THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 16: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his controversial oral remarks made during a court hearing were directed only at individuals who entered professions using fake or bogus degrees, and not at the youth of the country, as reported by a section of the media.
The clarification came after his comments sparked widespread debate online, with several reports suggesting that the CJI had criticised unemployed youth and young activists.
CJI Says Remarks Were Misquoted
In a statement issued on Saturday, Justice Surya Kant said his observations had been “misquoted” and taken out of context.
“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,” the CJI said.
He further said that claims suggesting he had criticised the youth of India were “totally 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. 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,” he added.
Remarks Made During Delhi High Court Hearing
The comments were made while the Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking senior designation by the Delhi High Court.
During the hearing, the CJI reportedly questioned the genuineness of law degrees held by several advocates, particularly in Delhi, and said he was considering asking the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to verify such degrees.
He had also remarked that “parasites” were attacking institutions and referred to unemployed youngsters entering media, social media, and activism.
“There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, some of them become other activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the CJI had said during the hearing.
Controversy Over CJI’s Remarks
The remarks quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from several users who interpreted them as an attack on unemployed youth, activists, and media professionals. Following the backlash, the Chief Justice issued the clarification to explain the context of his comments.
