Jobless youngsters become media, activists; attack system: CJI

New Delhi, May 15: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday expressed concern over what he described as growing attacks on institutions by some unemployed youth and activists, while hearing a plea related to conferment of Senior Advocate designation.
A bench comprising the CJI and Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while pulling up a petitioner seeking Senior Advocate status.
“The entire world may be eligible to become senior advocate, but at least you are not entitled,” the bench told the petitioner, who was represented by advocate Sanjay Dubey, according to reports.
During the hearing, the CJI referred to social media posts allegedly made by the petitioner’s counsel and said there were “parasites in society who attack the system”.
There are youngsters, like cockroaches, who don’t get employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the CJI remarked.
The petitioner later apologised before the bench and sought permission to withdraw the plea, which was allowed.
The bench also raised concerns over the alleged presence of advocates with questionable law degrees.
The CJI said he was waiting for an appropriate matter to order a CBI investigation into the law degrees of several advocates in Delhi.
“I have serious doubts about the genuineness of their law degrees. The things they are posting on Facebook, YouTube and other platforms — do they think we are not watching?” he said.
The bench further observed that the Bar Council of India was unlikely to take action in such matters because “they need their votes”.
“I will show you what discipline in the profession means,” the CJI added during the hearing. (KNS)