New Delhi, May 16: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his recent remarks referring to certain individuals as “parasites” and mentioning “youngsters like cockroaches” were misrepresented by some media outlets. He emphasized that his comments were directed solely at people entering professions with fake degrees, not at the youth of the country.

In a statement, CJI Kant expressed his concern over reports suggesting that he had criticised India’s youth during the Supreme Court hearing of a “frivolous case” on Friday. “I am pained to see how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday,” he said.

The CJI clarified that his criticism was specifically aimed at individuals who enter professions, including the legal field, using “fake and bogus degrees.” “What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar individuals have infiltrated media, social media, and other respected professions, which is why they can be described as ‘parasites,’” the statement said. He called suggestions that his remarks targeted young people “totally baseless.”

“It is completely unfounded to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. On the contrary, I am proud of our present and future human resource, and every young person in India inspires me,” CJI Kant added. He further acknowledged Indian youth as the “pillars of a developed India,” expressing his deep respect and admiration for them.

The clarification came after a Bench led by CJI Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, made strong oral observations while hearing a petition from an advocate challenging the Delhi High Court’s refusal to consider him for senior designation. During the hearing, the Bench had referred to certain individuals as “parasites” seeking to undermine institutions and cautioned members of the Bar against associating with them. CJI Kant also remarked that some youngsters, unable to establish themselves in professions, turn to media, social media, RTI activism, or other forms of activism and begin targeting others. These comments had sparked widespread reactions on social media and in sections of society.