Chief Justice BR Gavai's Family Condemns Shoe Attack as Assault on Constitutional Values

New Delhi: Chief Justice BR Gavai's family has voiced strong opposition to the recent shoe-throwing incident targeting him in court, characterizing it as an "assault on the Constitution." They emphasized that no individual has the right to take justice into their own hands.

Kirti Gavai, the Chief Justice's sister, warned that such disrespectful behavior must be stopped, or future generations will hold us accountable. Meanwhile, his mother, Kamal Gavai, urged citizens to express their views through constitutional channels rather than resorting to such actions.

The incident occurred on Monday when lawyer Rakesh Kishore threw a shoe at the Chief Justice during court proceedings, declaring, "India won't tolerate Sanatan's insult." Despite this disruption, CJI Gavai maintained his composure and continued with the hearing. Reports indicate he instructed the registry not to pursue action against the perpetrator.

While the Chief Justice displayed remarkable restraint, his sister insisted that such behavior should not be overlooked. "We spoke with Bhushan dada. He had asked the court to ignore it, but honestly, we don't all have to ignore it. It's his humility that he said, Ignore it. But if we don't stop this kind of misbehaviour, then future generations will never forgive us," she stated in a video message.

She further described the incident as an attack by a "poisonous ideology" on the Constitution itself, calling for appropriate action against anyone who violates constitutional principles.

Kamal Gavai, the Chief Justice's mother, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional values, particularly the principle of "live and let live." She noted that while the Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, some individuals inappropriately take matters into their own hands, potentially fostering anarchy. She appealed to everyone to express their concerns through constitutional means.

The security breach occurred when an elderly lawyer hurled a shoe toward the Chief Justice during proceedings, though it failed to reach the bench. Security personnel promptly removed the individual from the courtroom.

Witnesses report that the Chief Justice remained remarkably composed throughout the incident, instructing court officials not to be distracted and proceeding with the hearing. "I am the last person to be affected by such things," he remarked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called the Chief Justice to condemn the attack, later posting on X that the incident "has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society." The Prime Minister also commended the Chief Justice's calm demeanor, noting it "highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution."

Political organizations across the spectrum, including both the BJP and Congress, have denounced the incident. BJP MP and National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that the act has distressed Indians nationwide as it contradicts India's social traditions, constitutional values, and cultural heritage.

The lawyer responsible for the attack later made an unusual claim that divine intervention had compelled his actions, alleging, "The Chief Justice of India mocked Sanatan Dharma. This was the Almighty's order, a reaction to an action."

In response to the incident, the Bar Council of India has suspended the lawyer, citing conduct incompatible with the dignity of the court.