‘Unemployed youth are like cockroaches’:CJI says they attack system through media, social media and RTI activism

Supreme Court on Friday sharply reprimanded a lawyer during the hearing of his petition seeking designation as a senior advocate, with the bench making strong remarks on individuals who “attack the system” through media, social media and RTI activism. A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing the plea when it criticized the petitioner’s conduct and questioned his eligibility for the senior advocate status. Bench makes strong remarks during hearing During the proceedings, Justice Surya Kant remarked that some unemployed youth are like “cockroaches” who later start attacking the system through media, social media or RTI activism. The bench also said that society already has “parasites” who target institutions. The court told the petitioner that while many lawyers may be eligible to become senior advocates, no one is automatically entitled to the designation. It added that even if the Delhi High Court were to grant him senior advocate status, the Supreme Court could cancel it in view of his conduct. Court questions petitioner’s conduct The bench asked the lawyer whether he had no other case to pursue and whether filing such a plea reflected the conduct expected from someone aspiring to become a senior advocate. The judges observed that senior advocate status is conferred by the court and cannot be claimed as a right. The court further said it may consider directing a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the educational degrees of some lawyers, citing serious concerns about the authenticity of certain qualifications. It also remarked that the Bar Council of India was unlikely to act because of electoral considerations. At the end of the hearing, the petitioner apologised to the court and sought permission to withdraw his plea. The Supreme Court allowed the petition to be withdrawn. ​