Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, a day after kicking up a controversy over his ‘Youngsters are like cockroaches’ remark, issued a strong clarification on Saturday. He opined that his comments had been misrepresented widely and were never aimed at the nation’s youth. 

The ‘cockroaches’ remark had come from his side during a hearing which was underway at the Supreme Court. His comments triggered sharp reactions online, as several social media users accused him of insulting the unemployed youngsters. 

“Remarks were misquoted”: CJI Kant

Addressing the controversy, CJI Kant said a section of the media had selectively quoted his comments and had taken them out of content. He emphasised that his criticism was directed at such youngsters who entered respected professions by means of fake qualifications.

The Chief Justice said, “I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations,” adding that he had specifically referred to people who infiltrate professions like law, media and activism through ‘fake and bogus degrees.’ He further said such people were ‘parasites,’ who weaken institutions from within. 

Furthermore, CJI Kant rejected suggestions that he had criticised the country’s youth, saying, “Every youth of India inspires me. Young Indians are the pillars of a developed India.” 

When did the controversy unfold?

The controversy unfolded on Friday when a bench of the Supreme Court comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a petition filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey. Dubey had sought contempt proceedings against the Delhi High Court (HC) over alleged delay in implementing SC’s guidelines concerning the designation of senior advocates.

The bench, during the proceedings, expressed displeasure over increasing and unwarranted attacks on the judiciary and legal institutions. During this, CJI Kant criticised certain activists and online commentators, which later sparked backlash. 

The court also criticised Dubey’s conduct and objected to the language allegedly used by him on the social media platform Facebook. CJI, who was appearing displeased, warned that such behaviour fell below the standards expected from members of the legal fraternity. 

Towards the end of the hearing, Dubey apologised to the Bench and sought permission to withdraw the plea. Subsequently, the bench gave him the nod to do so.