Students oppose CJI as chief guest at event:Hyderabad Law University students urge reconsideration over ‘cockroach’ remark

Around 450 students of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University in Hyderabad have opposed the decision to invite Chief Justice of India Suryakant as the chief guest for the 2026 convocation. The students have raised concerns over the NEET controversy and recent developments surrounding the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ protest at Jantar Mantar. A group of students from the 2026 batch has written to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, faculty members and other university officials, urging them to reconsider the decision to invite the CJI as chief guest. Students cite constitutional accountability According to the letter, the students’ concerns are linked to the Supreme Court proceedings on petitions challenging the police action during the protests. They have also highlighted the importance of constitutional accountability and academic freedom. The students said inviting CJI Suryakant to the convocation in the current circumstances would not be consistent with these values. They have therefore urged the university administration to reconsider its decision to invite him as the chief guest. 3 instances when CJI Surya Kant’s comments sparked criticism May 15: CJI says – ‘Some young people are wandering like cockroaches’ During a hearing on a petition, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made remarks about young people struggling to find employment in certain professions. CJI Surya Kant said, “Like cockroaches, young people are unable to find employment in these professions. Some are becoming journalists, some social media activists, and others RTI and other types of activists. They start attacking everyone.” Following the remarks, on July 16, Abhijeet Dipke created a social media page called the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’, which went on to organise a 35-day protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. July 22: CJI says – ‘We are not interested in watching the video’ On July 22, a lawyer appeared before a three-judge bench headed by the CJI in a public interest litigation concerning the protests. The lawyer said, “The students are raising important issues. However, there are also videos of police brutality against them. If possible, the case should be heard soon.” CJI Surya Kant responded, “We are not interested in the video; we don’t have time to watch it.” When the lawyer requested that the video showing students being assaulted be viewed again, the CJI said, “Don’t waste our time and yours.” July 24: CJI says – ‘No petition was refused a hearing’ Two petitions concerning alleged police violence against protesters were filed, with several states named as parties. The petitions had not been mentioned earlier as they were awaiting diary numbers. After hearing the arguments, the CJI said, “Let it come up for listing; we will hear it.” Earlier, during a separate hearing, the CJI had said, “I did not refuse to hear any petition related to the lathi-charge during the CJP protest. The truth is, no writ petition was filed. The media also ran false reports.” ​