Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has strongly denied and condemned a casteist statement falsely attributed to him on social media. In a statement to PTI, he described the act as a grave offense against the integrity of the highest judicial office in the country.
Strong Denial and Condemnation
“To manufacture a fictitious quote, and to attribute it to the highest judicial office of the land, is an act of rank dishonesty, deliberate social incitement, and contempt for constitutional values,” CJI Surya Kant said. He emphasized that such fabricated statements are designed to spread social discord and undermine the credibility of the judiciary.
Social Media Misinformation
The fake quote, which contained casteist remarks, began circulating on various social media platforms earlier this week. The CJI's office swiftly issued a clarification, urging the public to verify information from official sources before sharing. The statement further warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for creating and disseminating the false content.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among legal circles and the public, with many calling for stricter regulations to curb the spread of misinformation targeting constitutional institutions. The Supreme Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, directing the cyber cell to investigate the origin of the fake statement.
This is not the first time that judicial figures have been targeted by fake news. In recent years, several judges and courts have faced similar attempts to malign their reputation through forged documents and fabricated statements. Legal experts have stressed the need for digital literacy and responsible social media usage to prevent such incidents.
The CJI's firm response underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding constitutional values and its zero-tolerance policy towards any attempt to incite social hatred or disrespect the institution. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators.
