India Chief Justice AI Lecture Disrupted in London

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s lecture on artificial intelligence at a London university was interrupted on Thursday when an audience member attempted to raise questions about dissent and democracy in India, leading to a tense exchange that was later condemned by Indian officials. The incident occurred during the question-and-answer session following Justice Kant’s address on “Artificial Intelligence and International Law” at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Videos shared online show a woman beginning a question by acknowledging the Chief Justice’s points on India’s democratic institutions before stating that legal observers in India and internationally have expressed concern about growing hostility to dissent within the country. She suggested this sentiment was reflected in recent public remarks attributed to Justice Kant. Before she could complete her question, the event moderator intervened.

The moderator stated that the question could not be taken as it did not pertain to the lecture’s announced topic of artificial intelligence and international law. He apologized but reiterated that the discussion needed to remain focused. When the questioner persisted, the...