Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told a lawyer “don’t take it so sentimentally” during a hearing in which a Public Interest Litigation raised concerns about an alleged distorted and malicious narrative being used to malign the judiciary, despite earlier clarification from the CJI regarding his “cockroach” remark.

A bench comprising the CJI along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi declined to grant an urgent hearing of the petitions, stating that there was no immediate urgency and that the matters would be considered in due course. Two advocates mentioned their petitions before the court. One sought directions to prevent courtroom exchanges from being used for commercial purposes and also demanded a CBI investigation into alleged fake law degrees. Another PIL requested a CBI probe into activities linked to a satirical online campaign referred to as the “Cockroach Janata Party,” which emerged following the CJI’s controversial remark.

During the mention, advocate NK Goswami argued that the campaign was damaging the image of the judiciary. In response, the CJI remarked, “don’t take it so sentimentally.” The petitions also included allegations about individuals practicing law with fraudulent qualifications and sought action against the alleged monetisation and circulation of courtroom remarks made during recent Supreme Court proceedings.

The online satirical movement reportedly arose after the CJI, during a hearing, expressed concern about people entering the legal profession with fake degrees and made a comparison involving unemployed youth and “cockroaches,” suggesting that some individuals unable to find employment turn to activism through media, social platforms, and RTI applications to challenge institutions.

He had also said that there were "thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes" with questionable qualifications. The CJI later clarified that his comments were misrepresented and were aimed at individuals with fake or bogus degrees, not unemployed youth in general. CJI Surya Kant also expressed concern that his oral remarks during court proceedings were being misquoted and misused publicly.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.