‘CJP twisted CJI remark’: SC seeks govt, CBI response on PIL

Three months after CJI Surya Kant's "cockroach" remark ignited controversy and inspired the Cockroach Janta Party, a protest by young people against the NEET-UG paper leak, the Supreme Court has requested responses from the government and CBI in a petition. The petition was filed by Raja Choudhary, who argued that there needs to be a thorough investigation into how the "cockroach" word, used in a different context during judicial proceedings on May 15, was selectively picked, edited, and exploited commercially to tarnish judicial dignity and erode institutional integrity.

Choudhary requested authorities to take legal action against those involved in commercial exploitation, trademark appropriation, monetized circulation, or unauthorized use of oral courtroom observations/metaphors, including actions taken by the CJI. He emphasized that while fair criticism, democratic dissent, satire, and free speech are allowed within the constitution, they should not undermine judicial dignity.

Choudhary pointed out that following the May 15 hearing, there has been a significant increase in clips of selectively edited judicial proceedings, which are turned into memes and circulated on social media for profit. He expressed concern over the lack of mechanisms to address these efforts to diminish public faith in the institution and judges by presenting them in a negative light.