Shoe Thrown at CJI Supreme Court of India: Culprit should be punished by People

 Shoe Thrown at CJI Supreme Court of India: Culprit should be punished by People

 

The incident of  Shoe Thrown at CJI Supreme Court of India is seen as a major security breach and insult to judicial dignity, drawing widespread condemnation from legal bodies, political leaders, and the public. It occurred amid heightened tensions following CJI Gavai's recent remarks in a related case, which some interpreted as disrespectful to Hinduism.

Background and Motive

Kishore's actions stemmed from his dissatisfaction with CJI Gavai's observations during a September 2025 hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the restoration of a dilapidated seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The bench, headed by CJI Gavai, dismissed the PIL as a "publicity interest litigation" and ruled that the matter fell under the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) jurisdiction, not the Supreme Court's direct intervention.

During the hearing, CJI Gavai reportedly remarked to the petitioner's counsel: "If you are such a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, go and ask the deity itself to do something now" or "Go to Mauritius and say..." (in a later reference to his own international speech on the rule of law). These comments, made in the context of urging petitioners to follow proper legal channels rather than seeking judicial overreach, sparked backlash on social media, with accusations of mocking Hindu deities and "Sanatan Dharma" (eternal Hindu principles). CJI Gavai later clarified on September 18, 2025, that he "respects all religions" and his words were not intended to offend, emphasizing his belief in interfaith harmony.

Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar, East Delhi, and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Shahdara Bar Association, and Bar Council of Delhi, carried a note with him reading "Sanatan Dharma ka apmaan, nahi sahega Hindustan." He later expressed "no regrets" in media interactions, claiming he was emotionally compelled by a divine prompt ("Bhagwan ne mujhse kaha tha" – "God told me") and felt the judiciary had mocked Hinduism. Some analyses suggest underlying caste dynamics, as CJI Gavai belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Dalit) community, and the incident has been framed by critics as a "casteist attack" on a progressive judge from an oppressed background.

Reactions and Responses

• CJI Gavai's Response: Displaying remarkable composure, the CJI instructed lawyers to "just ignore it" and continue proceedings, stating, "I am not distracted by all this. These things do not affect me. I am the last person to be affected by such things." He directed no action against Kishore, allowing his release.
• Legal and Bar Associations:
• The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued an immediate interim suspension of Kishore's license to practice law nationwide, calling his conduct "prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court" and a violation of professional ethics under the Advocates Act, 1961. Full disciplinary proceedings are underway.
• The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expressed "profound shock, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation," labeling it a "reprehensible act" that undermines judicial authority.
• Political Reactions:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident as "utterly condemnable" and "reprehensible," praising CJI Gavai's calm as a reflection of constitutional values. He spoke directly with the CJI post-incident.
• Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, present in the courtroom, downplayed it lightly, saying, "We suffer this every day," while emphasizing the need to move on.
• Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani framed it as an attack by "Hindutva fascist forces" on a Dalit judge upholding constitutional principles, urging probes into organizational backing.
• Social media reactions were polarized: Some hailed Kishore as a defender of "Sanatan Dharma," while others decried it as an assault on institutions, with hashtags like #CJIAttack and #RakeshKishore trending.
• Security and Broader Implications: CJI Gavai enjoys Z+ security cover from Delhi Police. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced courtroom security and reflections on rising polarization, with editorials warning it as a "consequence of fanning communal pots" and a threat to judicial independence. No further charges were filed against Kishore beyond the BCI suspension, but police continue coordinating with the court.

This event underscores ongoing debates in India about judicial overreach in religious matters, free speech in courts, and the intersection of faith, caste, and law.