Advocate throws shoe at CJI BR Gavai during court proceedings

An unprecedented scene unfolded inside the Supreme Court of India on Monday morning when a 71-year-old advocate allegedly hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai during ongoing court proceedings at Court No. 1. The shocking act of judicial disrespect occurred around 11:35 am, prompting immediate action by security personnel and bringing the court's business to an abrupt halt. The Delhi Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, highlighting the rare breach of security and decorum within the apex judicial institution.

The advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, reportedly took out his sports shoe and threw it towards the Chief Justice. Security personnel promptly apprehended the individual and handed him over to the Supreme Court's security unit. The incident immediately raised serious concerns about the safety protocols within the courtroom, particularly since the CJI is protected by Z-plus security provided by the Delhi Police's Security Division.

Initial investigation by the Delhi Police revealed that the advocate's motive stemmed from his dissatisfaction with remarks made by CJI Gavai during a recent hearing. The advocate was reportedly unhappy with comments the CJI had made while dismissing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the restoration of a dilapidated seven-foot-tall Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple, which is part of the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

The controversial comments in question were made on September 16, when CJI Gavai, presiding over a two-judge bench alongside Justice K Vinod Chandran, was dismissing the plea. At the time, the CJI had reportedly referred to the matter as "purely publicity interest litigation," telling the petitioner, "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."

Following the controversial dismissal, Chief Justice Gavai had later clarified his remarks, stating that his comments were made strictly in the context of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) having jurisdiction over the temple's upkeep. He emphasized that he "respects all religions" and that he "believe[s] in all the religions, I respect all the (religions)," in an effort to contain the controversy surrounding his statements.

The Delhi Police are currently coordinating closely with the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, with the New Delhi District unit actively probing the incident before any formal legal action is taken against the advocate. This incident, while isolated, underscores the tensions and extreme reactions that can sometimes be triggered in the context of sensitive religious and judicial matters, even within the highly protected environment of the Supreme Court.