NCP leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday said that Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s statement likening unemployed youth to parasites and cockroaches was “unacceptable” and was a reflection of intolerance towards criticism and questions.
Karjat Jamkhed MLA said that although he had great respect for the Indian judiciary, statements of this kind from a constitutional authority were very hurtful and seemed to mock an entire generation suffering from broken promises, lack of opportunities and high unemployment rates.
The CJI on Friday likened some unemployed youth to cockroaches and said they “become” activists in media, social media and RTI and start attacking the system.
The comments were made while a bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi had withdrawn counsel for “pursuing” the appointment of a senior advocate. She said that there were indeed “parasites” in society attacking the system, and asked the petitioner if he wanted to cooperate with them.
In a statement, Pawar pointed out that although the statements may have been made in the context of petitions relating to fake degree holders and grant of appointment of chief advocate, grouping unemployed youth and RTI activists in the same category was inappropriate.
“Comparing India’s youth, RTI activists, media representatives and those expressing different opinions to parasites or cockroaches is absolutely unacceptable. Such language reflects extreme intolerance towards critics and those who ask questions,” he said.
He pointed out that an RTI activist exposing corruption, a legal journalist raising questions on transparency, and a student speaking truth to power are the true pillars of democracy.
The NCP leader noted that today’s youth are not unemployed by choice, but rather have been victims of economic failure and political incompetence.
“Despite grand rhetoric about employment and development, thousands of educated youth are struggling for dignity, jobs and survival,” he said. “They are seeking accountability and a platform to voice their concerns.”
Pawar urged the judiciary to exercise sensitivity, restraint and constitutional wisdom while talking about the youth.
He added, “If institutions are afraid of the questions asked by young people, then the problem is not with the youth, but with the system.”
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
