The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticized what it described as growing and unprovoked attacks on the judiciary and the legal system, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant noting that some unemployed youth end up becoming “media, social media, RTI activists and other activists” and start targeting institutions.
“There are young people who are like cockroaches, who do not get any job or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media persons, others become social media, RTI activists and other activists and start attacking everyone,” the CJI observed during the hearing of a petition related to granting appointment of senior advocate.
The ICC bench and Justice Joymalia Bagchi made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey seeking contempt over the alleged delay by the Delhi High Court in implementing the Supreme Court guidelines governing appointment of senior advocates.
The bench refused to entertain the petition and expressed its strong disapproval of the conduct of the petitioner, stating that the appointment of a senior counsel is a distinction “granted” by the court and not something that should be actively pursued through litigation.
“You’re following that. Does it sound right?” The bench asked, while questioning whether senior appointments were merely a “status symbol” to be kept for decoration.
Judge Bagchi commented: “Is the mark of a senior lawyer a symbol of the status to be held or of your participation in the justice system?”
At one point during the hearing, the bench told the petitioner: “The whole world may be eligible to become a senior (lawyer), but at least you are not.”
A visibly upset ICJ member pointed to the language the petitioner had allegedly used on Facebook and warned that such behavior was not consistent with the discipline expected of members of the legal profession.
“Let people understand the kind of language you use on Facebook. I will show you what discipline means in the profession,” the CJI said.
The court further noted that there are indeed “parasites” in society attacking institutions and wondered whether the petitioner would be willing to “collaborate with them.”
“There are already parasites in society attacking the system and you want to cooperate with them?” Note the bench.
During the hearing, the court also expressed concerns about the growing number of lawyers who allegedly possess forged or questionable degrees, and suggested that the issue warrants investigation.
“Thousands of fraudulent people are wearing black robes with serious doubts about their certificates. The CBI needs to do something,” observed CJI Kant.
The bench also observed that it would be better for the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate the issue of fake certificates in the law, while adding that the union council authorities were unlikely to act decisively as they “need their votes”.
“The Bar Council bodies will never do anything on this issue because they need their votes,” the panel noted during the proceedings.
As the hearing progressed, the petitioner apologized to the court and requested permission to withdraw his plea. The court eventually allowed the petition to be withdrawn.
