Delhi journalists slam ‘cockroach’ comment by chief justice

By A Representative

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has expressed outrage over remarks reportedly made by , who described as “cockroaches” and “parasites of society.” The comments, directed at a lawyer during court proceedings, suggested that jobless individuals who turn to media, , or activism are undermining the system.

In a strongly worded press release, DUJ said the remarks reflect contempt for those who question governance and policy. The union noted that unemployment is rising due to government economic and social policies, citing even . It recalled that the CJI had earlier criticised trade unions for hindering industrial growth, and accused him of continuing to “blame the victims.”

The statement, signed by Sujata Madhok, President; S.K. Pande, Vice President; and A.M. Jigeesh, General Secretary, emphasised that many professional journalists have been forced out of for refusing to align with . These journalists, often mid-career or highly experienced, now continue their work independently on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Journalism graduates, too, struggle to find stable employment and turn to social media to establish themselves. DUJ saluted their resilience in pursuing despite limited resources.

According to DUJ, mainstream media is dominated by and reliant on , which results in coverage that largely reflects official viewpoints. In contrast, social media offers a diversity of voices and perspectives, often critical of those in power. “In that sense, social media is a true platform for democracy,” the union said, adding that it was “extremely distressing” to hear such disparaging remarks from the highest levels of the judiciary.

The union urged judges to empathise with the struggles of unemployed journalists, lawyers, and youth rather than dismissing them as parasites. It reassured and unemployed youth that questioning the system is essential to democracy and must continue for the betterment of the country.

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor* Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

The politics of dreaming: Savita Singh's feminist imagination

By Ravi Ranjan* In contemporary Hindi poetry, few voices have explored the philosophical and creative possibilities of women's experience as powerfully as Savita Singh. Across collections such as "Svapna Samay" (Dream Time), Aapne Jaisa Jeevan, and "Prem Bhi Ek Yatana" Hai, she has developed a poetic world in which woman is not merely a subject of suffering or social commentary but a creator of knowledge, meaning, and alternative realities.

Rescue of Arunachal minor highlights ongoing fight against child labour and exploitation

By A Representative A 15-year-old boy from Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh has been rescued and reunited with his family following the intervention of child protection authorities and local administration, according to a statement issued by Legal Defence for Human Rights (LDHR).

Counterview

Search This Blog