Misquoted: CJI on 'don't have time to watch videos' remark amid protest crackdown
Chief Justice of India () Surya Kant on Friday said he had been misquoted in media reports amid the controversy surrounding the Cockroach Janta Party
Chief Justice of India () Surya Kant on Friday said he had been misquoted in media reports amid the controversy surrounding the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest videos, asserting that the Supreme Court remains accessible to every citizen and never refuses to hear any matter. Speaking on the sidelines of the UNCITRAL conference, the clarified his earlier remarks, which had sparked political debate and drawn criticism from sections of the student movement. Read Full Story "I have been misquoted in the media," the said. Emphasising the accessibility of the apex court, he said, "The Supreme Court is open to all persons.
We are open 24/7. The Supreme Court never refuses to hear any issue." Referring to petitions connected to the ongoing protests, the noted that matters mentioned before the court on Friday had already been listed for hearing. "There were petitions mentioned today which are being heard on Monday," he said. The controversy stems from remarks made by the on Wednesday while declining an urgent mention of a plea seeking the Supreme Court's intervention over the police crackdown on student protesters at the CJP's sit-in. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel referred to videos purportedly showing police excesses and urged the court to intervene.
Responding, the Chief Justice said, "We are not interested in videos; we don't have time to watch." The bench also declined to take up the matter immediately, saying the petition could not be heard merely because a letter had been sent to the court. COURT OPEN BUT FOLLOW PROCEDURES However, he underlined that while the court remains open to everyone, judicial procedures must be followed. "If you send a letter and say you must hear me, that cannot happen," the said, indicating that cases are taken up in accordance with established legal processes. Asked about allegations by some protesters that the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party was triggered by his earlier remarks, the Chief Justice declined to comment.
"No comments," he said. CJP INTENSIFIES AGITATION Earlier in the day, the CJP had intensified its agitation over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system. Speaking separately, the said India has been at the forefront of international judicial cooperation and that such engagements help showcase the country's legal and technological advancements to the world. "Judicial cooperation will benefit everyone by showcasing India's development and technology to the world," he said. Ends
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