Major Clarification Regarding CJI Surya Kant ‘Cockroach’ Remark

Recently, a remark regarding "cockroaches" made by Chief Justice Surya Kant sparked widespread discussion across the country. Many on social media claimed that the comment was directed at the nation's youth or students. However, the Chief Justice clarified that this explanation was entirely incorrect.

He said that the remark referred to individuals entering the legal profession with fake or unrecognised law degrees, rather than to students or the youth in general.

In an interview, the Chief Justice said that his remarks had been hinted completely taken out of context. He explained that the court was discussing individuals who had entered the legal profession using unrecognised or fake law degrees. He noted that the presence of thousands of such individuals had become a serious problem for the judicial system.

It was in this context that he used the analogy of "cockroaches" to describe them. He clarified that the remark had no connection whatsoever to the country's students or youth.

CJI Surya Kant clearly said that the Supreme Court is open to every citizen of the country.

According to him, if someone files a petition in the proper manner, the Court will certainly consider it. However, the Court cannot advise anyone to file a case, as doing so could compromise judicial objectivity.

According to the Chief Justice, oral remarks made in court are often reported out of context, leading to public confusion.

He believes there should be specific guidelines or protocols for reporting on court proceedings, particularly regarding administrative processes such as "oral mentioning." In his view:

• Oral remarks made in court should be presented in the proper context.
• Formal briefings could be provided to the media if necessary.
• Administrative remarks should not be portrayed as judicial observations.

The Chief Justice clarified that the court's recent directive does not amount to a joke order on the media. He said that news organisations are free to report court proceedings exactly as they unfold.

However, his concern primarily centres on social media accounts or platforms that circulate misleading information by misrepresenting the court's statements.