In a serious security breach and public display of insult, an Indian lawyer identified as Rakesh Kishore threw a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai during court proceedings in Delhi on Monday, October 7.
The incident occurred after the lawyer was reportedly angered by recent comments the judge had made regarding a Hindu deity. According to witnesses, the hurled shoe “brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice… and fell behind them.”
Motivation and Religious Outrage
As security officials escorted him from the courtroom, Mr. Kishore was heard shouting, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism].”
The lawyer later confirmed to the online news outlet The Print that the attack was a direct reaction to remarks made by Justice Gavai last month. The Chief Justice had rejected a petition seeking the reconstruction of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh, reportedly stating:
“This is purely publicity interest litigation… Go and ask the deity himself to do something.”
The remarks had sparked controversy, with some accusing the judge of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai had subsequently addressed the criticism, stating he respects “all religions.” Mr. Kishore, who claimed he had “not been able to sleep since [the remarks],” told reporters that the judge “not only refused to accept the prayer, but made fun of the Lord Vishnu.”
Aftermath and Official Reaction
Despite the high-profile nature of the attack, which is widely viewed in India as an act of extreme disrespect and humiliation, authorities announced that no charges would be filed against Mr. Kishore. He was, however, immediately suspended from legal practice.
Chief Justice Gavai, who has not publicly commented on the incident, reportedly remained calm and instructed the lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling it “utterly condemnable” and asserting that “There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.” Modi reportedly spoke with Justice Gavai following the incident to convey that the attack had angered every Indian.
Source: BBC
