Days after a shocking incident where a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court, the CJI finally addressed the matter on Thursday, describing it as “a forgotten chapter.”
The incident occurred on October 6, when a bench led by CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing the mentioning of cases. During the proceedings, Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer, suddenly approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to throw it towards the judges. Swift action by the court’s security personnel prevented any harm.
Commenting on the episode, Justice Ujjal Bhuyyan expressed disapproval, saying, “I have my own views on this! He is the CJI; it’s not a matter of joke!”
Following an internal inquiry, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) took strict action by terminating Kishore’s membership with immediate effect, citing “grave misconduct.” Similarly, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended his bar license pending further investigation.
In his defense, Kishore told a news agency that his act was a reaction to what he perceived as mockery during an earlier case. He said, “A PIL was filed in the Court of CJI on 16th Sept. The CJI mocked it and said — go and pray to the idol and tell it to restore its own head… When a matter related to our Sanatan Dharma comes up, SC passes such orders.”
He further added, “Don’t provide relief to the petitioner, but don’t mock him either… I was hurt… I was not inebriated; this was my reaction to his action… I am not fearful. I don’t regret what happened.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident, terming it “utterly condemnable.” He posted on X, saying, “Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.”
PM Modi also praised the CJI’s composure during the chaos, noting, “I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”
