Lawyer Attempts Shoe Attack on CJI BR Gavai in Court

In a startling incident on October 6, Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer, attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings at the Supreme Court. The incident occurred around 11:35 am in Court No. 1, where Kishore approached the dais and removed his shoe, but security personnel quickly intervened, preventing any harm to the CJI. Kishore was subsequently removed from the courtroom.

As he was escorted out, he shouted, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate insult to Sanatan). This act has raised significant concern and condemnation from various political leaders and legal professionals.

Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar and a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, reportedly had a proximity card allowing him access to the court. The motive behind his actions appears to be linked to remarks made by CJI Gavai during a hearing on September 16 regarding a petition about a mutilated idol at the Khajuraho Temple. During that hearing, the CJI had dismissed the plea, suggesting the petitioner should pray to the deity instead.

CJI Gavai, who has Z-plus security, remained composed throughout the incident and continued with court proceedings, stating, "These things do not affect me." He later emphasized his respect for all religions, clarifying that his comments were made in the context of the Archaeological Survey of India’s jurisdiction over the temple.

Political leaders across party lines condemned the attack. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described it as "unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent," highlighting the attack as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan linked the incident to a broader climate of intolerance, stating it reflects the hatred spread by the Sangh Parivar.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called the act "unfortunate and condemnable," attributing it to misinformation and a desire for cheap publicity. Senior advocate Indira Jaising viewed it as an attack on the institution of the judiciary itself, while Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar emphasized that such actions undermine democracy and the Constitution.

The police are currently investigating the incident and coordinating with the Supreme Court's registrar general to determine the full circumstances surrounding Kishore's actions. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the respect for judicial institutions and the growing intolerance in society.