senior advocates and lawyers such as Vrinda Grover, Prashant Bhushan called the police brutality “unacceptable”. Police brutality against protesting students is an attack on the principles of free expression, human dignity, and the right to dissent. We stand in solidarity with everyone who has been harmed, intimidated and traumatized,” the statement read. The Bombay Bar Association also expressed their horror on plolice brutality on students. “If these reports are accurate, the use of force against students exercising their constitutional rights is deeply disturbing and cannot be countenanced in a society governed by the rule of law,” their statement read.

CJI Surya Kant said he would intervene if the Supreme Court metro station was not reopened by lunchtime after 16 stations near Jantar Mantar were shut amid protests. He also assured lawyers that judges would not pass adverse orders if lawyers were unable to appear.

'Will intervene if...': CJI Surya Kant hears lawyer's plea over Delhi Metro station closures amid CJP student protest

Several students allegedly disrupted a lecture by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at Birkbeck College, University of London on Friday (June 5). The CJI was delivering a lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’ and he was asked questions related to his recent “cockroach” remark as follow up question during his lecture. The student asking the question was interrupted by the moderator of the event. Several students, then protested and videos of the incident went viral. It was also shared by the social media handles of the Cockroach Janta Party.&nbsp;<h2>What was the question asked to CJI in London?</h2>According to clips of the exchange shared on X, a student said, “His Lordship made some very important points, I think, about the Indian track record of protecting democracy in the context of AI. 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.” At this moment, she was interrupted by the moderator and she couldn't complete her question. "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 said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-surya-kant-s-five-word-response-to-plea-seeking-probe-into-cockroach-janta-party-1779705886589">CJI Surya Kant's five-word response to plea seeking probe into Cockroach Janta Party</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#watch</a> CJI Justice Surya Kant Faces Heated Q&amp;A in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> Lecture Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant delivered a public lecture on &quot;Artificial Intelligence and International Law&quot; at Birkbeck University of London on June 4, 2026. During the Q&amp;A, an audience member… <a href="https://t.co/Z8y9qpYHdB">pic.twitter.com/Z8y9qpYHdB</a>&mdash; Thepagetoday (@thepagetody) <a href="https://x.com/thepagetody/status/2062849236832854168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How India reacted?</h2>Reacting to the incident, The Indian High Commission in London said that a lively discussion was disrupted and such actions are unacceptable. “Such indecorous audience 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.”<h2>What the CJI said in the lecture?</h2>According to PTI, the CJI said that technology is neither inherently benevolent nor harmful, and that its impact depends on the legal, political and ethical frameworks within which societies choose to deploy it. He stated that the responsibility of law is neither to resist technological progress nor to surrender to it unquestioningly, but to ensure that technological power remains accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy and human dignity. He also said artificial intelligence poses one of the most significant tests for international law in its modern evolution. “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.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/old-praise-new-problems-cockroach-janta-party-spokesperson-saurav-das-s-9-year-old-tweet-faces-scrutiny-1780657728854">Old praise, new problems: Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das's 9-year-old tweet faces scrutiny</a><h2>What is the ‘cockroach’ controversy?</h2>In May, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's statement calling a section of unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing, went viral, prompting the emergence of CJP satirical platform. The CJI later clarified that his observations were directed at individuals entering the legal profession through “fake and bogus degrees.” However, CJP expanded as youths joined the online movement and interpreted the CJI's remark as a taunt on unemployed youths of the country.

CJI Surya Kant's lecture on Artificial Intelligence and International Law at Birkbeck College, London, was briefly disrupted after an audience member attempted to question him on dissent in India. The Indian High Commission condemned the incident 

Several students allegedly disrupted a lecture by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at Birkbeck College, University of London on Friday (June 5). The CJI was delivering a lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Law’ and he was asked questions related to his recent “cockroach” remark as follow up question during his lecture. The student asking the question was interrupted by the moderator of the event. Several students, then protested and videos of the incident went viral. It was also shared by the social media handles of the Cockroach Janta Party. What was the question asked to CJI in London? According to clips of the exchange shared on X, a student said, “His Lordship made some very important points, I think, about the Indian track record of protecting democracy in the context of AI. 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.” At this moment, she was interrupted by the moderator and she couldn't complete her question. "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 said. Also Read: CJI Surya Kant's five-word response to plea seeking probe into Cockroach Janta Party

