Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe-throwing attempt on Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, calling it “utterly condemnable.” He said the attack has “angered every Indian” and praised Justice Gavai’s calmness and commitment to constitutional values.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the shocking incident inside the Supreme Court where Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai faced an attempted attack.
According to officials, the prime minister personally called the CJI to express his concern and extend his support.
ALSO READ: Attack on Constitution: Shoe Thrown at CJI B.R. Gavai, Lawyer Suspended, Nation Outraged
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said,
“Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. 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.”
Modi also praised the calmness and dignity with which Justice Gavai handled the situation. In another message, the prime minister added,
“It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”
The incident took place in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court when a 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, tried to hurl his shoe towards the Chief Justice while proceedings were underway.
Kishore reportedly walked close to the dais where the judges were seated, removed his shoe, and attempted to throw it.
Alert security personnel inside the courtroom immediately intervened and stopped the attack. Kishore was quickly escorted outside and prevented from causing further disturbance.
Police officials later said that the lawyer was upset with remarks made by the Chief Justice while hearing a plea connected to the restoration of a seven-foot-tall damaged Lord Vishnu idol in the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
From Kishore’s possession, police also recovered a note which stated,
“Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan”
(India will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).
Despite the commotion, Chief Justice Gavai remained composed and instructed the lawyers and court staff not to get distracted.
CJI said,
“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
His words reflected his focus on continuing judicial work without interruption.
Delhi Police detained Kishore for questioning. Officials said he was interrogated for nearly three hours. Since court authorities did not file a formal complaint, the lawyer was later allowed to leave. In a surprising move, the shoe that he had attempted to throw was also returned to him.
Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the incident on X, stating,
“The attack on the Chief Justice of India is an assault on the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution. Such hatred has no place in our nation and must be condemned.”
This incident has drawn strong criticism across the political and legal spectrum. It is being described as a direct attack not only on the Chief Justice but also on the dignity of India’s top court.
The calm response of Justice Gavai and the quick intervention of security personnel prevented a major disruption inside the courtroom.
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