‘Cockroach’ remark aimed at those with fake degrees: CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his remarks referring to certain elements as “parasites” were being misquoted by a section of the media, asserting that his comments were aimed only at those entering professions with fake degrees and not at the youth.

“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 also sneaked into the media, social media and other noble professions, and hence, they are like parasites,” the CJI said.

In a statement issued on Saturday, CJI Kant clarified: “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.”

The clarification follows a controversy during a hearing on Friday, when CJI Kant used words such as “parasites” and “cockroaches” while pulling up a lawyer over his petition on the designation of senior advocates.