CJI Surya Kant's lecture on Artificial Intelligence and International Law at Birkbeck College, London, was briefly disrupted after an audience member attempted to question him on dissent in India. The Indian High Commission condemned the incident&nbsp;

Question on 'dissent' sparks tense moment at CJI Surya Kant's London lecture; video goes viral - What exactly happened

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (May 15) delivered one of the judiciary’s sharpest public rebukes yet, using the startling phrase "youngsters like cockroaches" while expressing alarm over what he suggested was a growing ecosystem of fake degree holders, social media attackers and opportunistic activists targeting institutions. The unusually blunt remark came during a Supreme Court hearing on a plea saying the Delhi High Court has failed in implementing the Supreme Court's guidelines on the designation of senior advocates.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/media-house-deletes-story-after-pm-modi-rare-fact-checks-foreign-travel-tax-report-totally-false-cnbc-tv18-shut-down-global-travel-panic-1778899536032">Media house forced to delete story after PM Modi fact-checks misleading report on X: 'Totally false'</a><h2>Parasites, cockroaches and more: What did the CJI say?</h2>"There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?" the CJI said, before escalating his criticism even further."There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have a place in a profession. 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…"Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-padma-jaiswal-why-it-took-nearly-two-decades-to-dismiss-the-ias-officer-for-a-2007-08-offense-wion-explains-1778830736127">Who is Padma Jaiswal? Why it took nearly two decades to dismiss the IAS officer for a 2007-08 offense | WION Explains</a><h2>Fake law degrees under Supreme Court scanner</h2>CJI Surya Kant said he harboured "serious doubts" about the genuineness of many law degrees held by some Delhi-based advocates, particularly those active on social media platforms.The CJI said he was waiting for an appropriate case to order an investigation into the law degrees of many Delhi lawyers. He also suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation should probe the issue.The bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also referred to "thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes". The CJI declined to entertain the plea and also criticised the language used online by a petitioner’s lawyer, warning that professional discipline was being undermined. "Let people understand the kind of language you are using on Facebook. I will show you what discipline in the profession means," the CJI said. The petitioner later chose to withdraw the plea.Notably, the lawyer had previously filed a writ petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision not to consider him for designation as a senior advocate. He subsequently filed a contempt petition, alleging non-compliance with an earlier Supreme Court order. However, the apex court had dismissed this contempt plea in December last year.

In one of the Supreme Court’s most blistering public remarks in recent memory, CJI Surya Kant warned of “parasites” attacking institutions. He then drew attention with his “cockroaches” comment about certain youngsters. Why prompted the statement?

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (May 15) delivered one of the judiciary’s sharpest public rebukes yet, using the startling phrase "youngsters like cockroaches" while expressing alarm over what he suggested was a growing ecosystem of fake degree holders, social media attackers and opportunistic activists targeting institutions. The unusually blunt remark came during a Supreme Court hearing on a plea saying the Delhi High Court has failed in implementing the Supreme Court's guidelines on the designation of senior advocates. Also read | Media house forced to delete story after PM Modi fact-checks misleading report on X: 'Totally false' Parasites, cockroaches and more: What did the CJI say? "There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?" the CJI said, before escalating his criticism even further. "There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have a place in a profession. 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…" Also read | Who is Padma Jaiswal? Why it took nearly two decades to dismiss the IAS officer for a 2007-08 offense | WION Explains Fake law degrees under Supreme Court scanner CJI Surya Kant said he harboured "serious doubts" about the genuineness of many law degrees held by some Delhi-based advocates, particularly those active on social media platforms. The CJI said he was waiting for an appropriate case to order an investigation into the law degrees of many Delhi lawyers. He also suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation should probe the issue. The bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also referred to "thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes". The CJI declined to entertain the plea and also criticised the language used online by a petitioner’s lawyer, warning that professional discipline was being undermined. "Let people understand the kind of language you are using on Facebook. I will show you what discipline in the profession means," the CJI said. The petitioner later chose to withdraw the plea. Notably, the lawyer had previously filed a writ petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision not to consider him for designation as a senior advocate. He subsequently filed a contempt petition, alleging non-compliance with an earlier Supreme Court order. However, the apex court had dismissed this contempt plea in December last year.

