The judiciary struggles to distinguish contempt from protected criticism amidst declining public trust. Recent comments by CJI Surya Kant, labeling critics and RTI activists as “parasites” and “cockroaches,” are unbecoming and show intolerance towards external scrutiny. Examples include excluding academics without hearing, and obstructing RTI inquiries. These actions, often outside formal proceedings, create a chilling effect, lack due process, and set back progress made under previous CJIs advocating openness. The court appears to be both aggrieved party and arbiter, undermining public confidence and fair scrutiny.