Chief Justice Surya Kant Defends Comments on Fake Degrees

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant issued clarifications on Saturday regarding his recent comments, which some media reports interpreted as critical of the youth in the country. In a statement, he expressed that his remarks were specifically targeted at individuals within the legal and media professions who had entered these fields with fraudulent educational qualifications.

Justice Kant expressed his dismay over the way his oral statements were reported, particularly his reference to certain professionals as 'parasites'. He stressed that his aim was to highlight the issue of people infiltrating noble professions with 'fake and bogus degrees'. He stated, 'I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations'.

The Chief Justice emphasised that any implication of disparaging unemployed youth was 'totally baseless'. He expressed his respect and admiration for India's younger generation, stating, 'It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me'. He defined them as the structural support of a progressive India.

Justice Kant made these remarks during a court session where he evaluated a petition from advocate Sanjay Dubey concerning delays by the Delhi High Court in applying guidelines for the designation of senior advocates. The Chief Justice, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that such recognitions are bestowed by the court and should not be perceived merely as symbols of status.

He further highlighted concerns about the rising instances of legal professionals holding dubious or counterfeit degrees, advocating that a thorough investigation into the matter was necessary.

The Chief Justice referred to the increasing number of criticisms directed at institutions by such individuals, referring to them as 'parasites' who lack a legitimate place in society or the professions they purport to represent. He stated, 'There are parasites in society who attack the system... they don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession'.

The session concluded with the petitioner apologising and requesting to withdraw the case, which was duly entertained by the Bench. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding educational integrity and professional standards in India’s legal and media sectors.