A lecture delivered by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at Birkbeck College in London was briefly disrupted after an attendee attempted to raise questions related to dissent and democracy in India. The incident, captured in videos that later circulated online, prompted a strong response from the High Commission of India in the UK.
The High Commission of India in London has criticised the disruption of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's lecture at Birkbeck College, describing the incident as "indecorous audience behaviour", according to The Times of India.
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The High Commission of India in London has issued a statement condemning "indecorous audience behaviour" after a video from CJI Surya Kant's June 4 lecture at Birkbeck College went viral, showing an attendee attempting to raise questions on dissent in India during an event… pic.twitter.com/9FwEUwpMBX
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High Commission condemns disruption
In its statement, the Indian mission in London expressed concern over the conduct witnessed during the event and said such behaviour was not in keeping with the standards expected at a formal academic gathering involving a senior constitutional authority.
The High Commission described the incident as "indecorous audience behaviour" and condemned the disruption caused during the lecture. The statement followed widespread circulation of video clips from the programme on social media platforms, as per The Times of India.
The incident occurred during the London lecture
Justice Surya Kant was addressing an audience at Birkbeck College as part of his ongoing visit to the United Kingdom. During the event, an attendee attempted to raise questions concerning dissent in India, leading to a brief interruption.
According to reports, organisers stepped in and cut short the exchange, allowing the programme to proceed. The incident quickly gained attention online after recordings of the moment began circulating.
#watch CJI Justice Surya Kant Faces Heated Q&A in #London Lecture
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Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant delivered a public lecture on "Artificial Intelligence and International Law" at Birkbeck University of London on June 4, 2026. During the Q&A, an audience member… pic.twitter.com/Z8y9qpYHdB
The event draws wider attention
The disruption has attracted attention both in India and the UK because it involved the country's highest judicial office. The High Commission's statement underscored the importance of maintaining decorum during public events, particularly those involving constitutional functionaries representing India abroad.
While the videos generated discussion on social media, the official response focused on the conduct displayed during the lecture rather than the issues raised by the attendee.
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Focus remains on maintaining decorum
The Indian mission's reaction highlights the sensitivity surrounding official engagements involving senior members of the judiciary during overseas visits. The lecture itself formed part of Justice Surya Kant's engagements in the UK, with the controversy emerging solely from the interruption during the audience interaction segment.
Authorities have not indicated any further action regarding the incident, but the episode has sparked debate over conduct at public events involving high-ranking officials.
