CJI Surya Kant Criticizes Unemployed Youth, Labels Them ‘Cockroaches’ Amid Court Proceedings

In a striking remark, Chief Justice Surya Kant referred to some unemployed youth as “cockroaches,” suggesting that their lack of professional opportunities leads them to become activists, often targeting established systems through social media and the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This statement was made during a court session on Friday while addressing a petition concerning the designation of a lawyer as a senior advocate.

Justice Kant, alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi, expressed concern over the growing number of individuals who, instead of joining the legal profession constructively, turn into critics of the judiciary and the system at large. “We are fully aware of the posts circulating on social media that aim to undermine the judiciary,” he stated. The Chief Justice emphasized that society already faces enough challenges from individuals he called “parasites” who are attacking judicial integrity, urging lawyers to refrain from aligning with these critics.

The remarks came in light of a petition from a lawyer who sought intervention from the Supreme Court, claiming that the Delhi High Court had not acted promptly as directed in previous rulings regarding his appeal. The lawyer argued that it was his third attempt to secure a response from the High Court, which had either delayed or dismissed his applications without due diligence.

During the proceedings, the lawyer highlighted the urgency of his plea, stating that the High Court’s inaction was affecting his professional trajectory. In response, the counsel representing the High Court informed the bench that interviews for the senior advocate designation were underway, but also acknowledged that the process had been slower than anticipated, leading to frustration among applicants.

The Chief Justice’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of unemployed youth in India and their methods of expressing dissent. Critics argue that such language could discourage activism, which is a vital aspect of democratic engagement, while supporters believe it sheds light on the challenges faced by the justice system.

Source: scroll.in