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New Delhi:Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his recent “cockroaches” remark was wrongly interpreted by a section of the media and unfairly linked to the youth of the country. He said his comments were aimed at people using fake degrees to enter respected professions, not at young Indians.

In a strong clarification, the CJI said, “I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday. What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites. It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation.”

He added, “Not only am I proud of our present and future human resources, but every youth of India inspires me. It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me, and I too see them as the pillars of a developed India.”

The controversy began during the hearing of a petition related to the designation of a lawyer as a Senior Advocate. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the petitioner’s conduct and his social media activity.

During the hearing, the bench remarked that becoming a Senior Advocate was an honour granted by the court, not something to be aggressively pursued. The judges questioned his conduct, including the language he allegedly used on Facebook. They asked whether the designation had become more of a status symbol than a professional recognition.

The CJI had earlier observed that some people without proper work or credibility attack institutions through social media and activism. He said that if the Delhi High Court has granted senior advocate designation to the petitioner, then the Supreme Court can set it aside in view of personal conduct.

While referring to the social media conduct, CJI said, “There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?”

He added, “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists and they start attacking everyone.”

The comments later triggered criticism online after being interpreted as targeting unemployed youth.

While responding to the backlash, Justice Surya Kant said that he has deep respect for India’s youth and sees them as the foundation of a developed nation.

“Every youth of India inspires me,” he said, adding that young Indians continue to earn global recognition through their talent and hard work.

The Supreme Court also raised concerns during the hearing over fake law degrees and indicated that a verification exercise through the CBI may be considered in future.