Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday said his recent courtroom remarks concerning petitions related to the Cockroach Janta Party protests had been misrepresented, asserting that the Supreme Court is always available to people seeking judicial relief.

Speaking on the sidelines of a UNCITRAL conference, the CJI said anyone with a grievance could approach the apex court, provided the matter was presented through the prescribed legal process.

"I have been misquoted in the media," the Chief Justice said.

He emphasised that the Supreme Court remains accessible around the clock to those seeking justice. However, he said petitioners and their lawyers must follow the established format and procedural requirements while approaching the court.

The CJI also referred to two matters concerning the ongoing protests that had been mentioned before the court on Friday. He said both cases had already been listed for hearing on Monday after being mentioned before the bench.

According to him, once procedural shortcomings in a petition are addressed, the matter is listed in accordance with the court's process. He added that genuinely urgent requests can also be considered when circumstances warrant immediate intervention.

CONTROVERSY OVER WEDNESDAY'S COURTROOM REMARKS

The clarification came after remarks made by the CJI on Wednesday triggered criticism in connection with a plea seeking urgent Supreme Court intervention over alleged police action against student protesters associated with the CJP demonstration.

During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the petitioner referred to videos that allegedly showed police excesses and sought immediate intervention from the court.

The court, however, declined to hear the matter urgently at that stage. The CJI questioned the relevance of the videos and indicated that the court could not consider a matter merely on the basis of a communication sent to it without a properly filed petition.

The comments subsequently sparked debate over the Supreme Court's response to the protest-related plea.

CJI STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING PROCEDURE

Explaining his position on Friday, Justice Surya Kant said the court cannot treat every letter addressed to it as a formal petition.

He said lawyers familiar with Supreme Court procedures are expected to file matters in the correct manner, adding that the court would not refuse to hear a properly instituted case simply because of the nature of the issue involved.

The CJI said the lawyer who sought an urgent hearing on Wednesday had not formally filed the petition at that point and was instead attempting to mention the matter before the court.

He explained that a hearing could take place only after the relevant petition had been filed in accordance with procedure.

According to the Chief Justice, his comments were intended to advise young lawyers to respect the established judicial process and understand the seriousness of proceedings before the apex court.

PETITIONS LINKED TO PROTEST LISTED FOR HEARING

Justice Surya Kant said petitions connected to the ongoing agitation had since been properly filed and listed.

He noted that matters mentioned before the court on Friday were scheduled to come up for hearing on Monday, indicating that the court had not shut its doors to cases connected to the protests.

The CJI also reiterated that exceptional urgency can be considered when a matter requires immediate judicial attention.

CJI DECLINES COMMENT ON CJP'S ORIGIN

The Chief Justice was also asked about claims that the Cockroach Janta Party was formed in response to his earlier courtroom remarks.

He declined to comment on the issue.

When asked whether he had a message for students continuing their demonstrations, the CJI said he would address matters concerning the protests from the judicial side rather than commenting outside court proceedings.

CJP CONTINUES NEET PROTEST

The clarification came as the Cockroach Janta Party continued its agitation over alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination.

The organisation has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for reforms aimed at strengthening the examination system and preventing paper leaks.

The protests have become a major political and legal issue, with allegations of police action against demonstrators also reaching the courts.

Separately, while speaking about international judicial cooperation, CJI Surya Kant said India has played an important role in strengthening collaboration among judicial institutions globally.

He said such international engagements provide an opportunity to highlight India's progress in areas including law, justice and technology.