CJI Surya Kant’s NALSAR convocation invite draws student opposition
Students from the graduating batch have cited recent controversies involving the CJI while asking the university to review the proposed invitation
A group of students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University, Hyderabad, has urged the administration to reconsider its decision to invite Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university’s 2026 convocation.
Students from the 2025-26 graduating batch wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, faculty members and other university authorities, expressing their reservations over the proposed invitation. In their communication, they cited recent remarks and judicial developments involving the Chief Justice as reasons for their objection.
CJI’s ‘cockroaches’ comment
The students referred to comments attributed to CJI Surya Kant during proceedings concerning issues including student protests and the legal profession. They particularly raised concerns over remarks in which the CJI was reported to have referred to certain individuals as “parasites” and “cockroaches” while discussing people entering professional fields without adequate merit.
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The remarks attracted criticism on social media, with some users interpreting them as being directed at unemployed young people and activists. The controversy subsequently led to the emergence of a satirical online campaign called the “Cockroach Janata Party”.
Students’ arguments
In their letter, the NALSAR students also referred to remarks attributed to the CJI concerning the Jantar Mantar protest and allegations that he had compared Indian youth to cockroaches. They further cited comments regarding his lack of time to watch videos related to alleged police brutality.
“We, the undersigned students of [redacted] (2025-2026), share the concerns of the graduating batch regarding inviting the Hon’ble CJI, Justice Surya Kant, as our convocation’s Chief Guest,” the students said in the letter.
The students argued that hosting the Chief Justice as the chief guest, amid the recent controversies, would conflict with the principles of constitutional accountability and academic freedom. They urged the university administration to treat the issue as a concern shared by students across graduating cohorts rather than as an objection limited to a particular batch.
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The letter concluded with a request to reconsider the invitation and take into account the concerns raised by the students.
TISS postpones convocation
The controversy comes after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, postponed its 86th convocation, which had been scheduled for August 2. The ceremony was deferred less than two days before it was due to take place.
CJI Surya Kant had been expected to attend the ceremony as the chief guest. The postponement came amid concerns over security arrangements and apprehensions about possible student protests.
In a communication to students, TISS attributed the decision to “unforeseen circumstances”. The institute did not officially state that the postponement was linked to the proposed participation of the CJI or to any anticipated protests.