Chief Justice of India Suryakant has said his oral remarks during court proceedings were “misrepresented and misused” with malicious intent, expressing concern over short clips of hearings being circulated on social media without their full context.
Speaking to DD News, CJI Suryakant said statements that were never made are sometimes presented as though they were spoken in court. He said such selective circulation of court proceedings could mislead the public, particularly young people.
“My comment was misrepresented and misused. What was not said was portrayed as if it had been said. This is extremely unfortunate. Especially, it is a big, ill-intentioned attempt to mislead the youth of the country,” he said.
Controversy began after May 15 remarks
The controversy followed a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, 2026, during which CJI Suryakant used the term “cockroaches” while referring to certain people with allegedly fake degrees who, he said, become social media or RTI activists to target the system.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism and protests among sections of the youth. An online satirical movement, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), was subsequently launched in response.
Referring to the controversy, CJI Suryakant said the way his remarks were subsequently presented was “extremely unfortunate” and said he could not imagine holding the views attributed to him.
CJI urges media to report proceedings responsibly
The Chief Justice also appealed to the media and citizens to exercise responsibility while reporting or sharing court proceedings.
He said constitutional rights must be accompanied by corresponding duties and responsibilities, adding that all sections of society should work towards maintaining social harmony.
“Whether you are in social media, print media, or any kind of media, or just a citizen. We all have rights, constitutional duties, and responsibilities,” he said.
He further stressed that people should keep their responsibilities in mind while exercising their rights and should work towards maintaining harmony in society.
Supreme Court restricts commercial use of hearing clips
CJI Suryakant also referred to a recent Supreme Court order concerning the unauthorised dissemination, reposting, uploading and monetisation of audio and video recordings of court proceedings on social media and other digital platforms.
He said transparency in judicial proceedings remains important and pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision to introduce live-streaming of hearings. However, he warned that live-streamed proceedings should not be selectively clipped and commercially exploited.
“We are committed to bringing transparency to the judiciary. There should be transparency. Moving forward in this direction, we started live streaming in the Supreme Court,” he said.
The CJI added that live-streaming should not be misused for commercial purposes, saying people sometimes use short clips from proceedings for personal or commercial gain.
Jantar Mantar protests
The controversy also comes against the backdrop of protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG paper-leak issue. The protests, led by the CJP, continued for more than a month.
On July 20, clashes broke out between protesters and police, with people from both sides reportedly sustaining injuries. Following the protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
