Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant clarified his controversial cockroaches remark, saying a section of the media had misquoted his oral observations and wrongly portrayed them as criticism of the country’s youth during recent coverage in reports.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant issued a clarification regarding his controversial cockroaches remark, stating that a section of the media had misquoted his oral observations and incorrectly portrayed them as criticism of the country’s youth.
CJI Surya Kant said in his clarification,
“I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday. What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites. It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation,”
The CJI further said he is proud of India’s youth and views them as key to a developed India.
He added,
“Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me. It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me, and I too see them as the pillars of a developed India,”
The controversy began after comments made by the CJI during the hearing of a petition connected to the designation of a lawyer as a Senior Advocate.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
During the proceedings, the bench reprimanded the petitioner lawyer for allegedly pursuing senior advocate status in an aggressive manner, and questioned his conduct, including remarks said to have been made by him on Facebook.
The bench told the petitioner,
“The entire world may be eligible to become senior (advocate), but at least you are not entitled,”
Expressing distress, the CJI indicated that if the Delhi High Court were to grant senior advocate designation to the petitioner, the Supreme Court would reverse it due to the lawyer’s professional conduct.
While referring to the lawyer’s social media activity, the CJI remarked,
“There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?”
He also said,
“There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists and they start attacking everyone.”
The bench also made it clear that a Senior Advocate designation is an honor conferred on a lawyer not something that should be pursued insistently.
Adding that it appeared as if senior advocate status was being treated like a showpiece to be displayed, the court asked,
“You are pursuing it. Does it look proper?”
The bench further questioned whether the petitioner had no other litigation work and whether such conduct was suitable for someone seeking the designation.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also raised doubts about the authenticity of degrees held by some lawyers. The CJI said the court was considering asking the Central Bureau of Investigation to verify the degrees of several lawyers, citing serious concerns about their genuineness.
The court also observed that the Bar Council of India would not take action because they need their votes.
After the court’s remarks, the petitioner apologised and requested permission to withdraw the petition.
The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal.