A scene of disbelief unfolded in the Supreme Court on Monday when an individual abruptly hurled a stack of papers at the Bench presided over by the Chief Justice of India and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
This unexpected interruption took place amidst the judges’ routine session of hearing oral mentionings – a common start to their busy week.
The court had only just reconvened after a week-long break, commencing its proceedings an hour later than usual at 11:30 a.m., with a substantial list of urgent matters awaiting attention.
As advocate Shivam Singh was presenting his plea for an urgent listing, the papers suddenly flew from the left side of the courtroom, catching the judges by surprise as they were turned towards their right.
Despite the initial shock, both the Chief Justice and Justice Chandran quickly regained their composure. The Chief Justice, specifically, urged Mr. Singh to continue his submissions without distraction.
Chief Justice Gavai calmly instructed Mr. Singh, “Do not pay attention to such things. Please carry on,” prompting the advocate to resume his oral arguments, albeit with some hesitation.
Almost immediately, security personnel intervened, escorting the individual responsible for throwing the papers out of the courtroom. Witnesses among the lawyers reported hearing the person shouting slogans related to ‘Sanatan’ as they were removed.
Addressing the momentarily flustered lawyers in attendance, the Chief Justice firmly encouraged them to refocus on the ongoing proceedings, asking pointedly, “If we are not perturbed, why are you?”
This incident recalls a similar event in 2009 when a woman threw a slipper at the then Justice Arijit Pasayat during a contempt case hearing. That object also missed its intended target, and the woman was subsequently taken into custody.