CJI Surya Kant calls some unemployed youth 'cockroaches'
What's the story
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant recently made a controversial comparison, likening some unemployed youth to "cockroaches." He said some of them turn into media and social media activists who attack the system. The remarks were made during a hearing on senior advocate designation at the Supreme Court, where CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi were on the bench, The Indian Express reported.
Details
What CJI Surya Kant saidÂ
CJI Kant asked the petitioner, "There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?" "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," he added.
Designation debate
Petitioner warned his designation might be set aside
The bench was hearing a case related to a lawyer's pursuit of a senior advocate designation. CJI Kant questioned the lawyer's conduct and social media posts, saying, "The entire world may be eligible to become senior (advocate), but at least you are not entitled." He warned that if the Delhi High Court conferred this status on the petitioner, it would be set aside by the apex court.
Conduct scrutiny
Senior advocate designation not a status symbol: Court
The bench also questioned the petitioner's other litigations and whether his conduct was in line with someone seeking a senior advocate designation. CJI Kant asked, "Is this the conduct of a person who seeks to be designated as a senior advocate?" The court emphasized that the senior advocate designation is something that is conferred on a person, not pursued like a status symbol.
Degree verification
Bench wants CBI to verify degrees of many lawyers
Further, the bench expressed its intention to ask the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to verify the degrees of many lawyers. CJI Kant said there were "serious doubts" over their genuineness. He alleged that the Bar Council of India wouldn't act on this issue as they "need their votes." After these remarks, the petitioner apologized and sought permission to withdraw his petition, which was granted by the court.