Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday made strong remarks in the Supreme Court of India while hearing a case related to the designation of a lawyer as a senior advocate. During the hearing, the Chief Justice compared some unemployed youngsters to “cockroaches” and said they later become media persons, social media users, RTI activists, or activists who “attack the system”.
The comments came during proceedings before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The court was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking senior advocate designation.
The bench criticised the petitioner for “pursuing” the designation too aggressively and questioned his professional conduct, including remarks allegedly made by him on Facebook.
“The entire world may be eligible to become senior (advocate), but at least you are not entitled,” the bench told the lawyer.
A visibly upset Chief Justice said that if the Delhi High Court were to grant senior advocate status to the petitioner, the Supreme Court would set it aside because of his conduct.
Referring to the petitioner’s alleged social media behaviour, the Chief Justice remarked, “There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?”
He further said, “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists and they start attacking everyone.”
Supreme Court Questions Conduct of Petitioner
The bench stressed that the designation of senior advocate is a recognition given by the court and not something that should be actively chased by lawyers.
“You are pursuing it. Does it look proper?” the court asked.
The judges also questioned whether becoming a senior advocate had become merely a “status symbol” for some lawyers.
During the hearing, the bench asked the petitioner whether he had no other litigation work and whether such behaviour was suitable for someone aspiring for the senior advocate designation.
Court Raises Concerns Over Fake Law Degrees
The Supreme Court also raised concerns about the authenticity of degrees held by some lawyers practising in courts.
Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court was considering asking the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to verify the degrees of many lawyers wearing black coats because there were serious doubts about whether some of those degrees were genuine.
The bench also criticised the Bar Council of India, saying it would not take strict action in such matters because “they need their votes”.
Following the sharp observations from the bench, the petitioner apologised before the court and sought permission to withdraw his plea.
The Supreme Court allowed the petition to be withdrawn.
