New Delhi — Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai demonstrated extraordinary composure and restraint on Monday after a lawyer allegedly hurled a shoe towards the dais in his courtroom, an incident stemming from a protest over the CJI’s recent remarks on a religious matter.
The incident occurred during mentioning hours in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court. An advocate, later identified as 70-year-old Rakesh Kishore, allegedly flung the footwear in the direction of the presiding judge. While the projectile reportedly did not hit the CJI or his desk, falling elsewhere in the courtroom, the act sent ripples of shock through the Bar.
In his first reaction to the event, CJI Gavai told media outlets that his immediate response was to remain unfazed and instruct the lawyer arguing before him to proceed with the case.
”Just ignore it… I am not distracted by all this. You also don’t be distracted and proceed further with the case,” the CJI recounted his response, underscoring his commitment to judicial duties over personal provocation.
The protester, Rakesh Kishore, was swiftly escorted out by security personnel. However, in a remarkable display of clemency, it was reliably learned that CJI Gavai directed the Supreme Court Registry not to initiate any action against the elderly lawyer. This directive was ultimately communicated to the Delhi Police, leading to the lawyer’s release shortly after the incident. Police sources indicated that the shoes were also returned to the advocate.
The motivation behind the “reprehensible act” was reportedly the CJI’s observations made during a September 16 hearing. While dismissing a plea for the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple complex in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the CJI had remarked: “This purely publicity interest litigation… Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.”
These comments drew social media criticism, prompting the CJI to issue a clarification on September 18, asserting, “I believe in all the religions, I respect all the (religions),” and clarifying that his initial statement was made in the context of the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) jurisdiction over the temple’s upkeep.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) issued a strongly worded statement, expressing “profound shock, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation” of the act. The SCBA labelled the action a “direct assault on judicial independence” and a violation of constitutional values. The Bar body also lauded the Chief Justice’s response, commending his “calm composure and exemplary restraint” in the face of grave provocation.
