Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Thursday delivered a firm reminder that the judiciary will not be swayed by public commentary or online narratives. As social media continued to react to remarks made during recent hearings, the CJI made it clear that he remains unaffected by such criticism, describing himself as “a very tough person.”

Expressing concern about the rising trend of people commenting on pending cases and misinterpreting questions posed by judges, the CJI clarified that judicial queries are meant solely “to test the strength of arguments from both sides.” These questions, he stressed, should not be mistaken for the Court’s final views. “People jump to conclusions and weave narratives,” he observed, but added, “I am not affected by all this…on social media or otherwise. If anybody thinks they can browbeat…they are wrong.”

The remarks were made during the hearing of former MP Prajwal Revanna’s plea seeking transfer of rape trials against him. Revanna’s lawyers argued that certain comments by the trial judge created an apprehension of bias.

The CJI rejected the allegation, reiterating that stray observations during a hearing cannot indicate a “pre-determined mind.” The bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ultimately dismissed Revanna’s petition.

These comments also come amid a wider debate triggered by an open letter issued by a group of former judges, lawyers, and activists who criticised the CJI’s earlier remarks in a separate matter concerning the alleged custodial disappearance of Rohingyas.

In that hearing, the CJI had questioned whether the Rohingyas held any legal refugee status and whether India was expected to extend a “red carpet” welcome to illegal migrants. The signatories argued that the Rohingyas were vulnerable individuals fleeing persecution and said the remarks were “contrary to core constitutional values.”

Earlier this week, 44 retired judges issued a counter-statement backing the CJI and calling the earlier letter a “motivated campaign” aimed at maligning the judiciary. Though the CJI did not directly reference the controversy on Thursday, he has previously reacted strongly to organised public criticism.

In the Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad case, he had warned a group of academics who had released a statement against the Court: “We know how to deal with these people; they are not outside our jurisdiction.”