Don't Take It Sentimentally: SC Refuses Urgent Hearing on CBI Probe Plea Against Cockroach Janta Party

The Supreme Court on Monday firmly declined to grant urgent hearing to two public interest litigations arising from the Cockroach Janta Party controversy, the viral satirical movement that erupted after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's now-infamous "cockroach" remark during a May 15 court hearing. The bench's response was as quotable as the remark that sparked the entire episode.

When advocate NK Goswami argued that the movement was spreading a distorted and malicious narrative damaging the image of the judiciary, a bench of CJI Kant alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi replied without hesitation: "Don't take it so sentimentally." The CJI added plainly, "There is no such grave urgency. We will see", declining to elevate what many observers regard as a social media phenomenon into a constitutional emergency.

Two PILs were placed before the court. One sought directions against the alleged commercial use and circulation of courtroom exchanges on social media. The other sought a CBI investigation into activities linked to the satirical online movement, including allegations of fake advocates practising law through forged degrees. The petitioners contended that courtroom exchanges were being converted into digitally marketable content, political symbolism, and algorithmically amplified material, undermining the dignity of judicial proceedings.

The plea also cited remarks attributed to Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra claiming that 35-40 per cent advocates are fake .

Monday's ruling means the petitions will be listed for regular hearing in due course, with the Supreme Court signalling with characteristic judicial economy that viral satire does not constitute a national emergency.