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CJI’s 'youngsters like cockroaches' remark unacceptable, Rohit Pawar says
The Chief Justice of India described unemployed youths as cockroaches during a hearing on May 15, 2026. A bench also admonished a lawyer for pursuing a senior advocate designation. On May 16, 2026, NCP leader Rohit Pawar condemned the remarks as unacceptable and reflective of intolerance toward criticism.
Why It Matters
The remarks sparked a debate about how public officials comment on unemployment and dissent, highlighting tensions between the judiciary and critics and raising questions about accountability and tone in judicial discourse.
Timeline
3 Events
Rohit Pawar calls CJI's remarks unacceptable and reflective of intolerance
May 16, 2026
NCP leader Rohit Pawar said Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remark likening unemployed youth to parasites and cockroaches was unacceptable and reflected intolerance toward criticism and questioning. He urged the judiciary to exercise sensitivity, restraint and constitutional wisdom while speaking about young people.
Bench pulls up lawyer for pursuing senior advocate designation; cites 'parasites' in society
May 15, 2026
The remarks were made while a bench consisting of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was pulling up a lawyer for pursuing a senior advocate designation. It said there were already 'parasites' in society who attack the system and asked the petitioner whether he wanted to join hands with them.
CJI Kant's remarks likening unemployed youths to cockroaches during hearing
May 15, 2026
During a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, the CJI likened unemployed youngsters to cockroaches and said they go on to become media, social media and RTI activists who start attacking the system.