A dramatic incident unfolded in the Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during a courtroom session. According to initial reports, the lawyer began shouting slogans such as “We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma” before trying to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice. Security personnel present in the courtroom intervened swiftly and prevented the attack.
The accused has been identified as Rakesh Kishore. He was immediately taken into custody by the police stationed at the Supreme Court, and questioning is currently underway. Senior officials, including the DCP of New Delhi district and the DCP assigned to the Supreme Court, rushed to the scene upon receiving news of the incident.
The disruption occurred while the bench headed by CJI Gavai was hearing mentionings related to lawyers’ cases. Witnesses reported that Kishore approached the judge’s dais and attempted to remove his shoe to throw it, but was stopped in time. Even as he was being escorted out, he continued chanting slogans denouncing the perceived insult to Sanatan Dharma.
Despite the commotion, CJI Gavai remained composed and instructed that court proceedings continue without interruption. He reportedly remarked that such incidents do not affect him personally.
The motive behind the lawyer’s outburst is believed to be linked to remarks made by CJI Gavai on September 16, when the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the reinstallation of a seven-foot-tall idol of Lord Vishnu at the Jwari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. At the time, the court had labeled the plea as a “publicity interest litigation,” which sparked criticism among certain religious groups.
The incident has raised serious concerns about courtroom security and the growing tensions surrounding religious sentiments in judicial discourse. Further investigation is underway.