An Indian attorney threw footwear at Chief Justice BR Gavai on Monday after taking offense to judicial comments about Hinduism. Rakesh Kishore attacked the judge while court proceedings continued in Delhi, and witnesses confirmed the shoe brushed past two justices before landing behind them. Security personnel removed Kishore from the courtroom as he declared India would not tolerate disrespect toward Sanatan Dharma, and authorities suspended him from legal practice but declined to file criminal charges.
The incident may stem from remarks Chief Justice Gavai made last month while dismissing a petition to rebuild a seven-foot Vishnu idol at a Madhya Pradesh temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as reprehensible after speaking with Justice Gavai, and political figures across the spectrum criticized the security breach. The chief justice maintained composure throughout the incident, and he instructed lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction.
The incident may stem from remarks Chief Justice Gavai made last month while dismissing a petition to rebuild a seven-foot Vishnu idol at a Madhya Pradesh temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as reprehensible after speaking with Justice Gavai, and political figures across the spectrum criticized the security breach. The chief justice maintained composure throughout the incident, and he instructed lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction.
