A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in Navi Mumbai against an unidentified individual and others for circulating an offensive, AI-generated video of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on social media. The complaint alleges that the video, widely shared on platform X, was created with the intent to insult the minority community and incite caste-based animosity.
The controversy began after a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai in the Supreme Court on October 6, 2025, shouting slogans about "insult to Sanatan Dharma". This incident stemmed from CJI Gavai's remarks during a hearing regarding the restoration of a damaged idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho. CJI Gavai had suggested that the petitioner should ask the deity himself to resolve the matter. While CJI Gavai clarified that he respects all religions, his comments triggered a wave of online abuse and disinformation, particularly targeting his caste and religious background.
The AI-generated video depicts CJI Gavai with his face painted blue and an earthen pot around his neck, symbolizing historical caste-based discrimination against Dalits, where they were not allowed to let their spit touch the ground. The video also shows another person hitting CJI Gavai with shoes. The FIR alleges that the video aims to perpetuate the idea that individuals from Scheduled Castes, regardless of their position, deserve to be treated as "untouchables".
The FIR was registered at the New Panvel Police Station based on a complaint filed by an advocate. The police have invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to common intent, criminal conspiracy, creating enmity based on caste, intentional insult, and spreading rumors to cause enmity. Provisions of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been applied. Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in creating and disseminating the video.
Following the shoe-throwing incident, several political leaders condemned the attack, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition leaders questioned why the Delhi Police did not take immediate action, even though CJI Gavai chose not to press charges. The Bar Council of India has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore for his actions. A "zero FIR" was also filed against Kishore in Bengaluru.
The incident has drawn attention to the role of social media and the spread of misinformation, with many users, including some with large followings, using the opportunity to attack and delegitimize CJI Gavai. Some have even framed the shoe-throwing incident as an act of heroism. Punjab Police have also registered multiple FIRs under anti-discrimination laws against social media accounts that posted casteist content glorifying the attack. Social media influencer Ajeet Bharti was questioned by police for his comments about the CJI.
