CJI Surya Kant in his statement on Saturday has denied having used the word ‘youngsters like cockroaches’ to describe the young talented players, revealing that it was an off-the-cuff remark out of context and was a misquotation of the entire speech. His criticism was for those individuals, who were going for a career with bogus or fake degree and not for the young Nation of the country,” the Chief Justice noted.
His clarification follows his day of oral statements to a court and sparked a trickle of social media discussion and criticism. In course of the Friday’s proceedings, CJI Kant had voiced concern over the number of noxious lawyers allegedly getting fake law degrees and joining the practice of the law. He states that such people were “parasites in society” “poisoning” institutions and highlights that they are scourges on society.
In responding to the controversy, the Chief Justice revealed that he was “pained” by reports that he had insulted the youth of India. He added that young people continue to be the backbone of the country’s future and he has a lot of respect for them.
CJI Kant specifically referred to the people who fake educational documents to get into prestigious professions like law, media and public service. He said that such people erode values and confidence of people in institutions.
The Chief Justice also expressed his trust in the youth of India and called them “pillars of a developed India” having a tremendous influence on the future of India. His explanation follows a series of debates and issues around professional ethics and fake certificates with lack of accountability in public institutions.