Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, on Saturday (May 16, 2026) issued a statement clarifying that his verbal remarks about “attacks” on institutions were not aimed at the country’s youth, but at individuals who entered professions such as law and media using “bogus and bogus degrees”.
“It pains me to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during yesterday’s hearing of a frivolous case. What I specifically criticized were those who entered professions like advocacy (legal profession) with the help of false and bogus titles. Such persons have infiltrated the media, social media and other noble professions,” the Chief Justice also said in a statement and that is why they are like parasites on Saturday.
The chief justice claimed that reports suggesting that he criticized unemployed youth were “completely baseless” and that he had “immense respect” for Indian youth.
“I am not only proud of our present and future human resources but I am inspired by every Indian youth. It is no exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great respect and admiration for me and I also see them as the pillars of a developed India,” he added.
The statement came a day after the chief justice made strong oral remarks while hearing a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking contempt proceedings over the Delhi High Court’s alleged delay in implementing Supreme Court directions governing the appointment of senior advocates.
The bench, which also declined to take up the Joymalya Bagchi case, observed that the appointment of a senior advocate is an honor “bestowed” by the court and not a “status symbol”.
The Supreme Court also expressed concern over the growing number of lawyers allegedly holding fake or dubious degrees, noting that an investigation was warranted.
The chief justice also criticized what he described as increasing and unwarranted “attacks” on institutions by individuals with dubious reputations in professions such as law and the media.
“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 remarked orally.
The petitioner eventually apologized and sought permission to withdraw the petition, which the bench granted.
Published – 16 May 2026 16:44 IST
