PM Modi Speaks to CJI, Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the shocking attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai that took place earlier in the day within the Supreme Court premises. Describing the act as “utterly condemnable,” the Prime Minister said it has “angered every Indian” and goes against the values of respect and justice enshrined in the Constitution.
“Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. 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,” PM Modi wrote on social media platform X after the incident.
The Prime Minister also lauded Justice Gavai’s composure during the unexpected disruption, saying that his calm response reflected his unwavering commitment to upholding judicial decorum and the constitutional spirit. “It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution,” he added.
The Incident Inside the Supreme Court
According to eyewitnesses, the disruption occurred during proceedings in Court No. 1 when an elderly lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, suddenly removed his shoe and threw it towards the bench where Chief Justice Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran were seated. The shoe, however, did not reach the judges, and Kishore was quickly overpowered and escorted out by security personnel present in the courtroom.
Despite the startling incident, Chief Justice Gavai remained unfazed. He urged court officials and advocates not to be distracted, saying, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.” The proceedings resumed soon after without further disruption.
As per reports, the man shouted “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma”) while being taken out. Authorities later identified him through his proximity card, which is typically issued to practising lawyers and clerks in the Supreme Court.
Legal and Disciplinary Action Follows
In the wake of the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) swiftly suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore, citing conduct that was inconsistent with the dignity of the court. The BCI’s suspension order stated that the act of attempting to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice was an “unprecedented breach of courtroom discipline” and brought disrepute to the legal profession.
“On the basis of prima facie material, it appears that at about 11:35 am on 6 October 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore removed your sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India during ongoing proceedings, whereupon you were detained by security,” the order read.
The Bar Council has not only suspended Kishore’s license to practice but also issued a show-cause notice, asking him to explain within 15 days why further disciplinary action should not be taken. He has been barred from “appearing, acting, pleading, and practising in any court, tribunal, or authority in India” until further notice.
Background of the Controversy
The outburst is believed to have stemmed from comments made by Chief Justice Gavai during a hearing last month concerning a plea related to the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The petition sought directions for reconstructing and reinstalling an idol of Lord Vishnu, which the bench dismissed as “publicity interest litigation.”
Chief Justice Gavai had remarked, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.” The comments had triggered criticism on social media, prompting the Chief Justice later to clarify that he respects “all religions.”
Calm Amid Chaos
Despite the chaos, Justice Gavai’s dignified handling of the situation drew praise from across the legal and political spectrum. PM Modi’s expression of solidarity underscored the need for maintaining respect toward the judiciary. Legal experts have termed the incident a “serious attack on judicial decorum” that demands introspection within the legal fraternity.
The Delhi Police questioned Kishore for nearly three hours within the Supreme Court premises before releasing him, as no formal complaint was registered. His shoes, confiscated earlier, were later returned.
As the nation expresses outrage over the episode, both the judiciary and the executive have reiterated their commitment to preserving the sanctity and independence of India’s judicial institutions.
