New Delhi: In an unprecedented and shocking incident, a lawyer attempted to throw his shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI), B.R. Gavai, during a hearing at the Supreme Court on Monday. The incident is being reported as a result of the lawyer’s anger over a recent comment made by the CJI concerning a Hindu deity.
The event took place in Court No. 1 while a case was being heard. The lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, reported to be over 70 years old, suddenly stood up and tried to hurl his shoe towards the CJI’s bench. However, he missed his target. Before he could make another move, security personnel present in the courtroom immediately apprehended him.
While being escorted out of the court, lawyer Rakesh Kishore was heard shouting slogans such as, “Hindustan will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan.”
What Was the Issue?
This incident is linked to a recent remark by CJI Gavai during a hearing on a petition related to the restoration of a damaged idol of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. While dismissing the plea, the CJI allegedly told the petitioner, “Now you should go and ask the deity himself to do something.”
This comment was perceived by some sections on social media as an insult to Hindu sentiments and was heavily criticized. CJI Gavai had later clarified that his statement was misunderstood and that he respects all religions.
CJI Remained Calm, Proceedings Continued
Despite the unexpected attack, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai remained calm and unperturbed. He directed the security personnel to remove the lawyer and told the other advocates in the court not to be distracted and to continue with their arguments. “These things don’t affect me,” he stated.
Widespread Condemnation of the Incident
The incident has been strongly condemned across the legal and political spectrum, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister spoke with the CJI and described the act as “extremely reprehensible.” The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also condemned the incident, calling it an assault on judicial dignity. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended the accused lawyer Rakesh Kishore’s license with immediate effect. The lawyer was detained by the police and later released after questioning.
