CJI Surya Kant Clarifies 'Youngsters Are Parasites' Remark; Says Media Misquoted His Oral Observations

The Chief Justice of India has clarified his controversial "Parasites" remark from yesterday, stating that media has misquoted his oral observations which were made during hearing of a frivolous case.

“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 criticised 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 CJI Surya Kant has said.

Yesterday, while hearing a plea concerning conferment of Senior Designation, CJI Kant had addressed the growing trend of lawyers becoming activists to attack the institutions. "There are youngsters who do not get any employment, who do not have any place in the profession, they become social media, they become RTI activist and they start attacking everyone...", the CJI added.

"It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, 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,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has clarified on his yesterday’s statement on youth, misquoted by a section of media.

Supreme Court yesterday had come down heavily on a petitioner appearing in person before it in a plea seeking conferment of Senior Designation. At the outset a miffed CJI Surya Kant had told Advocate Sanjay Dubey, "The whole world should become a senior but not you..if the High Court grants you a senior designation we will set it aside.."

Dubey had informed court that the High Court had failed to comply with the Supreme Court's earlier direction to reconsider the deferred or rejected applications expeditiously. "What is the purpose of filing this frivolous petition..there are already parasites in the society and you want to join hands with them.", CJI had said. Adding to the sentiment, Justice Bagchi, also on the bench said, "You have no other litigation to pursue other than this.."

Justice Bagchi tried to reason out with the petitioner in person and told him that senior advocate designation is something that is conferred on an advocate and not pursued by them.