India's top court decries fake quote attributed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud

The Supreme Court of India issued a statement dismissing a purported remark attributed to the Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, as “fake” on Monday, August 14. The apex court’s statement came after an image of Justice Chandrachud went viral with a false claim that he urged people to unite and hit the streets to protest against the Government in India to defend their rights. 

The post is being widely circulated online. (Source: X/Facebook)

The SC’s statement, a copy of which was published by the legal news portal Live Law on its official X account, read, “It has come to the notice of the Supreme Court of India that a social media post (invoking the public to protest against authorities) using a file photograph and falsely quoting the Chief Justice India is being circulated.”

“The post is fake, ill-intended and mischievous. No such post has been issued by the Chief Justice of India nor has he authorised any such post,” read the statement issued by the Public Relations Office of the Supreme Court, adding that appropriate action is being taken in this regard.

The viral post that triggered this response from the top court in India was titled “Indian democracy Supreme Court Zindabad.” It had gone viral on various social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and WhatsApp and was being circulated in both Hindi and English. 

The viral forward had a picture of Justice DY Chandrachud with the text: “We are trying our best to save the constitution of India, democracy of India, but your cooperation is also very important for this, all the people should unite and come out on the streets and ask the government about their rights, this dictatorial government. Will scare people, threaten but you don't have to be afraid, keep courage and ask the government to account, I am with you - DY Chandrachud (Chief Justice) (sic).” 

After the image began circulating on social media, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told Law Today that the image was fake. “No CJI will ever do such a thing, much less a luminary like CJI Chandrachud. Steps should be and will be taken for such a serious mischief in the name of Hon. Chief Justice of India.”

Justice Chandrachud has come under fire from the right wing in India on social media for some of his judgements, such as his observations on religious issues and freedom of expression. There was also a sustained social media campaign against him when the court was hearing appeals to legalize same-sex marriages.