CJI Surya Kant says 'cockroach' remark misquoted, calls social media misuse 'malicious'
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday said his oral remarks made during a Supreme Court hearing were 'misquoted and misused' through social media clips that lacked context. He expressed concern that such misleading posts could negatively influence the country's youth.
In an interview with DD News, the CJI said, "My comment was misquoted and misused. What was not said is presented as though it was said. This is extremely unfortunate. Particularly, it is a major malicious attempt to mislead the youth of the country."
He was responding to the controversy surrounding his May 15 remark during a court hearing, when he compared certain individuals with fraudulent degrees to 'cockroaches' who become social media or RTI activists to attack the system.
The remark sparked a wave of backlash and gave rise to a satirical online movement called 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP). The movement later organised protests at Jantar Mantar related to the NEET-UG paper leak, and the agitation continued for over a month, culminating in a clash with police on July 20.
The CJI urged citizens to be mindful of their constitutional duties even as they exercise their rights. "When we speak of rights, we must also possess the capacity to fulfil our obligations. Therefore, I would urge them to keep their responsibilities in mind; we must all make tireless efforts to ensure that harmony prevails in society," he said.
He also cautioned against the circulation of short clips from court proceedings on social media, saying that such snippets often miss the full context. "You are on social media, print media or any form of media or you are simply a citizen. All of us have rights and constitutional duty and responsibilities," he added.
The CJI's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the limits of free speech and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. His clarification underscores the importance of verifying the accuracy of information that is shared online.
The incident also highlights the growing tendency of court proceedings to be excerpted and shared widely, sometimes leading to misunderstanding of judicial observations. Legal experts note that oral remarks in court are often preliminary and not formal judgments, and should be viewed with caution.
The controversy surrounding the CJI's comment had also been linked to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which came after the protests over the NEET-UG paper leak. However, there is no confirmed connection between the CJI's remark and the resignation.
The CJI's statement serves as a reminder that public figures, including judges, are often vulnerable to misinterpretation in the digital age. It also reaffirms the importance of responsible sharing of information, particularly when it concerns the judiciary.
