CJI Surya Kant Denies Viral Caste Remark, Calls It “Malicious” and “Fake”

Justice Surya Kant on Saturday strongly refuted a caste-related statement falsely attributed to him on social media, calling it a “vile, brazen and mischievous” attempt to spread misinformation and incite social divisions.

In a statement issued, the Chief Justice said the fabricated quote being circulated online was “wholly baseless, malicious, and demonstrably false.” The remarks came amid the rapid spread of posts on social media platform X, particularly by an account identified as @UnreservedMERIT , which falsely claimed that the CJI had made controversial comments about caste representation in top constitutional and bureaucratic offices.

The fake statement, originally circulated in Hindi, suggested that communities producing IAS and IPS officers, as well as holding posts such as President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, should blame themselves rather than Brahmins if they still feel exploited.

Rejecting the attribution, CJI Surya Kant said: “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.”

He further warned that such misinformation undermines faith in democratic institutions and the judiciary. “Such reckless conduct strikes at the very foundation of public trust in the judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement added.

The Office of the Chief Justice also appealed to citizens, media organisations and social media platforms to avoid sharing or amplifying unverified and fabricated content.

The rare public clarification by a sitting Chief Justice highlights growing concerns within the judiciary over misinformation campaigns and the misuse of social media to circulate fake statements on sensitive issues such as caste and constitutional institutions.