Don't take it sentimentally: SC rejects CBI probe plea against Cockroach party

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 25, 2026 14:10 IST

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to urgently hear a plea seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the "Cockroach Janta Party", the satirical online campaign that took shape after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's courtroom remarks earlier this month.

The petition, moved by Advocate Raja Choudhary, accuses individuals linked to the movement of commercially exploiting oral observations made during Supreme Court hearings, according to Bar and Bench. It also called for an investigation into alleged fake advocates and forged law degrees connected to certain persons associated with the campaign.

But when the matter was mentioned before a Bench led by the CJI and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi, the court refused to treat it as a matter requiring immediate intervention.

"There is no such grave urgency. We will see," the CJI observed after lawyers pressed for urgent listing.

During the exchange, Advocate NK Goswami argued that the campaign was harming the dignity and image of the judiciary. The Bench, however, indicated that the issue was being overplayed.

"Don't take it so sentimentally," the CJI told the counsel.

The CJP recently came under scrutiny after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a May 15 hearing triggered controversy. The comments, reportedly referring to “cockroaches” and “parasites”, surfaced while the court was hearing a plea linked to the senior designation of a lawyer.

The satirical online campaign surfaced recently after a controversy erupted over remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant during a May 15 hearing. The comments, reportedly referring to 'cockroaches' and 'parasites', were made while the court was hearing a plea related to the senior designation of a lawyer.

"There are youngsters like cockroaches who are not getting employment in the profession. Some are on social media, some become RTI activists," the CJI had observed during the hearing.

The remarks triggered widespread debate online and eventually led to the creation of the satirical collective. The CJI later clarified that his comments were aimed at individuals entering professions using forged qualifications and fake degrees, and not at unemployed youth in general.

The movement is the brainchild of Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston-based resident originally from India. Since its launch, the Cockroach Janta Party has expanded into a wider online campaign, drawing massive engagement on Instagram and other social media platforms. The movement has also spawned merchandise, petitions and coordinated digital mobilisation efforts.

According to Choudhary's plea, certain metaphorical references made during spontaneous courtroom exchanges were selectively clipped, turned into memes, mimicked and commercially circulated as viral online content without constitutional or procedural context.

At the same time, the petition clarified that it was not seeking action against democratic dissent, criticism of the judiciary, satire or free speech protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Instead, it alleged organised commercial exploitation, meme-based distortion, trademark commercialisation and algorithm-driven amplification of oral courtroom proceedings for monetary gain.

The X account of Cockroach Janta Party was withheld in India on Thursday. Soon after, came another handle – 'Cockroach is Back' with the tagline 'Cockroaches Don't Die'.

Several opposition leaders have criticised the Centre over its action against the CJP, saying the satirical social media outfit reflected the growing unrest among the country's youth and should not be suppressed.

"The youth want a government that respects their emotions and concerns. If such movements are confronted with an iron fist, they will only grow stronger," senior Congress leader KC Venugopal said.

Earlier this week, the CJP intensified its attack over the NEET-UG paper leak row, launching a campaign seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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