CJI's 'cockroaches' remark sparks outrage; activists' body demands apology

By A Representative 

A major controversy has erupted following oral observations made by the Chief Justice of India during a court hearing on May 15, in which he reportedly likened certain activists to "cockroaches" and "parasites of society."

The remarks, made while hearing a petition from a lawyer seeking senior advocate designation, have drawn sharp criticism from Citizens for Democracy (CFD), a prominent civil rights organization. In a strongly worded letter to the CJI, the group has demanded an unconditional apology and withdrawal of what it calls "uncharitable remarks."

According to the CFD's letter, the CJI observed from the bench on May 15: "There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?... There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone."

Following widespread criticism, the Chief Justice issued a clarification the next day, stating he was "pained" by what he termed media misrepresentation. He asserted that his remarks were specifically directed at those who had entered professions using "fake and bogus degrees," and not at the youth of the nation.

"I am proud of our present and future human resource," the CJI stated, adding that Indian youth "inspire" him.

'Lame Explanation'

The CFD has rejected this clarification as "lame," arguing that the original comments explicitly targeted activists presumed to have failed to secure employment. The letter questions the "judicial rationale" behind the remarks and draws a parallel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the epithet "Andolanjivi" (professional protester) for activists.

"What is more striking is, your comment is very close to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the activists Andolanjivi," the letter states, listing other epithets allegedly used by the PM including "urban Naxals" and "Lutyens' Delhi gang."

The CFD's letter invokes the Supreme Court's own past judgments to underscore its objection. It recalls an August 20, 2024, ruling in the case 'In Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents,' where a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan set aside a Calcutta High Court judgment and observed: "A judgment of the Court cannot contain the Judge's personal opinions on various subjects... The Judge has to decide a case and not preach."

The letter also references a September 2024 suo motu proceeding involving controversial comments by a Karnataka High Court judge, where a five-judge bench observed that courts must "be careful not to make comments... which may be construed as being misogynistic or prejudicial to any segment of our society."

'Cockroaches Will Survive'

In a striking rhetorical flourish, the letter declares that activists—whom the CJI allegedly likened to cockroaches—have existed since the Jurassic age, surviving the extinction of dinosaurs. "Individual cockroaches can be trampled upon under dictatorial boots but our species will survive," it states.

The CFD distinguishes between "cockroaches" (activists) and "termites"—the latter described as those who "eat up government files," exploit forests, and displace Adivasi communities for corporate interests.

The letter concludes by warning that the CJI's "prejudicial and unsolicited comment" has clouded citizens' faith in the judiciary. It reminds the Chief Justice that the Constitution mandates safeguarding the interests of the disadvantaged.

"We are doing our duty to safeguard the interests of have-nots and we will continue to do so. It is for you to decide whether you will stand by the Constitution and support cockroaches, or protect the interests of termites."