Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a sharp clarification over his controversial courtroom remarks that sparked widespread debate, asserting that his observations were wrongly interpreted as criticism of the country’s youth.
In a statement released a day after the remarks triggered backlash, the Chief Justice said he was “deeply pained” by media reports that allegedly distorted the context of his oral observations made during the hearing of a plea related to senior advocate designation.
“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 specifically aimed at individuals who allegedly enter professions such as law using “fake and bogus degrees,” and not at young people in general.
“What I had criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have infiltrated the media, social media and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites,” the CJI stated.
The controversy arose during Friday’s court proceedings when the Chief Justice, while questioning a lawyer over a plea seeking senior designation, reportedly used expressions such as “parasites” and “cockroaches.” The remarks quickly drew attention on social media and in sections of the press, with some reports suggesting they were directed at the younger generation.
Rejecting that interpretation, Justice Kant said the suggestion that he had criticised India’s youth was “completely baseless.”
“Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me,” he said, adding that young Indians remain the foundation of the country’s future growth and development.
“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.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny over oral courtroom remarks and the manner in which they are reported and circulated in the public domain.
