“I am pained to read…”: CJI Surya Kant clarifies ‘jobless cockroaches’ remark; says youth was never targeted

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarifies on his yesterday’s statement on youth, misquoted by a section of media. In a statement issued after the controversy erupted, he said he was “pained” to see how his remarks were interpreted and circulated.

Post Published By: Subhash Raturi

Updated : 16 May 2026, 3:52 PM IST

CJI Surya Kant clarifies his ‘jobless cockroaches’ statement (Dynamite News)

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has issued a clarification on reports claiming that he referred to the youth of the country as “jobless cockroaches,” stating that his oral observations during a court hearing were “completely misquoted” by a section of the media.

In a statement to Dynamite News, the Chief Justice said he was “pained” to see how his remarks were interpreted and circulated.

“I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday,” CJI Surya Kant said.
Clarifying his remarks, CJI stated that his criticism was specifically directed at people who allegedly entered professions using fake and bogus degrees.

“What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites.”

“I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday. What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus… pic.twitter.com/pdRQhhcNhX

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) May 16, 2026

Rejecting allegations that he had insulted the country’s youth, the CJI called such interpretations “totally baseless.”

“It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me,” he added.

Emphasising his faith in the younger generation, the Chief Justice said Indian youth are the foundation of a developed India and deserve respect and encouragement.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me, and I too see them as the pillars of a developed India,” he further wrote.

The clarification comes amid widespread debate on social media and news platforms after portions of the oral observations from the hearing went viral, triggering criticism and political reactions.

The Chief Justice’s comments were aimed at individuals using fraudulent qualifications, and not at unemployed youth as a whole.