Students of two of India’s premier law schools have joined forces to protest the invitation of Chief Justice Surya Kant to serve as the chief guest at their upcoming graduation ceremonies.
The row began on 23 July, when a group of outgoing students from Nalsar University in Hyderabad sent an e‑mail to the university’s administration demanding that Kant be removed as the professor of law’s most celebrated jurist. Growing support for the e‑mail is evident, with at least 450 out of the university’s 1,400 students endorsing the request.
Students say that Kant’s recent comments—specifically his refusal to convene urgent hearings on police brutality during the 20 July Parliament march led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi—were “dismissive” and “unclear.” They also cite remarks in court, describing some youth as “cockroaches” and “parasites”, which they see as an insult to the law‑making youth.
Following a series of police crackdowns, the movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has gained national prominence. The movement’s name and its satirical tone stem directly from the Chief Justice’s remarks, and it has harnessed millions of youths to demand reforms and hold politicians accountable.
Bar Council of India chairman Manan Mishra immediately reacted to the student campaign by threatening to bar all Nalsar graduates from enrolment until the issue was resolved. The threat ignited backlash among senior lawyers, opposition parties, and, ultimately, Mishra himself, who issued a public apology that failed to placate the students.
Surya Kant has clarified that he did not refuse to hear the petition regarding police brutality and only requested proper filing procedures. In a statement, he confirmed he had not formally accepted Nalsar’s invitation, thereby removing the question of his attendance.
The controversy thus illustrates a sharp divide in India’s legal field over how best to address concerns about police action, youth rights and the judiciary’s engagement with social movements. With fresh protests continuing on campus, the debate remains far from settled and highlights the need for further dialogue.
