India’s top judge sparks outrage for linking unemployed youth to ‘cockroaches’ and ‘parasites’
New Delh: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has landed in a major controversy after likening unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”, remarks that have sparked widespread criticism across the country.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the comments were made during a hearing related to the designation of a senior advocate before a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
During the proceedings, the CJI remarked: “There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?” He further added: “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or don’t have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some social media, some RTI activists, and some become other activists, and they start attacking everyone.”
The remarks triggered strong backlash, with critics saying that the CJI “dehumanized” an entire generation grappling with chronic joblessness.
Congress leader P. Chidambaram said the statement reflects a “deep disconnect from reality”. “Unemployed youth are not cockroaches. They are citizens with rights. Activism and a free press are pillars of democracy,” he added.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising called the comments “unfortunate and unbecoming of a constitutional authority,” stating that courts exist to hear grievances, not to insult vulnerable groups.
RTI activists and journalist bodies have also condemned the remarks, emphasizing that transparency advocates and media professionals play a key role in exposing corruption and holding power to account.
Outside the Indian Supreme Court, small groups of unemployed youth and law students staged protests, holding placards reading “We are not cockroaches” and “Employment deniers are the real parasites.”
The controversy has intensified as multiple lawyers’ associations demanded a formal apology from the CJI. Critics have also stressed that a constitutional authority must exercise restraint when commenting on vulnerable sections of society. “You cannot demand dignity for yourself while denying it to millions of unemployed youth,” said activist Saket Gokhale.
