Chief Justice Surya Kant Clarifies Controversial Remarks on Youth

Chief Justice Surya Kant has issued a clarification regarding his controversial comments about youth, which were misrepresented by certain media outlets. He expressed pride in the youth of India, viewing them as vital to the nation's development. The remarks were made during a hearing related to a petition for a senior advocate designation, where the Chief Justice criticized the use of fake degrees in the legal profession. He emphasized that it is unfounded to interpret his comments as a critique of the youth, asserting that they inspire him and are essential for a progressive India. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about professional conduct within the legal field.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 16:03 IST

Clarification on Misinterpreted Comments

On Saturday, Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks about 'cockroaches,' stating that a segment of the media misrepresented his comments, framing them as criticism of the youth in the country. In his clarification, Justice Surya Kant expressed his disappointment over the misquotation during a hearing of a trivial case. He emphasized that his criticism was directed at individuals who entered the legal profession using fake degrees. Such individuals have infiltrated media, social media, and other esteemed professions, making them akin to parasites. He firmly stated that it is unfounded to claim he criticized the youth of India.

Pride in the Youth of India

The Chief Justice further elaborated that he takes immense pride in the youth of the nation, viewing them as pillars of a developed India. He expressed that not only does he take pride in the current and future human resources of the country, but every young Indian inspires him. He noted that it would not be an exaggeration to say that there is significant respect and admiration for him among the youth, whom he considers essential for a progressive India. This controversy arose during a hearing regarding a petition for designating a lawyer as a senior advocate, where Justice Surya Kant made comments that sparked the debate.

Concerns Over Professional Conduct

During the proceedings, the bench reprimanded the petitioner for aggressively pursuing the senior advocate designation and questioned their conduct, including language allegedly used on Facebook. The bench remarked that while many around the world may be eligible for the title of senior advocate, the petitioner did not meet the criteria. A visibly upset Chief Justice Surya Kant warned that if the Delhi High Court granted the petitioner the senior advocate title, the Supreme Court would likely revoke it based on their professional conduct. He highlighted the presence of existing societal parasites attacking the system and questioned the petitioner's desire to align with them.