Audience exchange over a question on dissent in India sparks controversy during discussion on artificial intelligence and international law
The Indian High Commission in London has condemned the disruption of an event attended by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during his official visit to the United Kingdom, describing the incident as unacceptable and inconsistent with respectful public discourse.
The controversy arose during a lecture delivered by Justice Kant at Birkbeck, University of London, on June 4. The event, titled Artificial Intelligence and International Law, focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal systems and international governance, as well as the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Following the lecture, a question-and-answer session was held with members of the audience. Videos circulating on social media showed a tense exchange after an attendee attempted to raise a question concerning what was described as “growing hostility to dissent within India”. The moderator interrupted the question, stating that it was unrelated to the event’s subject matter.
In a statement issued on June 5, the Indian High Commission said a “certain individual” had attempted to disrupt the programme after an otherwise lively discussion. It stressed that while differences of opinion are a natural feature of democratic societies, they should be expressed in a civil and respectful manner.
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During his address, Justice Kant emphasised the importance of ensuring that technological advances remain accountable to constitutional principles and democratic values
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He said technology itself is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful, and that its impact depends on the legal, political and ethical frameworks governing its use
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He added that the law’s role is not to resist innovation or accept it unquestioningly, but to ensure accountability and protect human dignity
Justice Kant’s six-day visit to the UK continues with a series of engagements focused on technology and legal reform. On June 5, he delivered the inaugural address at the Indian Council of Arbitration’s international conference on alternative dispute resolution and India-UK economic cooperation, where he called for greater collaboration, saying that “what is needed now is not comparison, but co-creation”.
