The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, on Saturday (May 16, 2026) issued a statement clarifying that his oral remarks made a day earlier regarding “attacks” on institutions were not directed at the youth of the country, but at individuals who had entered professions such as law and media using “fake and bogus degrees”.

“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 degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites,” the Chief Justice said in the statement issued on Saturday.

The Chief Justice maintained that reports suggesting he had criticised unemployed youth were “totally baseless” and that he held “immense respect” for India’s youth.

“Not only am I proud of our present and future human resources, but every youth of India inspires me. 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 added.

The statement came a day after the Chief Justice made strong oral remarks while hearing a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking initiation of contempt proceedings over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing the Supreme Court’s guidelines governing the designation of senior advocates.

Refusing to entertain the plea, the Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed that senior advocate designation is a distinction “conferred” by the court and not a “status symbol”.

The top court also expressed concern over the growing number of lawyers allegedly possessing fake or dubious degrees and observed that a probe was warranted.

The Chief Justice also criticised what he described as growing and unwarranted “attacks” on institutions by individuals with questionable credentials in professions such as law and media.

“There are parasites in society who attack the system… they don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the Chief Justice orally remarked.

The petitioner ultimately apologised and sought permission to withdraw the petition, which the Bench allowed.