Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
As Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday (May 15, 2026) heard a lawyer’s plea for appointment as a senior advocate, he weighed in on what he described as growing and unwarranted “attacks on the judiciary” by the “media, social media and RTI activists”.
“There are parasites in the society who attack the system…they don’t get any job and have no place in the profession. Some of them become media, some become social media, some of them become RTI activists and start attacking everyone,” the Chief Justice observed.
The oral remarks came during the hearing of a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking contempt proceedings over the Delhi High Court’s alleged delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s directions governing the appointment of senior advocates.
The bench, which also includes Joymalya Bagchi, dismissed the plea saying that the appointment of senior advocate is an honor “bestowed” by the court and not a “status symbol”.
“Is the senior attorney label a status symbol that is decorative to keep or is it for your participation in the court system?” Lavička asked.
The presiding judge also pointed to the language allegedly used by the petitioner on Facebook and pointed out that such conduct was inconsistent with the discipline expected of members of the legal profession.
“The whole world may be eligible to become a senior (lawyer), but at least you are not,” the Bench observed.
The court further asked the petitioner whether he wished to “add a hand” to the individuals attacking the institution.
‘false degrees’
During the hearing, the Bench also expressed concern over the increasing number of lawyers allegedly holding fake or dubious degrees and stressed that the matter required investigation.
“Thousands of fraudulent people in black robes with serious doubts about educational attainment. CBI must do something,” CJI Kant remarked.
The Bench further observed that the issue of fake law degrees ideally warranted an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. He added that the Bar Council of India authorities are unlikely to take any strict action as “they are in collusion”.
Later in the course of the hearing, the petitioner apologized to the court and asked for permission to withdraw the action. The Bench eventually allowed the withdrawal of the petition.
Published – 15 May 2026 17:18 IST
