New Delhi, May 16 (KNC): Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his recent remarks comparing certain individuals to “cockroaches” were misinterpreted and not aimed at unemployed youth.

In a statement issued after widespread criticism, the CJI said sections of the media had “misquoted” his oral observations made during a Supreme Court hearing related to alleged fake law degrees and senior advocate designation proceedings.

Justice Surya Kant stated that his criticism was specifically directed at individuals who allegedly entered professions such as law through “fake and bogus degrees.” He added that similar elements had also infiltrated media and social media spaces, describing them as “parasites” harming institutions.

The controversy erupted after remarks made during Friday’s hearing were widely circulated, where the CJI had referred to some “youngsters like cockroaches” allegedly attacking institutions through activism and social media.

Clarifying his position, the Chief Justice said it was “totally baseless” to suggest that he had criticised India’s youth, adding that he deeply respected young people and considered them the pillars of a developed India.

The remarks were made during proceedings involving a petition concerning the Delhi High Court’s process for designation of senior advocates, where the Supreme Court also raised concerns over the authenticity of certain law degrees and hinted at the possibility of a probe into fake qualifications in the legal profession.(KNC)