Question Citing CJP Criticism Triggers Tense Exchange at Justice Surya Kant's London Event
The High Commission of India in London on Friday condemned what it described as "indecorous audience behaviour" during an event addressed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, after an audience member attempted to raise concerns associated with criticism of the Indian judiciary during a question-and-answer session.
Justice Kant was delivering a lecture titled "Artificial Intelligence and International Law" at Birkbeck, University of London, as part of his six-day visit to the United Kingdom. The event examined the growing relationship between artificial intelligence, legal systems and international governance, and was followed by an audience interaction.
During the session, an audience member began a question by saying: "We now hear from a number of legal observers that there's a great deal of concern about growing hostility to dissent within India," before referring to the Chief Justice of India's recent and "well-publicised remarks." The intervention was understood to be linked to criticism of the judiciary that has also been highlighted by activist groups, including CJP.
Before the question could be completed, the moderator intervened, saying it was unrelated to the event's subject of artificial intelligence and international law. The interruption led to a brief exchange in the audience, with one attendee heard saying: "Give us some respect, please." Videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media.
Responding to the episode, the High Commission said: "A lively discussion followed his address. Thereafter a certain individual tried to disrupt the event." It added: "Such indecorous audience behaviour is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse."
The mission further stated: "Differences of opinion are a natural part of a democratic society. However, they must be expressed in a manner that is civil and respectful."
In his lecture, Justice Kant stressed the importance of ensuring technological advances remain subject to legal and constitutional safeguards. "Technology itself is neither inherently benevolent nor inherently harmful. Its impact depends upon the legal, political, and ethical frameworks within which societies choose to deploy it," he said.
He added: "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."
On Friday, Justice Kant also delivered the inaugural address at the Indian Council of Arbitration's international conference on 'Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a Catalyst for Strengthening India-UK Economic Partnership' . Referring to expanding cooperation between the two countries, he said: "What is needed now is not comparison, but co-creation." He also described the recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement as a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in arbitration and dispute resolution.