New Delhi, October 6, 2025 – A tense atmosphere gripped the Supreme Court today after an advocate hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during a hearing. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leading the charge in denouncing the act as an "assault on the Constitution".
"The attack on the Chief Justice of India is an assault on the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution," Rahul Gandhi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "Such hatred has no place in our nation and must be condemned," he added.
The incident occurred earlier today in Court No. 1, causing a brief disruption before the lawyer was apprehended by security. Reports indicate the individual shouted slogans against "insult of Sanatan Dharma" while being escorted out of the courtroom. Initial investigations suggest the lawyer was unhappy with CJI Gavai's remarks during a recent hearing concerning the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh. Specifically, CJI Gavai was criticised weeks earlier for his controversial "go and ask the deity itself" remarks while hearing the plea.
Despite the commotion, CJI Gavai remained composed and continued with the proceedings. "Don't get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me. Continue with the hearing," he stated, according to reports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condemnation of the incident, stating he had spoken with CJI Gavai and that the attack "has angered every Indian". "There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable," Modi posted on X. He further praised the CJI's calm demeanor, noting it "highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution".
The Congress party has amplified its criticism, linking the attack to a broader "hate culture" they claim is permeating the country. Congress leaders argue that such incidents are a direct consequence of the prevailing political climate. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, called for national solidarity with CJI Gavai, emphasizing the attack was not just on him but on the Constitution itself. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress chief, also condemned the act as "unprecedented, shameful, and abhorrent".
This incident follows other recent instances where Congress has alleged the promotion of hate speech and a toxic environment. The party has previously accused the BJP-RSS of creating a "deliberately cultivated, toxic atmosphere of hate" that endangers opposition leaders. They cited a death threat against Rahul Gandhi by a former ABVP leader as evidence of this dangerous trend.
The Delhi Police detained and later released the lawyer involved in the shoe-hurling incident. The incident has raised concerns about the security of judges and the need for a more secure environment within the Supreme Court premises.
