Don’t take it so sentimentally, CJI tells lawyer complaining of online ‘distortion’ of the ‘cockroach’ remark
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised a lawyer to avoid taking his previous 'cockroach' remark too sentimentally, following public backlash. The remark, originally directed at fake law degree holders, sparked widespread online distortion and the creation of a satirical political party.
Why it matters
It highlights the challenges of judicial communication in the age of viral social media and the potential for courtroom observations to be misinterpreted.
The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday (May 25, 2026) asked a lawyer to not take the continued online frenzy over his (CJI Kant’s) reported use of the word “cockroach” in a court hearing so “sentimentally”.
The article provides a balanced account of the judge's clarification and the lawyer's concerns.
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