Lawyer throws shoe at CJI Bhushan Gavai in Supreme Court
New Delhi: A lawyer allegedly threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court on Monday. The incident occurred during the presentation of cases before a bench led by CJI Gavai. Security personnel promptly intervened and removed the lawyer from the courtroom.
The lawyer has been identified as Rakesh Kishore. Sources reported that while leaving the court, Kishore was heard shouting, “We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan Sanstha.”
The incident caused a brief commotion in the court. However, CJI Gavai remained composed, continuing proceedings without interruption and instructing other lawyers to maintain decorum. “Do not be disturbed by this. We will not be disturbed. Such incidents will not affect me,” the CJI remarked.
The confrontation is linked to criticism surrounding statements made by CJI Gavai about the reconstruction of a Vishnu idol. Earlier, a bench led by CJI Gavai and Justice K.
Vinod Chandran had dismissed an application in September seeking directions to reconstruct a seven-foot-tall Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The application had been filed by Rakesh Dalal.
The petition sought the restoration of the idol, which was reportedly mutilated during the Mughal invasions. Despite requests to authorities, the idol had not been repaired, according to the petitioner.
The Supreme Court bench had clarified that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), not the judiciary. Following the dismissal, some statements by the CJI were criticized on social media.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the remarks, emphasizing, “This is a serious matter. Every action receives an equal reaction, as Newton’s law tells us… but now every action elicits disproportionate reactions on social media. The CJI has visited all religious sites.”
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