2 weeks ago
CJI Surya Kant: 'Cockroach' Remarks Misquoted, Misused With Malicious Intent
The Chief Justice of India is the top judge in the country, and his name is Surya Kant.
One day in May, while hearing a case in court, he talked about people with fake degrees and compared them to cockroaches.
Many young people felt hurt and angry about this.
A joke group called the 'Cockroach Janta Party' started online and led protests in New Delhi.
The protests were against a big exam paper leak, and some ended in a clash with police where people on both sides got hurt.
The Education Minister resigned because of the protests.
The Chief Justice says his words were twisted and misused on purpose.
He said it was done to mislead the country's young people.
He wants the media and citizens to be responsible so that harmony stays in society.
He also said videos of court hearings should not be used to make money.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said his oral remarks were 'misquoted' and misused with 'malicious intent' to mislead the country's youth.
On May 15, 2026, the CJI compared individuals with fraudulent degrees to 'cockroaches' who become social media or RTI activists during a Supreme Court hearing.
The comment sparked widespread youth backlash and inspired the satirical online movement 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP).
CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar against the NEET-UG paper leak ended in a clash with police on July 20, leaving several people on both sides injured.
The CJI urged media to report responsibly, stressed citizens' duty to maintain social harmony, and said court live-streaming should not be commercially exploited.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- What
- Said his oral remarks comparing individuals with fraudulent degrees to 'cockroaches' were misquoted and misused with 'malicious intent' to mislead the country's youth
- Where
- New Delhi (Supreme Court remarks; Jantar Mantar protests)
- When
- Remarks made on May 15, 2026; clarification given in a later DD News interview
- Why
- To clarify his remarks and address the youth backlash sparked by the misrepresentation of his words
Protesters and Youth
CJI and Judiciary
The 'Cockroach' Remark
Protesters and Youth
The remark angered young people and inspired the 'Cockroach Janta Party' movement, seen as an attack on activists.
CJI and Judiciary
The CJI said his remarks were 'misquoted' and misused with 'malicious intent' to mislead the country's youth.
Sharing Court Clips
Protesters and Youth
Clips circulated on social media drove public debate and protest mobilization.
CJI and Judiciary
The CJI barred unauthorised dissemination and monetisation of court recordings, saying live-streaming should not be commercially exploited.
Protests Over NEET-UG Paper Leak
Protesters and Youth
CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar demanded action over the NEET-UG paper leak, ending in a clash with police on July 20.
CJI and Judiciary
The CJI urged media and citizens to remember their responsibilities so that harmony prevails in society.
Key facts
- Chief Justice of India
- Surya Kant (53rd CJI)
- Date of remarks
- May 15, 2026
- Context of remarks
- Supreme Court hearing on individuals with fraudulent degrees
- Satirical movement
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Protest venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Clash with police
- July 20; several injured on both sides
- Political fallout
- Resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister
- Interview platform
- DD News
Quotes
Chief Justice Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India
“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.”
thehansindia.com
rediff.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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