Surya Kant says media twisted his “cockroach” remarks during hearing.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has clarified his controversial “cockroach” remark after criticism and media debate erupted over comments made during a Supreme Court hearing. The CJI said that his statement had been “completely distorted” and wrongly projected as an insult toward the unemployed youth of the country. The controversy began on Friday during the hearing of a petition filed by a lawyer seeking senior advocate status. During the proceedings, the CJI reportedly made remarks about certain individuals entering respected professions through fake and forged qualifications. Some media reports interpreted his comments as referring to unemployed youth in general, leading to widespread criticism on social media and public discussions. Responding to the backlash, CJI Surya Kant expressed regret over the misunderstanding and clarified that he never intended to target India’s youth. He stated that a section of the media had selectively presented his oral observations made during what he described as a “trivial” case. According to him, the comments were specifically directed at people who misuse fake degrees and unethical methods to enter professions such as law, media, and public activism. The Chief Justice explained that he had criticized individuals who infiltrate respected institutions through dishonest means. He said such people later attack the system while presenting themselves as members of the media, social media activists, or RTI campaigners. Referring to them metaphorically as “cockroaches,” he emphasized that the criticism was aimed at corruption and fraud within professional systems, not at genuine unemployed youth. CJI Surya Kant further rejected claims that he had insulted young people in India. He said it was “completely baseless” to suggest that he had criticized the nation’s youth. Instead, he stressed that he deeply respects and admires India’s younger generation and believes they are the foundation of the country’s future development. In his clarification, the Chief Justice also praised the energy, talent, and contribution of Indian youth. He said that young Indians continue to inspire him and are the pillars of a developed and progressive India. He added that he holds great faith in the country’s present and future human resources and considers the youth an important driving force for national growth. The clarification came after several social media users and commentators questioned the remarks and demanded an explanation from the judiciary. Many users had interpreted the statement as insensitive toward unemployed individuals struggling with economic and career challenges. With his latest statement, the CJI attempted to put the controversy to rest by making it clear that his remarks were never meant to demean unemployed youth. Instead, he reiterated that his concern was about unethical individuals damaging the credibility of respected professions and institutions through fraudulent practices.