In one of the Supreme Court’s most blistering public remarks in recent memory, CJI Surya Kant warned of “parasites” attacking institutions. He then drew attention with his “cockroaches” comment about certain youngsters. Why prompted the statement?

'There are youngsters like cockroaches': What made CJI Surya Kant compare youngsters to pests? Supreme Court hearing turns explosive

The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant interim voting rights to those whose names were deleted amid the voter roll clean-up process, special intensive revision (SIR) and whose appeals are still awaited in front of the appellate tribunals.&nbsp;During the proceedings, Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee stated that at least 1.6 million appeals have been filed, and they must be given a chance to vote in the two-phase assembly election in West Bengal, according to a report by news agency PTI.&nbsp;In response, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, "That is entirely out of the question. If we were to permit this, then the voting rights of the individuals involved would have to be suspended."<h3>Millions of appeals in SIR exercise</h3>Justice Joymalya Bagchi confirmed that there are 3.4 million appeals in the SIR exercise, adding that a report submitted by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice clearly indicates this data. The Election Commission of India has finalised the voter list in West Bengal, meaning no new names can be added before the election unless the Supreme Court of India issues a specific order, which it did not do in this case.&nbsp;To handle disputes, 19 appellate tribunals have been established in the Bangladesh-bordering state to review around 2.7 million cases involving deleted names. The Supreme Court’s direction came after 13 individuals challenged the removal of their names from the voter list. The court termed their plea “premature” and advised them to seek relief through the appellate tribunals instead.&nbsp;"Since the petitioners (Quaraisha Yeasmin and others) have already approached the appellate tribunals… in our considered view, the apprehensions expressed in the petition are premature. If the plea is allowed, then necessary consequences will follow," the bench said in its order, and added that it has not expressed any opinions on the merits of the plea. The petitioners also alleged that the Election Commission was removing names without due process and that appeals were not being addressed promptly.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-mk-stalin-seeks-fresh-mandate-pitches-dravidian-model-2-0-in-tamil-nadu-1776018663180">CM MK Stalin seeks fresh mandate, pitches ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ in Tamil Nadu</a>

Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee said during the proceedings that at least 1.6 million appeals have been filed, and they must be given a chance to vote in the two-phase assembly election in West Bengal.

The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant interim voting rights to those whose names were deleted amid the voter roll clean-up process, special intensive revision (SIR) and whose appeals are still awaited in front of the appellate tribunals. During the proceedings, Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee stated that at least 1.6 million appeals have been filed, and they must be given a chance to vote in the two-phase assembly election in West Bengal, according to a report by news agency PTI. In response, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, "That is entirely out of the question. If we were to permit this, then the voting rights of the individuals involved would have to be suspended." Millions of appeals in SIR exercise Justice Joymalya Bagchi confirmed that there are 3.4 million appeals in the SIR exercise, adding that a report submitted by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice clearly indicates this data. The Election Commission of India has finalised the voter list in West Bengal, meaning no new names can be added before the election unless the Supreme Court of India issues a specific order, which it did not do in this case. To handle disputes, 19 appellate tribunals have been established in the Bangladesh-bordering state to review around 2.7 million cases involving deleted names. The Supreme Court’s direction came after 13 individuals challenged the removal of their names from the voter list. The court termed their plea “premature” and advised them to seek relief through the appellate tribunals instead. "Since the petitioners (Quaraisha Yeasmin and others) have already approached the appellate tribunals… in our considered view, the apprehensions expressed in the petition are premature. If the plea is allowed, then necessary consequences will follow," the bench said in its order, and added that it has not expressed any opinions on the merits of the plea. The petitioners also alleged that the Election Commission was removing names without due process and that appeals were not being addressed promptly. Also read: CM MK Stalin seeks fresh mandate, pitches ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ in Tamil Nadu

Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee said during the proceedings that at least 1.6 million appeals have been filed, and they must be given a chance to vote in the two-phase assembly election in West Bengal.

Supreme Court of India rejects relief for deleted voters in West Bengal SIR process

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Why did CJI Surya Kant call youngsters ‘cockroaches’? Hearing turns explosive

SC rejects relief for deleted voters in West Bengal SIR process