Man Throws Slippers at Ahmedabad Judge After Case Dismissal: Security Concerns Echo Supreme Court Incident

The Ahmedabad court chose not to pursue action against the individual, though police subsequently detained him. (AI-generated image)

In Gujarat's Ahmedabad Sessions Court, an incident occurred on Tuesday where a man hurled his slippers at a judge during active court proceedings. This event bears striking similarities to last week's attack targeting Chief Justice of India BR Gavai.

The individual responsible for throwing the slippers was reportedly frustrated over the acquittal of four defendants in a case he had initiated.

According to Inspector PH Bhati from the city's Karanj police station in his statement to PTI, "The individual became enraged and threw a shoe at the judge following the dismissal of his appeal."

While court personnel apprehended the man, the judge declined to press charges and instructed staff not to take punitive measures against him, Inspector Bhati noted.

The origins of this case trace back to 1997, when the petitioner, while purchasing vegetables in Gujarat's Gomtipur area, was struck by a cricket ball from nearby players. This incident escalated from a verbal disagreement into physical confrontation.

Subsequently, the man filed charges against four individuals at Gomtipur Police Station, including allegations of assault with a weapon.

Following the filing of a chargesheet, the case proceeded to Metro Court in 2009. Upon conclusion of the hearings, the court acquitted all four defendants on February 15, 2017.

The petitioner then elevated the matter to the Sessions Court on May 19, 2017.

After reviewing the appeal, the Sessions Court maintained the lower court's ruling and rejected the appeal on October 13, 2025.

Distressed by this outcome, the petitioner began speaking loudly and displaying disruptive behavior in court, despite attempts to calm him.

The situation culminated with the man throwing his slippers at the judge in rapid succession. Though the judge avoided injury, court staff and police immediately restrained the complainant.

While the court refrained from filing a complaint, law enforcement officers were notified, arrived at the location, and took the individual into custody.

In response to this incident, the Gujarat Judicial Services Association passed a resolution strongly condemning attacks, threats, and vandalism against the Supreme Court and the City Civil Court in Ahmedabad.

The resolution stated: "Such actions constitute a direct assault on the judiciary's independence, dignity, security, and functioning. Courts must operate without fear, intimidation, or violence. Any form of intimidation or attack against judicial officers, court premises, or infrastructure undermines democracy and justice at its foundation."

"The Association urges all relevant authorities, including the State Government, Home Department, Police, and Security Agencies, to implement immediate and robust security measures ensuring the safety of judicial officers, court personnel, and judicial buildings," the statement continued.

This Ahmedabad incident follows just one week after Chief Justice of India BR Gavai experienced a similar shoe attack within the Supreme Court.

That incident occurred on October 6 as Chief Justice Gavai commenced hearing the day's first case.

An elderly attorney identified as Rakesh Kishore, using a proximity card issued to Supreme Court advocates, suddenly removed and threw his shoe toward the bench while exclaiming, "Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge" - "We will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma."

The shoe failed to reach the bench. Security personnel immediately subdued the individual and removed him as silence descended upon the courtroom.

Chief Justice Gavai has since described the attack as an incident he has put behind him.