CJI Declines Urgent Hearing On Cockroach Plea
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday declined an urgent hearing on petitions linked to the online “Cockroach Janta Party” campaign and told a lawyer not to take the issue “so sentimentally.” The remarks came after concerns were raised over alleged misuse of courtroom exchanges and claims related to fake law degrees.
Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Cockroach Campaign Plea
A lawyer mentioned a public interest litigation before the Supreme Court, alleging that a distorted and malicious narrative was being spread despite the Chief Justice’s clarification on his earlier remarks.
The plea sought directions to prevent courtroom exchanges from being used for commercial or publicity purposes. Another petition reportedly sought a probe into activities linked to the “Cockroach Janta Party” campaign and allegations involving fake law degrees.
CJI Says Do Not Take It Sentimentally
When the lawyer raised concern over the campaign, CJI Surya Kant responded by saying, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.” The court did not agree to list the matter for urgent hearing.
The controversy began after remarks made by the Chief Justice during an earlier court exchange were widely circulated online and criticised on social media. The “Cockroach Janta Party” later emerged as a satirical online campaign around the issue.
Petitions Raise Judiciary Image Concerns
The petitions have raised concerns over whether selective circulation of courtroom comments can damage public trust in the judiciary. They also seek scrutiny of online campaigns that allegedly use judicial remarks for mobilisation, publicity or misinformation.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to grant urgent listing means the matter may be taken up through the regular process.
