‘Don’t Take It So Sentimentally’

By Mahima Katal The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking an investigation into allegations involving fake advocates and activities linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital collective that recently gained significant traction on social media.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi advised the petitioner’s counsel, advocate N K Goswami, against approaching the matter emotionally.

Goswami argued that despite the CJI’s earlier clarification, a misleading and malicious narrative continued to circulate online. Responding to the submission, the CJI remarked, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”

Another counsel appearing in the matter submitted that the plea sought a CBI investigation into allegations of fake law degrees and argued that courtroom exchanges should not be used for commercial gain. The CJI, however, observed that the matter did not warrant urgent listing, stating, “There is no such grave urgency. We will see.”

The petition also sought action against individuals allegedly exploiting oral observations made during court proceedings for commercial purposes. It further requested an investigation into claims that certain individuals had been practising law using fraudulent degrees.

Expressing concern over the alleged misuse of judicial proceedings, the plea claimed that courtroom observations were increasingly being converted into publicity campaigns.

The controversy emerged after remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant during a May 15 hearing on a plea related to senior designation for a lawyer. References to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during the proceedings later triggered the emergence and spread of CJP content across social media platforms.

On May 16, the CJI issued a clarification, stating that he was “pained” by reports suggesting that his comments targeted the youth.

Clarifying his position, the CJI said the remarks were aimed specifically at individuals entering the legal profession through “fake and bogus degrees” and asserted that parts of the media had misrepresented his observations.