The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to immediately hear a petition demanding an investigation into allegations involving fake advocates and activities linked to the Cockroach Janta Party, the online satirical outfit that recently gained massive traction on social media.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi told advocate N K Goswami, who appeared for the petitioner, not to approach the matter emotionally.
During the hearing, Goswami argued that despite earlier clarifications issued by the Chief Justice, what he described as a distorted and malicious narrative continued to circulate online.
Responding to the submissions, the CJI remarked that the issue should not be taken “so sentimentally.”
Plea sought probe into fake law degrees
Another lawyer appearing in the matter sought a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations concerning fake law degrees and argued that oral exchanges inside courtrooms should not be commercially exploited.
The bench, however, indicated there was no immediate urgency requiring special intervention and said the matter would be examined in due course.
The petition has also sought action against individuals allegedly using courtroom observations for publicity and commercial purposes while demanding an investigation into claims of fake advocates practising law with fraudulent degrees.
Concerns over use of court proceedings online
The plea raised concerns about judicial proceedings allegedly being repackaged for publicity campaigns on digital platforms.
According to the petitioners, comments and oral observations made during court hearings were increasingly being taken out of context and circulated online to generate attention and engagement.
Controversy linked to remarks on “cockroaches” and “parasites”
The Cockroach Janta Party emerged online following controversy surrounding remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant during a May 15 hearing connected to the senior designation of a lawyer.
Reports at the time claimed the Chief Justice had used terms such as “cockroaches” and “parasites,” triggering intense debate online and eventually inspiring the satirical outfit’s creation.
A day later, the Chief Justice issued a strongly worded clarification saying he was deeply hurt by reports suggesting his comments targeted unemployed youth.
He clarified that his observations were specifically directed at individuals allegedly entering the legal profession using fake and bogus degrees and accused sections of the media of misrepresenting his remarks.
