Senior Advocate Condemns Religious Attack on Chief Justice: "Courts Not For Religious Ideas"

Lawyer Rakesh Kishore defended his actions stating he was offended by the Chief Justice's comments regarding religious matters.

Former Attorney-General of India and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi has issued a firm condemnation of the incident where a lawyer reportedly threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court, emphasizing that "courts of law are not meant to propagate religious ideas."

In an interview with NDTV, Rohatgi expressed concern that the perpetrator was "a lawyer and not a disgruntled litigant who may have been facing a trial for the last 20 years or something."

"It appears he is either a religious fanatic overwhelmed by observations the Chief Justice made in a case about a month ago, or he is utilizing the court as a platform for political or religious views," Rohatgi stated.

"It's unfortunate that a lawyer entered and threw a shoe, reportedly making statements about protecting Sanatan Dharma while exiting. Any expression of religious sentiment in this manner is wholly unacceptable in a court of law, regardless of who does it. Courts are not venues for religious propaganda," he added.

Rohatgi described the act as "completely unpardonable" and "the grossest form of criminal contempt as defined by law," noting it carries a six-month punishment.

He also referenced previous violent incidents in the Supreme Court: "This happens approximately once every 20 years. I recall a similar occurrence about 20 years ago. Around 15 or 16 years ago, someone attempted to attack a judge with a knife during court proceedings. This underscores the need for vigilance and robust security to prevent such disruptive elements."

Regarding the Chief Justice's decision to forgive the attacker, Rohatgi admitted he believed "exemplary punishment" would have been appropriate but acknowledged that the response demonstrated "maturity."

"Throughout his career, he has likely encountered many irrational individuals, whether disgruntled litigants, lawyers, or others. Apparently, he chose not to pursue action," Rohatgi observed.

Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also denounced the attack, stating it undermines the fundamental principles of the judiciary.

"I don't think extensive psychoanalysis is necessary because this isn't about individuals—Judge A, Judge B, Chief Justice X, Chief Justice Y. This concerns an institution representing a critical pillar of democracy. The symbolism becomes extremely serious when attacking its foundation. It demands unequivocal, universal condemnation without conditions or ideological considerations because it threatens the concept of keeping this institution above partisan politics. That's the broader issue," Singhvi explained.

He further emphasized the act was "inexcusable" particularly coming from a legal professional: "It's terrible enough for any person to commit such an act, but it's entirely inexcusable for a lawyer to even contemplate it. Lawyers should never identify with causes beyond their professional obligations. You represent clients professionally and must maintain boundaries. This is why we have established rules for the legal profession. This compounds the offense a hundredfold."

The incident involved an elderly lawyer throwing a shoe at the Chief Justice during court proceedings. The projectile failed to reach the bench, and security personnel promptly removed the individual from the courtroom.

Following the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended lawyer Rakesh Kishore within hours.

Kishore, however, defended his actions, claiming he was offended by remarks the Chief Justice made during a hearing about restoring Lord Vishnu's structure in the Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho.

"I did not do it; God did. The Chief Justice of India mocked Sanatan Dharma. This was the Almighty's order, a reaction to an action," he declared.