A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking legal action against the self-styled political entity “Cockroach Janta Party” over the alleged misuse and commercial exploitation of verbal observations made by the apex court.The plea has also sought an independent investigation, preferably by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), into allegations concerning “fake advocates” allegedly practising law using fraudulent degrees.Also read: Cockroach Janta Party: How an insect jibe united India’s disgruntled jobless youthAccording to news agency ANI, the petition argued that the activities of such entities amount to the commodification of constitutional proceedings and undermine the sanctity of judicial institutions.“The emergence of entities and symbolic campaigns allegedly using courtroom expressions for publicity, trade applications, commercial engagement, and digital mobilisation demonstrates dangerous commodification of constitutional proceedings,” the plea stated.The PIL alleged that courtroom remarks and verbal observations of the Supreme Court were being used for publicity campaigns and commercial purposes, raising concerns over the misuse of judicial proceedings in the public domain.The matter is yet to be taken up for hearing by the Supreme Court.What is ‘Cockroach Janta Party’?The Cockroach Janta Party emerged earlier this month as a satirical online political movement that quickly gained traction among young social media users. The spoof party describes itself as “India’s most honest political party for the lazy, unemployed and forgotten citizens” and claims to represent young Indians who feel alienated from mainstream politics.The movement was launched on May 16 after Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant allegedly referred to unemployed youngsters as “parasites” and “cockroaches” during a courtroom hearing. The remarks triggered widespread backlash online, although the CJI later said he had been misquoted by sections of the media.The party’s messaging heavily uses satire around unemployment and youth frustration. Its manifesto includes lines such as: “Resume gaps celebrated, not questioned — employment history is just a social construct.”CJP was reportedly founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a former member of the Aam Aadmi Party.Also read: Cockroach Janta Party sparks political curiosity, unease in opposition ranksHow the movement rapidly expanded onlineIn just days, the movement drew massive attention across social media platforms, with reports stating that its Instagram following surpassed that of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.Political analysts cited by Bloomberg in a report have linked the popularity of the movement to growing frustration among Gen Z Indians over unemployment and lack of economic opportunities despite India being the world’s fastest-growing major economy.A 2023 report by Azim Premji University found unemployment among college graduates aged 15 to 25 remained close to 40%, while it was around 20% for those aged 25 to 29.“The speed at which it has reached out to this entire generation and amassed so many million followers shows that it has resonated,” Zaad Mahmood, professor of politics at Presidency University in Kolkata, said about CJP’s rise. "It shows a deepening frustration with the kind of politics and society that they inhabit," he told Bloomberg.The movement also received attention from opposition leaders. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on X: “I understand the frustrations of the youth and see why they are resonating with it. This is an opportunity that the opposition must seize.”