Chief Justice BR Gavai’s family has condemned the shocking shoe attack in the Supreme Court, calling it an attack on the Constitution. They urged firm action against the “poisonous ideology” behind such unconstitutional behaviour.
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NEW DELHI: A shocking incident in the Supreme Court of India this week has stirred the nation a lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during a court hearing. While the act itself has been widely condemned, what has stood out is the dignified calm of the Chief Justice and the strong response from his family, who have called the attack not just a personal affront but an assault on the very spirit of India’s Constitution.
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The Incident in Court
The attack took place on Monday when an elderly lawyer suddenly hurled a shoe toward the Chief Justice during a court proceeding. Fortunately, the shoe did not reach the bench. The man was swiftly escorted out of the courtroom by security officials.
Eyewitnesses report that Justice Gavai remained composed throughout the episode. He urged court staff to stay focused and proceed with the hearing, reportedly saying,
“I am the last person to be affected by such things.”
In a remarkable gesture, the Chief Justice also asked the registry not to take any punitive action against the lawyer — a move that many have interpreted as an act of humility and restraint.
Family’s Reaction
The Chief Justice’s sister, Kirti Gavai, released a video statement calling the attack an assault on the Constitution rather than a personal affront.
“We spoke with Bhushan dada. He had asked the court to ignore it, but honestly, we don’t all have to ignore it. It’s his humility that he said, ‘Ignore it.’ But if we don’t stop this kind of misbehaviour, then future generations will never forgive us,”
she said.
She also condemned the ideology behind such acts, describing it as “poisonous” and contrary to India’s constitutional values.
“This is not a personal attack by a person but an attack on the Constitution by a poisonous ideology. We need to stop this kind of unconstitutional behaviour. Action must be taken if anyone acts against the Constitution.”
His mother, Kamal Gavai, echoed these sentiments, urging citizens to express themselves through constitutional means rather than violence or disrespect.
“The Indian Constitution gives equal rights to all, but some people take the law into their own hands and behave in a manner that is disrespectful to India and can spread anarchy in the country. No one has the right to take the law into their hands and create anarchy,”
she said.
She also reminded people of the fundamental ethos of the Constitution —
“Live and let live.”
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Political leaders and the legal fraternity have united in condemning the act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a call with CJI Gavai, expressed deep concern and anger over the incident.
“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,”
he posted on X.
The Prime Minister also lauded the Chief Justice’s composure:
“It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”
Both the BJP and the Congress issued statements denouncing the attack. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said,
“This type of behaviour doesn’t fall in line with our social traditions, constitutional grace, or India’s cultural ethos.”
Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India has suspended the lawyer involved, stating that his behaviour was “inconsistent with the dignity of the court.”
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The accused lawyer later claimed that his act was “divinely inspired,” saying,
“The Almighty ordered me to do this. The Chief Justice mocked Sanatan Dharma.”
His claim has only intensified discussions about growing intolerance and the misuse of religious sentiment to justify unlawful behaviour.
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