Growing 'attacks' on the judiciary by 'parasites', CJI Surya Kant says

📌 Summary:

• Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant criticised what he called growing and unwarranted "attacks on the judiciary" by media, social media handles, and RTI activists
• The remarks came while hearing a contempt plea filed by advocate Sanjay Dubey, who alleged Delhi High Court delay in implementing Supreme Court guidelines on designating senior advocates
• CJI described certain critics as "parasites" — those without employment or standing in the legal profession who attack the system
• The Bench (CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi) dismissed the contempt plea, signalling judicial sensitivity to external criticism
• Separately, the CJI also told the Thackeray-Shinde factions to ask their "petty politicians" not to blame the court for delays — underscoring tensions between judiciary and political class

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — Functioning of the Judiciary; Separation of Powers; Accountability and Transparency in the judiciary; freedom of speech vs. contempt of court debates

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CJI of India (as of date): Justice Surya Kant
• Senior Advocate designation framework laid down by Supreme Court in Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India (2017)
• Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 governs civil and criminal contempt proceedings
• Article 129 makes Supreme Court a court of record with power to punish for contempt; Article 215 confers similar power on High Courts

🔑 Key Term: Senior Advocate Designation — A status conferred by the Supreme Court / High Courts on advocates of distinction; governed by guidelines laid down in Indira Jaising case (2017) and refined since.