Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai / Attempted attack on CJI Gavai in Supreme Court, lawyer throws shoe in courtroom

Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai: An unprecedented incident occurred in the Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai. According to news agency PTI, the incident occurred while the CJI's bench was hearing a case. Lawyers present in the courtroom reported that the accused lawyer threw a shoe at the CJI, though it did not reach his bench. Security personnel immediately detained the lawyer. While leaving, the lawyer shouted, "Hindustan will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan."

CJI Gavai responded calmly to the incident and asked the lawyers present in the court to continue their arguments. He said, "Don't be bothered by this. I am not bothered by these things either; these things don't matter to me."

Identity of the accused lawyer

According to media reports, the accused lawyer's name is Rakesh Kishore Kumar, who was registered with the Supreme Court Bar in 2011. He is believed to have been upset by CJI Gavai's comments on the restoration of a 7-foot-tall broken statue of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Lord Vishnu Statue Controversy

On September 16, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the restoration of the broken statue of Lord Vishnu at the Javari (Vamana) Temple in Khajuraho. Addressing the petitioner, the CJI said, "Go and ask the Lord Himself. You claim to be a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu; go and pray to Him."

The petitioner expressed displeasure over this decision, stating that it hurt his religious sentiments. The court also stated that the statue would remain in its original condition and that devotees could worship in other temples if they wished. The petitioner claimed that the statue was broken during the Mughal invasions and has remained in the same condition ever since. He sought the court's intervention to restore the temple's sanctity and protect the devotees' right to worship.

CJI's clarification and social media controversy

On September 18, CJI Gavai clarified his remarks. He stated that his remarks were misrepresented on social media. The CJI clarified, "I respect all religions." Justice K. Vinod Chandran, who was part of the bench, termed social media as "anti-social media" and said that he too had been misrepresented online.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the CJI, saying, "I have known the CJI for 10 years. He visits all religious places. Nowadays, things are exaggerated on social media." Citing Newton's law, he said that every action on social media now has an excessive reaction. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also agreed with the difficulties faced by lawyers due to social media.

VHP's response

Alok Kumar, national president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), wrote on X, "The court is the temple of justice. Indian society has faith and trust in the courts. It is our duty to ensure that this trust not only remains intact but also becomes stronger." He also said that it is the responsibility of everyone, including lawyers, litigants, and judges, to exercise restraint in speech.