A session of the Supreme Court of India was abruptly disrupted on Monday when a lawyer attempted to throw his shoe at the Chief Justice of India, Bhushan R Gavai, during live proceedings. The individual was immediately apprehended by security personnel and removed from the courtroom.
The incident occurred as cases were being mentioned before the Chief Justice’s bench. The lawyer, later identified as Rakesh Kishore, approached the dais, removed his shoe, and gestured to hurl it before being intercepted. While being escorted out, he was heard shouting, “We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan.”
Chief Justice Gavai remained composed throughout the disruption, urging the legal professionals present to continue with their work. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted,” the CJI stated, adding, “These things do not affect me.”
The lawyer’s outburst appears to be connected to a recent controversy stemming from remarks reportedly made by the CJI last month. The comments were made during the dismissal of a petition seeking the restoration of a beheaded seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple within the Khajuraho group of monuments. The court had ruled that the matter fell under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
During that hearing, the CJI had reportedly advised the petitioner’s counsel to “go and ask the deity itself to do something now,” a comment that was widely circulated and criticized on social media.
In response to the ensuing controversy, CJI Gavai had clarified his position in open court on September 18. “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media in a certain manner… I respect all religions,” he had stated, emphasizing that his remarks were misconstrued and not intended to offend any faith.
The broader issue of online misinformation and its real-world impact was highlighted by senior law officers during that clarification. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had remarked on the nature of online reactions, stating, “Every action has a disproportionate social media reaction.” Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal echoed this concern, describing the digital landscape as an “unruly horse” that is difficult to control. Monday’s incident underscores the tangible consequences of such online narratives.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has strongly condemned the act of advocate who attempted to disrespect the Chief Justice of India during court proceedings. Calling the gesture “unwarranted and intemperate,” SCAORA said it was unbecoming of a member of the Bar and amounted to a direct assault on judicial independence.
The association expressed full solidarity with the Chief Justice and the judiciary, urged all lawyers to uphold professional decorum and unity, and reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional values. It also suggested that the Supreme Court consider taking suo motu contempt action, stating that while freedom of speech is sacrosanct, lawyers have a duty of restraint as officers of the court.
