Surya Kant on Saturday clarified that his controversial “cockroach” remark was misquoted by sections of the media and was never directed at unemployed youth or young lawyers struggling in the profession.

The clarification came after reports claimed that the Chief Justice had compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a hearing before the Supreme Court on May 15. The remarks quickly went viral on social media, triggering criticism and debate.

Issuing a statement on Saturday, the CJI said he was “pained” by the manner in which his oral observations had been reported. According to him, his criticism was specifically aimed at individuals entering professions such as law using fake or bogus degrees.

“What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Such persons have sneaked into media, social media, and other noble professions and hence they are like parasites,” the CJI stated.

The controversy arose during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey against the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court regarding the alleged non-implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on the process of granting senior advocate designation.

A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi had questioned the repeated litigation over senior designations. During the proceedings, the Bench also raised concerns about individuals allegedly entering the legal profession without proper qualifications.

Clarifying his stance further, the CJI said that attributing anti-youth sentiments to him was “totally baseless.”

“Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me. 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 is being viewed as an attempt to address the controversy and dispel perceptions that the Supreme Court had made derogatory remarks against unemployed youth or junior lawyers.