New Delhi, October 6, 2025 - In a stunning breach of courtroom decorum, an elderly lawyer hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court on Monday. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders across party lines and members of the legal fraternity, who have termed it an attack on the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am during oral mentionings before a bench led by CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran. The attacker, identified as advocate Rakesh Kishore, reportedly flung a shoe at the CJI, while shouting slogans about "Sanatan Dharma". The shoe did not hit the Chief Justice. Security personnel immediately apprehended Kishore and escorted him out of the courtroom.
Despite the disruption, CJI Gavai maintained his composure and urged lawyers to continue with their cases. "Do not pay attention to such things. Please carry on... If we are not perturbed, why are you? Just ignore," the CJI told the lawyers present.
Following the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued an interim suspension order against Kishore, who is enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, citing his "inconsistent" conduct with the "rules and the dignity of the court". The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also expressed its "profound shock, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation of the reprehensible act". The association linked the incident to a "misguided backlash" against CJI Gavai's recent remarks regarding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, emphasizing respect for all religions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke to CJI Gavai, condemning the attack and expressing his appreciation for the CJI's calm demeanor in the face of the situation. "The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable," Modi stated on X.
Opposition leaders also strongly condemned the incident, with many calling it an assault on the Constitution and the judiciary. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as "unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent," and said it was "an attack on the dignity of our Judiciary and the rule of law". Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, stated that "It is an assault not just on him, but on our Constitution as well".
Delhi Police sources revealed that Kishore claimed he was "unhappy with the CJI's remarks" during a hearing related to the Khajuraho temple complex. A note recovered from him reportedly stated, "Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan" (Hindustan will not tolerate an insult to Sanatan Dharma).
The incident has raised concerns about the security of judges and the increasing intolerance in society. Some political commentators have linked the attack to rising religious fanaticism and the spread of hatred. Others have emphasized the need to protect the dignity of the judicial system and ensure the safety and security of judges.
