India High Commission In London Condemns 'Indecorous Audience Behaviour' During CJI Surya Kant's Event

The High Commission of India in London has condemned what it described as "indecorous audience behaviour" during an event attended by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at the University of London, Birkbeck, where he delivered a lecture on "Artificial Intelligence and International Law" on June 4.

In a statement released on Friday, the High Commission said that a "lively discussion" followed the CJI's address, but alleged that "a certain individual tried to disrupt the event."

"Such indecorous audience behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful engagement that should govern public discourse," the statement said.

The High Commission added that while differences of opinion are natural in a democratic society, they "must be expressed in a manner that is civil and respectful."

The statement was issued after videos from the event circulated on social media showing some audience members attempting to raise questions regarding dissent in India. The moderator intervened and cut short the questions, stating that they were not related to the subject of the discussion.

The viral video showed an audience member, after citing the CJI's remarks about India's track record of protecting democracy in the context of AI, referring to reports by various legal observers within India about growing hostility towards dissent in India. Before she could complete the question, the moderator interrupted her, saying that questions unconnected with the topic of AI & International Law cannot be entertained. In another video, another person in the audience was heard shouting, "Give us some respect, please."