Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday asked lawyers not to react “so sentimentally” after the Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing on petitions connected to the viral Cockroach Janta Party movement.

A bench led by CJI Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi, said the matter did not require immediate intervention. The court stated that the petitions would be considered in due course as there was “no such grave urgency” involved.

The remarks came after lawyers mentioned two Public Interest Litigations before the bench. One plea sought action against the alleged commercial use of courtroom observations, while another demanded a CBI investigation into activities linked to the satirical Cockroach Janta Party campaign.

When advocate NK Goswami argued that the online campaign was damaging the judiciary’s image, the CJI responded, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”

PILs Raise Concerns Over Fake Degrees And Viral Satire Campaign

One petition, filed by advocate Raja Choudhary, sought a CBI probe into alleged fake advocates and fraudulent law degrees. The plea also asked for action against the monetised circulation of oral courtroom remarks from recent Supreme Court hearings.

Another petition directly targeted the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical online movement that has gained massive attention on social media in recent days.

The controversy started after oral remarks made by the CJI during a hearing related to alleged fake law degrees and senior advocate designations.

During that hearing, the CJI criticised what he called a culture of attacks on institutions. He referred to certain individuals as “parasites of society.” He also said that some unemployed youth become “like cockroaches” and attack institutions through media campaigns, social media activism, and RTI applications.

Social Media Backlash After Courtroom Remarks

The comments quickly triggered backlash online. Many users on social media accused the judiciary of insulting unemployed youth.

Later, the CJI clarified that his remarks were being “misquoted.” He said the comments targeted people entering professions with “fake and bogus degrees” and not unemployed youth in general.

Cockroach Janta Party Turns Into Viral Internet Movement

What began as an internet meme soon transformed into one of India’s biggest online political satire movements.

Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party describes itself as the “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed” and openly presents itself as satire.

However, the movement has connected strongly with many young Indians frustrated over unemployment, inflation, political privilege, and what they see as a disconnect between institutions and ordinary citizens.

Within a few days of its launch, the movement reportedly gained millions of followers on Instagram and even overtook the BJP in follower count.

The party’s social media strategy uses absurd humour, exaggerated political messaging, mock revolutionary visuals, and satire focused on governance failures and unemployment.

Its manifesto includes several demands, including:

• No post-retirement Rajya Sabha positions for Chief Justices
• Electoral reforms and action against deleted votes
• Greater representation for women
• Strict action against misinformation
• Longer bans for legislators who switch political parties