Fact Check: Fake statement claims CJI Chandrachud inciting protest against govt

Hyderabad: A statement attributed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, is doing rounds on social media. It claims that the CJI is appealing to the public to unite and come out onto the streets and fight for their rights against the ‘dictatorial government’.

The alleged statement reads, “We are trying our best to save the Constitution of India, the 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 for their rights, this dictatorial government will scare people, and threaten, but you don’t have to be afraid, keep courage and ask the government to account, I am with you. (sic)”

Manipuri activist, Dr Lamtinthang Haokip, shared the statement appealing to the people to ‘fight alongside’ the CJI and the Supreme Court.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that no such statements have been made by the CJI or issued by his office.

We ran a relevant keyword search and came across a press note by the Supreme Court of August 14 posted on X by the news agency ANI. It said the social media post using a photo of and quoting Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is fake. It further said the post is “false, ill-intended and mischievous”.

The press note also mentioned, “Appropriate action is being taken in this regard with law enforcement agencies.”

Bar and Bench reported that the Public Relations Office (PRO) of the Supreme Court on Monday flagged a fake quote attributed to CJI circulating on social media.

It quoted the PRO as saying, “No such post has been issued by the Chief Justice of India nor has he authorised any such post. Appropriate action is being taken in this regard with the law enforcement authorities.”

Live Law also posted a press note on X reporting about the fake statement attributed to CJI.

Hence, we conclude that the statement attributed to the CJI is fake.