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An Indian lawyer threw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during court sessions in Delhi on Monday after reportedly making comments about Hinduism. Witnesses and Indian media say the shoe narrowly missed Chief Justice Gavai and another justice before dropping behind them. This incident is considered a serious breach of courtroom security and a significant act of public disrespect.
The lawyer, named Rakesh Kishore, was quickly restrained by security personnel. As he was taken out, he shouted, “We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan Dharma,” a different name for Hinduism, according to the Hindustan Times.
A group representing Supreme Court lawyers condemned the event and called for administrative action against the lawyer. “This behavior undermines the dignity of our legal profession and goes against the constitutional principles of decorum, discipline, and institutional integrity,” a statement from the Supreme Court Advocates-on-record Association read.
India’s Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, stated that social media misinformation fueled the attack. “I personally have seen Chief Justice Gavai visiting religious sites of various faiths with respect,” Mehta told Reuters via text message.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the shoe throw “completely condemnable,” adding his voice to widespread criticism. He spoke with Justice Gavai and expressed that the incident had upset every Indian. According to PTI, Modi said, “There is no room for such reprehensible acts in our society.”
In India and many other countries, throwing a shoe at someone publicly is viewed as an act of disrespect and humiliation.
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