Today, On 16th October, Justice Surya Kant says, “Our religion has never promoted violence. On social media, everything becomes a saleable thing,” as he warns against glorifying outrage and online sensationalism following the shoe-hurling incident at CJI Gavai.
New Delhi: During Today’s hearing before Supreme Court bench led by Justice Surya Kant, the issue of the shoe-throwing incident targeting the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was discussed. Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh raised concern over the incident, urging that it should not be ignored and sought contempt proceedings with the consent of the Attorney General.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the move, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the institution.
He said,
“The way social media is being uncontrollably used some are glorifying this incident, calling it an act of courage. This is about the institution’s dignity; it cannot go on like this.”
Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the importance of free speech but noted the difficulty in regulating its misuse.
He said,
“We will treat this matter uninfluenced by anything else,”
He also added,
“Once we take this up formally, it will again dominate discussion for weeks.”
The bench, which also included Justice K. Bagchi, observed that the calm response of the CJI reflected the strength of the institution.
Justice Bagchi stated,
“The CJI has already brushed it aside as an act of an irresponsible citizen. We must ask if reopening a matter already given closure is necessary especially when the court is overburdened. The few minutes we spend here could decide bail for those in jail,”
And further noted,
“We’ve become money-spinning ventures.”
Justice Kant also highlighted the role of social media, saying,
“Our religion has never promoted violence. On social media, everything becomes a saleable thing,”
And added,
“We understand your concern and respect it.”
Vikas Singh, insisting on immediate action, requested,
“Please list the criminal contempt tomorrow.”
To this, Justice Kant responded with subtle humor,
“Let’s see what happens in a week maybe there’ll be more saleable items by then.”
Solicitor General Mehta also warned about the manipulative nature of social media algorithms, saying,
“Social media works on algorithms it feeds on outrage and makes us addicted. We’re the products, not the users.”
Justice Surya Kant further praised the CJI’s handling of the incident, stating,
“The CJI has shown magnanimity, and it reflects that the institution remains unaffected.”
Vikas Singh even cited religious sentiments while stressing the severity of the act, saying,
“This is also an insult to Lord Vishnu. I am sure even He would not have wanted this.”
The Supreme Court bench, while acknowledging the gravity of the act, appeared cautious about reopening the matter, pointing out that further discussion could only fuel online sensationalism and glorification.
Earlier, A shocking incident occurred inside the Supreme Court of India on 6th October, when advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during court proceedings.
The 71-year-old lawyer, a resident of Mayur Vihar and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association since 2011, removed his sports shoe and hurled it toward the CJI.
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the shocking incident inside the Supreme Court where Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai faced an attempted attack.
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.