A lawyer caused a stir in a Delhi courtroom by throwing a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai, reportedly in protest against the judge’s recent comments concerning a Hindu god.
The incident, which occurred during court proceedings on Monday, is being viewed as a significant breach of security and a public insult. Eyewitnesses, including three lawyers present, confirmed that the shoe narrowly missed the Chief Justice and another justice before falling behind them. As he was escorted away by security, the lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, was heard exclaiming, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism].” He has since been suspended from practice.
“After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted,” recounted Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, who was present during the incident. Another lawyer, Anas Tanwir, stated that Chief Justice Gavai maintained his composure throughout the event.
The Chief Justice has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. Authorities have indicated that Mr. Kishore will not face charges.
Mr. Kishore explained to The Print that his actions were a reaction to a petition he had recently filed, which was dismissed by a bench led by the Chief Justice. During the dismissal, Justice Gavai reportedly made remarks about Lord Vishnu, stating, “This is purely publicity interest litigation… Go and ask the deity himself to do something.” These comments had previously drawn criticism, with some accusing the judge of disrespecting Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai had previously acknowledged the criticism, asserting his respect for “all religions.”
Describing his motivation, Mr. Kishore told The Print, “He not only refused to accept the prayer, but made fun of the Lord Vishnu.” He also mentioned that he had been unable to sleep since the judge’s remarks on September 16.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe-throwing incident as “utterly condemnable,” echoing sentiments from across the political spectrum. He reportedly spoke with Justice Gavai, emphasizing that the attack had deeply angered the nation and that “There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.”
In India and many other cultures, throwing a shoe at someone is considered a grave act of disrespect and humiliation. Similar incidents have occurred previously, including an incident where a shoe was thrown at Kenyan President William Ruto during a rally earlier this year, and in 2008, when an Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at then-US President George W Bush to protest the invasion of Iraq.
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