CJI Surya Kant Clarifies His “Cockroaches” Remarks Amid Media Controversy

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a strong clarification over his recent “parasites” remarks, saying he was “pained” by media reports that suggested he had criticised the youth of the country.

In a statement, the CJI said a section of the media had misquoted his oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case on Friday.

“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,” he said.

Justice Kant clarified that his comments were aimed only at people who entered the legal profession using “fake and bogus degrees” and not at India’s youth.

He said such individuals had also entered other respected fields, including media and social media, and described them as “parasites.”

“What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar 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,” he said.

The clarification came after controversy erupted over remarks made during a court hearing on Friday, when the CJI used words such as “parasites” and “cockroaches” while reprimanding a lawyer over a plea seeking senior designation.

Rejecting claims that he had targeted young people, Justice Kant said such suggestions were completely baseless.

“It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me,” he said.

He added that Indian youth were the pillars of a developed India and said he held deep respect for them.

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