CJI Surya Kant clarifies ‘parasites’ remarks, says youth are pillars of country

The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, on Saturday (May 16, 2026) issued a press release clarifying that his oral remarks made a day earlier Regarding “attacks” on establishments weren’t directed on the youth of the country, however at people who had entered professions comparable to regulation and media utilizing “fake and bogus degrees.”

“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 criticized 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,” the Chief Justice mentioned within the assertion issued on Saturday.

The Chief Justice maintained that stories suggesting he had criticized unemployed youth have been “totally baseless” and that he held “immense respect” for India’s youth.

“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”, he added.

The assertion got here a day after the Chief Justice made sturdy oral remarks whereas listening to a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey searching for initiation of contempt proceedings over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing the Supreme Court’s pointers governing the appointment of senior advocates.

Refusing to entertain the plea, the Bench, additionally comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noticed that senior advocate designation is a distinction “conferred” by the court docket and never a “status symbol.”

The high court docket additionally expressed concern over the rising quantity of legal professionals allegedly possessing false or doubtful levels and noticed {that a} probe was warranted.

The Chief Justice additionally criticized what he described as rising and unwarranted “attacks” on establishments by people with questionable credentials in professions comparable to regulation and media.

“There are parasites in society who attack the system… they don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the Chief Justice orally remarked.

The petitioner finally apologized and sought permission to withdraw the petition, which the Bench allowed.