PM Modi Condemns Attack on Chief Justice BR Gavai in Supreme Court: "Angered Every Indian"

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai following a shocking incident at the Supreme Court premises. During their conversation, PM Modi strongly condemned the attack and expressed that it had "angered every Indian."

The Prime Minister shared on X: "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. It is utterly condemnable."

The incident involved an elderly lawyer who threw a shoe at the Chief Justice during court proceedings. Fortunately, the projectile did not reach the bench. Security personnel promptly detained the individual and escorted him from the courtroom.

Chief Justice Gavai, who was presiding alongside Justice K Vinod Chandran, maintained remarkable composure throughout the incident. He encouraged court officials to remain focused, stating, "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me," before continuing with the scheduled proceedings.

PM Modi commended Justice Gavai's composure, noting that his calm demeanor "in the face of such a situation highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution."

Witnesses identified the perpetrator as Rakesh Kishore, who gained access using a proximity card typically issued to legal professionals. According to accounts, Kishore approached the bench, removed his shoe, and hurled it toward the judges before being immediately restrained. As security personnel removed him, he reportedly shouted, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).

In a remarkable display of leniency, the Chief Justice requested authorities to release Kishore with only a warning. Delhi Police questioned the lawyer for three hours within the Supreme Court premises before allowing his departure, as no formal complaint was registered. His footwear was returned to him.

The Bar Council of India responded swiftly to the unprecedented breach of court decorum. Hours after the incident, they ordered Kishore's immediate suspension, stating his behavior was "inconsistent with the dignity of the court."

The BCI's official notice stated: "On the basis of prima facie material, it appears that at about 11.35 am on 6 October 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi removed your sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India during ongoing proceedings, whereupon you were detained by security."

Kishore now faces a prohibition from "appearing, acting, pleading and practising in any court, tribunal or authority in India." Additionally, the bar body has issued him a show-cause notice with 15 days to explain why further disciplinary action should not be taken.

The incident followed controversial remarks made by the Chief Justice during a hearing the previous month regarding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho's Javari temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage complex in Madhya Pradesh.

When dismissing a petition seeking the reconstruction and reinstallation of the idol, Chief Justice Gavai had remarked: "This is purely publicity interest litigation.... Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation."

These comments provoked criticism on social media platforms, prompting the Chief Justice to later clarify that he respects "all religions."