Desk Correspondent , Mumbai - Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday strongly condemned Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s controversial remarks likening unemployed youth to "parasites and cockroaches." The Karjat Jamkhed MLA termed the language "unacceptable" and stated that it reflects extreme intolerance toward criticism and accountability. While affirming his deep respect for the judiciary, Pawar argued that such comments from a high Constitutional authority deeply hurt an entire generation currently struggling with severe economic failures, a lack of opportunities, and rising unemployment.

The controversy erupted on Friday during a Supreme Court hearing. A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was reprimanding a lawyer aggressively pursuing a "Senior Advocate" designation. Irked by the petitioner's professional conduct and social media behavior, the CJI observed that society is already plagued by "parasites" attacking the system. He further remarked that some unemployed youngsters, "like cockroaches," fail to find a place in their profession, subsequently turning into media, social media, or RTI activists to attack everyone. Following the sharp reprimand, the petitioner apologized and withdrew his plea.

In an official statement, Pawar acknowledged that the apex court's observations were made in the context of frivolous petitions and fake degree holders. However, he emphasized that categorizing struggling youth, RTI activists, and legal journalists alongside pests was highly inappropriate. Defending them as the true pillars of democracy, the NCP leader asserted that India's youth are victims of political inefficiency rather than being unemployed by choice. He urged the judiciary to exercise constitutional wisdom and sensitivity, warning that if institutions fear tough questions, the fault lies within the system itself.