The Supreme Court of India on Friday made callous remarks on individuals allegedly using activism and social media platforms to target the justice system. During the hearing of a plea linked to the conferment of senior advocate designation, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant made strong remarks about such people who, according to him, attempt to undermine institutions without professional engagement.

He asserted, “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who fail to secure employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they begin attacking everyone.”

The bench which made the observations comprised CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and was hearing a petition filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey.

Court turns down plea

Dubey had approached the top court seeking contempt proceedings over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court (HC) in implementing the SC’s guidelines concerning the designation of senior advocates. However, the bench said it would not entertain the petition and strongly criticised the petitioner’s conduct, questioning whether the pursuit of senior advocate designation had become a matter of prestige rather than service to the justice system. The bench asked, “You are pursuing it. Does it look proper?”

Justice Bagchi then asked Dubey whether the senior advocate tag had become merely a symbolic distinction. He raised further questions, asking, “Is a senior advocate tag a status symbol which is ornamental to be kept or for your participation in the justice system?” The hearing reached such a stage when the bench bluntly remarked, “The entire world may be entitled to become senior advocate, but at least you are not.”

Petitioner faces heat over social media conduct

The hearing further took a sharp turn when the court referred to the language allegedly used by the petitioner on the social media platform, Facebook. CJI, who was visibly displeased, warned that such behaviour did not align with the standards expected from members of the legal fraternity. He said, “Let people understand the kind of language you are using on Facebook.

I will show you the meaning of discipline in the profession.” Furthermore, the bench raised concern about individuals ‘attacking the system’ and remarked that society already had enough parasites, attempting to weaken institutions.

SC flags fake law degree issue

Besides this, the bench also raised alarm over the growing number of lawyers allegedly practising with fake or dubious academic credentials. The CJI remarked, “Thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes with serious doubts about their degrees. The CBI needs to do something.”

The court suggested that the CBI should ideally probe the issue, while also expressing scepticism over whether Bar Council bodies would take stringent action. According to the bench, Bar Council authorities were unlikely to act decisively because ‘they need their votes.’