The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking action against the alleged commercial exploitation of oral courtroom observations, including activities linked to the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP).

The PIL, filed by advocate Raja Choudhary, seeks directions to competent authorities to investigate and take action against individuals or entities allegedly involved in the commercial use, trademark appropriation, monetised circulation or unauthorised exploitation of oral observations made by judges during court proceedings.

The plea specifically refers to activities associated with the CJP, that emerged after controversy over oral remarks made by the Chief Justice earlier this year.

According to the petition, while fair criticism, democratic dissent, satire and constitutionally protected free speech must remain protected, judicial observations should not be commercially exploited in a manner that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice.

The PIL also seeks an independent probe, preferably by the CBI or another independent agency, into allegations relating to fake advocates, fraudulent law degrees, impersonation within the legal profession and declining professional standards.

The petition cites concerns previously flagged by the Bar Council of India and observations made by judges regarding the existence of individuals allegedly practising law using fake or unrecognised qualifications.

The case has its roots in oral remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during a hearing in May. Following widespread debate and the emergence of the “Cockroach Janta Party” as a satirical social media movement, the Chief Justice later clarified that his “cockroach” remark was directed only at individuals entering professions with fake or bogus degrees and not at students, youth, protesters or the younger generation at large.

The CJP subsequently grew into a prominent youth-led movement, gaining national attention through protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.

Earlier this month, its founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation would continue as a social movement focused on accountability and youth issues rather than immediately entering electoral politics.