Full Breakdown
Shoe Attack on Chief Justice BR Gavai Sparks Nationwide Outrage
10/7/2025, 9:39:25 PM
Incident Overview: Attack on Chief Justice Gavai
On October 6, 2025, a significant security breach occurred in the Supreme Court of India when Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer, attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during court proceedings. The incident unfolded around 11:35 AM as the Chief Justice was hearing case mentions. Kishore reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma) as he was restrained by security personnel. The shoe narrowly missed the Chief Justice and another judge before falling behind them.
Background: Remarks on Lord Vishnu Idol
The attack appears to have been triggered by remarks made by Chief Justice Gavai during a previous hearing concerning a petition for the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. In dismissing the plea, Gavai had stated, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now,” which many perceived as mocking religious sentiments. This comment sparked widespread backlash on social media, leading to accusations of disrespect toward Hindu beliefs.
Official Responses and Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, stating it was “utterly condemnable” and expressed that such acts have angered every Indian. He praised Chief Justice Gavai for maintaining composure during the incident, emphasizing that there is no place for such reprehensible acts in society. The Bar Council of India swiftly suspended Kishore’s license to practice law, describing his actions as a grave violation of professional conduct. The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also condemned the act, labeling it a direct assault on judicial independence.
Criticism and Opposition
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders and legal experts. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described it as “unprecedented, shameful, and abhorrent,” asserting that it reflects a disturbing trend of intolerance in society. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan linked the attack to the “hatred spread by the Sangh Parivar,” while senior advocate Indira Jaising called for a detailed investigation, labeling it a “blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court of India.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta attributed the incident to misinformation circulating on social media, urging caution against interpreting the Chief Justice’s remarks as disrespectful.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Despite the gravity of the incident, no formal charges were filed against Kishore, and he was released after a three-hour interrogation by the Delhi Police. This contrasts with previous attacks on judges, which typically resulted in arrests and trials. The lack of legal action has raised questions about the consistency of responses to threats against judicial figures in India.
What's Next: Security Measures and Legal Proceedings
In light of the incident, the Supreme Court's security unit is expected to review and enhance security protocols to prevent similar occurrences. The Bar Council of India has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kishore, and further investigations into the motivations behind his actions are anticipated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.” — Chief Justice BR Gavai
- “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,” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- “blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court of India” — Senior Advocate Indira Jaising
The attempted attack on Chief Justice Gavai has ignited a national conversation about the intersection of judicial independence, religious sentiment, and the growing climate of intolerance in India.
