The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over the increasing number of lawyers allegedly practising with questionable or fake degrees, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observing that the issue requires urgent attention from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while hearing a petition seeking contempt action over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing the Supreme Court’s guidelines regarding designation of Senior Advocates.

During the hearing, the Bench voiced concern over the credibility of some individuals entering the legal profession. The CJI remarked that there are “thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes” whose academic qualifications are under serious doubt, adding that the CBI should ideally investigate the matter.

The Court, however, refused to entertain the contempt plea and also strongly objected to the language allegedly used by the petitioner, advocate Sanjay Dubey, on social media platforms.

“Let people understand the kind of language you're using on Facebook. I will show you what is the meaning of discipline in the profession,” the CJI orally observed during the proceedings.

Justice Bagchi also questioned the approach behind seeking Senior Advocate designation, asking whether the title was being treated merely as a status symbol or as a responsibility towards strengthening the justice delivery system.

“Is a senior advocate tag a status symbol which is ornamental to be kept or for your participation in the justice system?” Justice Bagchi remarked.

Following the Court’s observations, the petitioner chose to withdraw the plea.