Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
While hearing a lawyer’s plea seeking designation as a senior advocate, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday (May 15, 2026) came down heavily on what he described as growing and unwarranted “attacks on the judiciary” by “media, social media, and RTI activists”.
“There are parasites in society who attack the system… they don’t get any employment and don’t have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the Chief Justice observed.
The oral remarks were made during the hearing of a plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking initiation of contempt proceedings over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing the Supreme Court’s guidelines governing the designation of senior advocates.
The Bench, also comprising Joymalya Bagchi, dismissed the plea, observing that senior advocate designation is a distinction “conferred” by the court and not a “status symbol”.
“Is a senior advocate tag a status symbol, which is ornamental to be kept, or is it meant for your participation in the justice system?” the Bench asked.
The Chief Justice also referred to the language purportedly used by the petitioner on Facebook and cautioned that such conduct was incompatible with the discipline expected of members of the legal profession.
“The entire world may be eligible to become senior [advocate], but at least you are not entitled”, the Bench remarked.
The court further asked the petitioner whether he wished to “join hands” with individuals who attack the institution.
‘Fake degrees’
During the hearing, the Bench also expressed concern over the increasing number of lawyers allegedly possessing fake or dubious degrees and underscored that the issue warranted investigation.
“Thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes with serious doubts about their degrees. CBI needs to do something,” CJI Kant observed.
The Bench further observed that the issue of fake law degrees ideally warranted a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. It added that Bar Council of India authorities were unlikely to take any stringent action because “they are in collusion”.
Later during the hearing, the petitioner apologised to the court and sought permission to withdraw the plea. The Bench ultimately allowed the withdrawal of the petition.
Published – May 15, 2026 05:18 pm IST
