'Misquoted my oral observations': CJI Surya Kant clarifies 'cockroach' remarks on unemployed youth

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday clarified his recent remarks comparing some unemployed youth to 'cockroaches', asserting that his observations had been 'misquoted' and were specifically aimed at people entering professions using 'fake and bogus degrees.'In a statement issued a day after the remarks triggered controversy, CJI Kant said, "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."Clarifying the context of his comments, he said, "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."Calling reports suggesting he targeted Indian youth 'totally baseless', the Chief Justice added, "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 came a day after CJI Kant, while hearing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking designation as a senior advocate, made sharp observations about certain unemployed youngsters and individuals allegedly attacking institutions through social media and activism.During Friday's hearing, a bench comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticised the petitioner for allegedly pursuing senior advocate designation aggressively, observing that such recognition was conferred by courts and not something to be 'chased'.Referring to the petitioner’s conduct and social media activity, the Chief Justice had remarked, "There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?"He further said, "There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists and they start attacking everyone."The bench also raised concerns over the authenticity of certain law degrees, observing that there were serious doubts regarding fake qualifications in the legal profession. It added that the Bar Council of India was unlikely to act because it 'needs their votes'.The petitioner later apologised before the bench and sought permission to withdraw the plea, which the court allowed.