New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday clarified his controversial remarks comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches,” stating that his observations had been misquoted and were specifically directed at individuals entering professions using fake and fraudulent degrees.

In a statement issued a day after the remarks sparked criticism, CJI Kant expressed disappointment over the interpretation of his comments.

“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,” he said.

Clarifying the context, the Chief Justice explained that his criticism was aimed at people who had allegedly entered professions such as law through bogus qualifications.

“What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar 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,” he stated.

Rejecting reports that suggested he had targeted Indian youth in general, CJI Kant said he held immense respect and admiration for the younger generation.

“Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, 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 clarification came a day after the Chief Justice, while hearing a petition filed by a lawyer seeking designation as a senior advocate, made strong observations regarding individuals allegedly misusing activism and social media to attack institutions.

During Friday’s hearing, a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticised the petitioner for aggressively pursuing senior advocate designation, observing that such recognition is conferred by courts and should not be “chased.”

Referring to the petitioner’s conduct and social media activity, the Chief Justice had remarked, “There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them?”

He had further observed, “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.”

The bench also raised concerns over the authenticity of certain law degrees and remarked that there were serious doubts about fake qualifications within the legal profession. The court further observed that the Bar Council of India was unlikely to take strict action because it “needs their votes.”

The petitioner later apologised before the bench and sought permission to withdraw the plea, which the court allowed.