By Grok News Desk
New Delhi, October 6, 2025 – In a brazen breach of courtroom decorum, a 71-year-old advocate hurled a shoe towards Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B.R. Gavai during proceedings in the Supreme Court on Monday, prompting swift detention and nationwide outrage over threats to judicial sanctity.
The incident unfolded around 11:35 AM in Court No. 1, where CJI Gavai was presiding alongside Justice K. Vinod Chandran over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to environmental clearances. Rakesh Kishore, an advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (No. D/1647/2009), stood up abruptly and lobbed his shoe in the direction of the bench. Security personnel intercepted the projectile mid-air and immediately overpowered Kishore, escorting him out amid his defiant shouts: "Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge... Hindustan nahi sahenga" (India will not tolerate the insult to Sanatan Dharma).
No one was injured, and proceedings resumed shortly after. CJI Gavai, who enjoys Z+ security cover from Delhi Police, maintained remarkable poise. Addressing the stunned courtroom, he remarked, "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me." He further urged advocates to focus, adding, "If we are not perturbed, why are you? Just ignore." In a subsequent clarification during the hearing, the CJI reiterated his respect for all religions, distancing himself from social media distortions of his earlier comments on a PIL concerning the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho Temple complex.
Motive Linked to Religious Sentiments
Investigators recovered a note from Kishore echoing his courtroom outburst, stating: "India will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma." Sources indicate the act stemmed from Kishore's ire over CJI Gavai's recent bench remarks in the Khajuraho case, where the CJI had emphasized, "I respect all religions," amid accusations from some quarters of undermining Hindu sentiments. Delhi Police have charged Kishore with contempt of court and assault on a public servant; he was granted bail later in the day but remains under investigation.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) responded decisively, with Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra issuing an interim suspension of Kishore's advocate license, terming it a "serious breach of discipline" and a violation of professional ethics. "Such conduct is unbecoming of an officer of the court," Mishra stated in an official order, initiating formal disciplinary proceedings.
Outpouring of Condemnation Across Political Lines
The attack elicited unanimous condemnation from political leaders, who framed it as an assault on India's constitutional pillars. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally called CJI Gavai to express solidarity, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "The attack... has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts... I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai."
Opposition voices echoed the sentiment. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge decried it as a symptom of "hate, fanaticism, and bigotry engulfing our society." Sonia Gandhi called it "an assault not just on him, but on our Constitution," while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi labeled it "an assault on the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin termed it "shameful," exposing an "oppressive and hierarchical mindset," and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan blamed it on the "Sangh Parivar’s politics of hatred."
Legal bodies were equally forthright. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) described the act as "reprehensible" and a "direct assault on judicial independence," while the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) and All India Lawyers Union (AILU) reaffirmed their commitment to upholding courtroom decorum.
Polarized Social Media Echoes Deeper Divides
On social media, reactions were sharply divided. Progressive users and Dalit rights activists, such as @TheBluePen25, highlighted potential caste dimensions—given CJI Gavai's Dalit heritage and Kishore's upper-caste background—viewing it as an attack on constitutional sovereignty. The Indian National Congress (@INCIndia) criticized the Prime Minister's initial "silence" before his statement.
Conversely, pockets of right-wing commentary celebrated Kishore as a defender against perceived religious slights, with users like @AtriNeeraj questioning, "Did he have any other avenue to seek justice?" Legal commentator @advsanjoy drew ironic parallels to historical disruptions, underscoring the irony of an advocate resorting to violence.
A Stark Reminder Amid Rising Tensions
This unprecedented violation in India's apex court draws parallels to rare global incidents, such as the 2008 shoe-throwing protest against then-U.S. President George W. Bush, but its occurrence within judicial hallowed grounds amplifies concerns over eroding institutional respect. Experts link it to escalating societal polarization, fueled by social media and debates over religious equity.
Authorities have bolstered security at the Supreme Court, and calls are growing for enhanced protocols to safeguard judicial officers. As investigations continue, the episode serves as a sobering alert: in a democracy navigating faith and fervor, the judiciary's resilience remains its strongest bulwark.
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