TNI Bureau: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that his recent courtroom remarks comparing some individuals to “cockroaches” were misquoted and were not directed at the youth of the country.

In a statement, the CJI said his criticism was aimed only at people who entered professions such as law using fake or bogus degrees. He added that similar individuals had also entered media, social media and other professions, describing them as “parasites”.

“It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Every youth of India inspires me and they are the pillars of a developed India,” he said.

The clarification came a day after a Supreme Court hearing where a bench comprising the CJI and Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticised a lawyer for filing what it termed a “frivolous” petition related to senior advocate designation.

During the hearing, the bench dismissed the plea, which had been filed for the third time before the Supreme Court. The petitioner later apologised and sought permission to withdraw the case, which the court allowed.