CJI Surya Kant Warns Of Legal Action Over Fake Casteist Quote Viral On Social Media
CJI Surya Kant directs filing of a written complaint after allegations that the Supreme Court Registry misplaced an urgent case file, delaying its registration and listing
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has issued a strong statement condemning a fabricated casteist remark falsely attributed to him on social media, warning that those responsible would face strict legal action.
The controversy erupted after a post circulated on X from the handle “@UnreservedMERIT”, carrying a photograph of the Chief Justice alongside a purported Hindi quote attributed to him. The post claimed that CJI Surya Kant had made remarks suggesting that a community continued to view itself as oppressed despite occupying top constitutional positions such as IAS, IPS, President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India.
The Chief Justice categorically denied making any such statement and described the social media post as “baseless, malicious and patently false.”
“These assertions, which have been fraudulently attributed to me, are entirely baseless and do not reflect my words, views, or character,” the CJI said in an official statement.
Taking serious exception to the circulation of the alleged quote, the CJI said the fabrication amounted to a deliberate attempt to provoke social discord and undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions.
“To manufacture a fictitious quote and attribute it to the highest judicial office of the country is an act of utter dishonesty, deliberate social provocation, and contempt for constitutional values,” he stated.
The Chief Justice further said that such irresponsible conduct strikes at the very foundation of public faith in the judiciary and the rule of law.
“Such irresponsible conduct undermines the very foundation of public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement added.
CJI Surya Kant also warned that stringent legal action would be initiated against individuals responsible for creating and disseminating the fabricated content.
“I am prepared to bring the full might of the law to bear on the perpetrators and ensure that they face the repercussions of their mendacity,” the Chief Justice said.
The Office of the Chief Justice of India urged citizens, media organisations and social media platforms to refrain from sharing or amplifying unverified and fabricated content.
The statement also called upon the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information before circulating such posts online.