Supreme Court hearing turns controversial after CJI’s cockroach remark

During a recent hearing in the Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice Surya Kant made controversial remarks while addressing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking designation as a senior advocate. The comments quickly drew attention after the Chief Justice compared some unemployed youth to “cockroaches,” saying they later pose as media persons, social media activists, or RTI activists to “attack the system.” The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. During the proceedings, the bench strongly criticized the petitioner’s conduct and questioned his insistence on obtaining senior advocate status. The court remarked that society already has enough “parasites” attacking the system and stressed that becoming a senior advocate is not an automatic right but a recognition granted based on merit, ethics, and professional behavior. The bench further warned the lawyer that even if the Delhi High Court were to grant him senior advocate designation, the Supreme Court could overturn that decision considering his conduct. The judges questioned whether the petitioner had no other legal matters to focus on and whether such behavior was appropriate for someone aspiring to hold a respected legal title. During the hearing, the court also raised concerns about the authenticity of degrees held by some lawyers. The bench suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation could potentially investigate fake law degrees in the profession. The judges alleged that the Bar Council of India often avoids taking strict action because of vote-bank considerations. As the hearing concluded, the petitioner apologized before the court and requested permission to withdraw the petition. The Supreme Court accepted the request and allowed the withdrawal. The remarks made during the hearing have since triggered discussions on social media and within legal circles regarding judicial language, criticism of activism, and the challenges faced by unemployed youth in India.