CJI Surya Kant slams ‘parasites’ attacking system, compares some unemployed youth to ‘cockroaches’

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday launched a scathing attack on individuals “attacking the system”, comparing some unemployed youngsters to “cockroaches” and reportedly accusing them of turning into media, social media, and RTI activists to target institutions and professionals during a hearing in the Supreme Court.

As per reports, the remarks were made while a bench comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking senior advocate designation.

Pulling up the petitioner for allegedly “pursuing” the designation, the bench observed that senior advocate status was an honour conferred by the court and not something to be actively sought.

A visibly displeased CJI reportedly said that even if the Delhi High Court were to confer senior advocate designation on the petitioner, the Supreme Court would set it aside after examining his professional conduct.

The bench also referred to comments allegedly made by the petitioner on Facebook.

Reports citing the CJI remark state: “There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?” 

He further added: “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some become social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone.”

The court further reportedly questioned the petitioner over his conduct and asked whether he had no other litigation to pursue.

The top court also observed that senior advocate designation was not a status symbol to be displayed ornamentally.

During the hearing, the bench additionally expressed concern over the authenticity of law degrees held by some advocates.

The CJI observed that the court sometimes felt the need to ask the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to verify the degrees of certain lawyers wearing black robes, as there were “serious doubts” regarding their genuineness.

Following the observations, the petitioner apologised to the court and sought permission to withdraw the petition. The bench allowed the request and dismissed the matter as withdrawn.