Man tries to hurl shoe at Chief Justice Gavai in Supreme Court

In a shocking incident, an elderly advocate on Monday attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during proceedings in the Supreme Court over the alleged insult of ‘Sanatan’.

The dramatic incident unfolded at 11.35 am while CJI Gavai was conducting proceedings in the Court No. 1 when the advocate — later identified as 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore — went to the dais and attempted to remove his shoe with the intent of throwing it at the CJI.

The security personnel present in the courtroom acted with alacrity and nabbed him before he could hurl the shoe and escorted him out, eyewitnesses said.

As Rakesh Kishore was being removed from the court, he was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge”. He was reportedly upset with the CJI’s recent remarks, where he asked a petitioner demanding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex to “go and ask the deity itself to do something now”.

Unfazed by the ugly turn of events in his courtroom, CJI Gavai remained composed and went on with the court proceedings.

“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” the CJI said, asking lawyers to continue with their arguments.

Later, the Delhi Police released Kishore — a resident of Mayur Vihar-1 Extension in East Delhi — after interrogation as the Supreme Court Secretary General chose not to press any charges against him.

Within hours, the Bar Council of India (BCI) ordered immediate interim suspension of advocate Rakesh Kishore. BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra said Kishore’s act was “prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court” and in clear violation of the professional conduct rules prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961, and Bar Council of India Rules.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the attack on CJI Gavai by advocate Rakesh Kishore – a temporary member of the association, and said it is contemplating an appropriate disciplinary action against him.

“SCBA commends the calm composure and exemplary restraint demonstrated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, who, in the face of this grave provocation, continued to discharge his judicial duties with dignity and poise, upholding the highest traditions of the judiciary,” SCBA said.

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) passed a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the incident. Terming it a “direct assault on the independence of the judiciary” that undermined public faith in the justice delivery system, SCAORA unequivocally condemned it as a “cowardly and disrespectful act”. It said the organisation “stands in complete solidarity with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the entire judiciary in upholding the majesty, independence, and impartiality of the Supreme Court of India”.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also condemned the incident. “Today’s incident in the Chief Justice’s court is unfortunate and deserves condemnation. This is the result of misinformation on social media. It is really heartening that the Chief Justice of India reacted with magnanimity and majesty of the highest court of the country. I only hope that this magnanimity is not treated by others as the weakness of the institution,” Mehta said.

Senior lawyer and former SCBA president Kapil Sibal called for condemnation of the act by one and all.

While refusing to entertain a plea relating to the restoration of a 7-ft beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho, CJI Gavai last month told a petitioner to ask the deity itself to do something.

“Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission etc.,” the CJI had said.

His comments caused a social media furore with many accusing him of hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. Later, the CJI clarified, “I respect all religions...This happened on social media.”