CJI clarifies a day after ‘cockroaches’ remark: ‘Youth have respect for me, I see them as pillars of a developed India’
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified his controversial remarks referring to 'youngsters like cockroaches,' stating they were misquoted and specifically targeted individuals using fake degrees to enter professions. He emphasized his respect for Indian youth, calling them the 'pillars of a developed India' and expressed pride in their contributions. The initial comments arose during a hearing on a petition concerning the designation of senior advocates and allegations of fake law degrees.
- ▪CJI Surya Kant clarified that his 'cockroaches' remark was misquoted and aimed at those using fake degrees to enter professions like law.
- ▪He stated he holds the youth of India in high regard and sees them as essential to India's development.
- ▪The controversy emerged during a Supreme Court hearing on a petition about senior advocate designation and concerns over fraudulent law degrees.
- ▪CJI expressed concern over 'parasites' in society attacking institutions and urged investigation into lawyers with dubious qualifications.
- ▪The bench declined to hear the petition and criticized the petitioner's conduct and language on social media.
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CJI clarifies a day after ‘cockroaches’ remark: ‘Youth have respect for me, I see them as pillars of a developed India’His comments referring to “unemployed youngsters” as being like “cockroaches” sparked controversy, particularly among young people across the country.Updated on: May 16, 2026 4:46 PM ISTBy HT News DeskShare viaCopy link Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday sought to clear the air around his “youngsters like cockroaches” remark, saying that his oral observations were misquoted, and that his criticism was aimed specifically at those who entered professions such as the Bar (legal profession) using fake or bogus degrees.On Friday, CJI Kant raised concerns over the number of lawyers allegedly possessing fake law degrees.
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