Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that his oral remarks about “parasites” during a Supreme Court hearing were aimed at people entering professions with “fake and bogus degrees,” not at India’s unemployed youth. The clarification came after strong cou
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant moved to clarify remarks he made during an earlier hearing, saying his comments about “attacks” on institutions were directed at individuals who entered professions using “fake and bogus degrees,” not at the youth of the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday (May 16. 2026). the CJI said he was “pained” after “a section of the media” misquoted his oral observations made during the hearing of a “frivolous case” the day before.. He emphasized that what he “specifically criticised” were those who joined professions like the Bar with the help of fake and bogus degrees. adding that similar persons had “sneaked into the media. social media. and other noble professions.” He described them as “like parasites.”
The Chief Justice rejected suggestions that he had criticised unemployed youth. calling such claims “totally baseless.” He also said he has “immense respect” for India’s youth. adding: “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 clarification followed courtroom remarks made a day earlier during proceedings on a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking initiation of contempt proceedings over alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing Supreme Court guidelines on the designation of senior advocates.. The Bench. comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi as well. refused to entertain the plea and noted that senior advocate designation is a distinction “conferred” by the court and not a “status symbol.”
In the same hearing. the top court expressed concern over the growing number of lawyers allegedly possessing fake or dubious degrees and said that “a probe was warranted.” It was during those remarks that the Chief Justice also criticized what he called growing and unwarranted “attacks” on institutions by people with questionable credentials in law 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 said orally.
After the comments, the petitioner ultimately apologised and sought permission to withdraw the petition, which the Bench allowed.
The sequence of events ties back to the same courtroom focus: a plea alleging delay in implementing senior advocate designation guidelines was rejected. the Bench described the designation as a distinction “conferred” by the court. the court raised concern about fake or dubious degrees and said a probe was warranted. and the Chief Justice’s oral comments then targeted people entering professions through “fake and bogus degrees. ” framing them as those who “attack the system.”
Surya Kant Chief Justice of India parasites remarks fake and bogus degrees contempt proceedings senior advocates Delhi High Court Supreme Court guidelines Joymalya Bagchi Sanjay Dubey Bar media social media