New Delhi: On Monday, a shocking incident took place inside the Supreme Court of India when an attempt was made to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai. The incident occurred during court proceedings in Court No. 1. Advocate Rakesh Kishore reportedly removed his shoes and tried to throw them at the CJI. Court security intervened in time and restrained him.
Advocate Anas Tanveer, present in the courtroom, told BBC correspondent Umang Poddar that there was brief chaos during the incident. Tanveer stated, “The advocate said — ‘Hindustan will not tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma.’” Despite the incident, Chief Justice Gavai remained calm and continued with the hearing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CJI Gavai following the incident. On X (formerly Twitter), Modi condemned the act, calling it “entirely reprehensible” and said there was no place for such behavior in society. He also appreciated CJI Gavai’s composure, stating it reflected the values of justice and commitment to the spirit of the Constitution.
Possible Motive
Sources indicate that Rakesh Kishore has been a member of the Supreme Court Bar since 2011. Reports suggest that the attack was provoked by CJI Gavai’s remarks regarding Lord Vishnu. On September 16, a bench headed by CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran had dismissed a petition related to the repair and maintenance of a broken idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
During the hearing, the bench stated that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and not the court, suggesting the petitioner pray to Lord Vishnu directly. This comment drew criticism from groups including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Security and Reactions
The Bar Council of India suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore following the incident. The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCOARA) condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to the dignity of the judiciary and the respect between the bar and bench. SCOARA urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident.
The Congress party also denounced the incident, terming it disgraceful. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai called it an insult to the judiciary, while senior advocate Indira Jaising described it as an attack on the judicial system and demanded an inquiry.
Statement from CJI Gavai
Chief Justice Gavai clarified that he respects all religions, and his remarks were made purely in the context of the petition. He urged advocates to continue proceedings without being distracted by the incident.
The incident is rare in the history of the Indian judiciary and raises serious concerns regarding judicial security and respect. It underscores the need for maintaining decorum and safeguarding the sanctity of the court.
