Former Chief Justice of India Justice Gavai responded to the shocking shoe-hurling incident in court, emphasizing respect for all religions. He said, “Sometimes forgiveness is better than punishment,” highlighting a message of patience and understanding.
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Gavai opened up on Thursday about the shocking incident in court where a shoe was hurled at him.
Speaking to a TV channel after his retirement, he said he was not “invisible” or “unaffected” by the event and addressed concerns about hurting religious sentiments.
“There is no question that I have hurt the sentiments of Hindus,”
he said, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation.
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The incident occurred during a hearing concerning the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh. At one point, Justice Gavai asked the petitioner to “go and speak to God,” which reportedly upset a man in the courtroom.
In protest, the man threw a shoe at the former CJI, claiming that his comments were hurting the sentiments of Hindus.
Justice Gavai emphasized his respect for all religions in India, stating,
“I go to temples, dargahs, mosques, churches, gurudwaras. I respect all religions immensely.”
He clarified that the remark he made in court was spontaneous and not planned beforehand, saying,
“The decision was taken at that moment and not pre-planned.”
Addressing the action of the person who threw the shoe, Justice Gavai said he did not wish to pursue any punitive measures.
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“I did not want to take any action against the person who threw the shoe. Sometimes forgiveness is better than punishment,”
he said, highlighting the importance of patience and understanding.
Reflecting on the incident, he admitted that it served as a reminder that one must be careful with words while making comments, saying,
“The incident proved that caution is needed while making comments.”
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He also shared insights on his post-retirement plans, noting,
“The day I took charge, I didn’t want to take up government posts after retirement. I will abide by it.”
This statement by former CJI Gavai has drawn attention to the balance judicial figures must maintain between freedom of speech and religious sentiments in India, and his response shows a measured, forgiving approach to an unusual courtroom protest.
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