Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Tuesday voiced concerns about how oral statements made by judges during court proceedings are often distorted on social media platforms. His remarks were made a day after a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai within the Supreme Court premises before being apprehended by security personnel. Kishore was subsequently removed from the premises.
CJI Gavai recalled an instance where he advised his colleague, Justice K Vinod Chandran, against making certain remarks during a previous hearing of the Dheeraj Mor case. He explained his reasoning was to prevent potential misinterpretation on social media, stating, “I requested my learned brother to restrict it only to my ears.”
The discussion occurred during a hearing concerning a plea filed by the All India Judges Association, which addressed issues related to service conditions, pay scales, and career progression for judicial officers. A bench headed by CJI Gavai and including Justice Chandran subsequently referred the matter to a five-judge bench for further deliberation.
Attack on CJI Gavai
Earlier, on Monday, a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe towards the Chief Justice. The incident reportedly stemmed from the lawyer’s dissatisfaction with CJI Gavai’s remarks made during a hearing last month. These remarks were related to the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho complex in Madhya Pradesh.
Throughout the incident, CJI Gavai maintained composure. He instructed court officials and security personnel to “just ignore” the disturbance and allowed the lawyer to leave with a warning. He reassured the lawyers present, stating, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
As the lawyer was being escorted away, he was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan).”
In a previous hearing, the CJI had dismissed a plea as a “publicity interest litigation,” stating, “This is purely publicity interest litigation… 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.”
Later, the CJI clarified that he respects all religions, noting that some of his comments had been misrepresented on social media. “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed on social media in a certain manner… I respect all religions,” CJI Gavai said.