New Delhi: Supreme Court lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who created a stir on October 6, 2025, by attempting to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during court proceedings, has broken his silence in an exclusive conversation with OpIndia. He has strongly denied claims that the act was caste-motivated, asserting that he himself belongs to the Dalit community.
Since the dramatic incident, several commentators and social media users have portrayed the episode as a “casteist attack”, with some even labelling Kishore a “Brahmin supremacist.” Responding to these claims, Kishore clarified his identity and motivations. “People may not know me, but I am a Dalit myself. My name is Rakesh Kishore, not Pandey, Tiwari, Gupta, or Jaiswal. I am willing to show my caste certificate and other documents to prove this,” he stated.
Originally from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Kishore currently resides in Mayur Vihar Extension, Delhi. He explained that groups had surrounded his house following the incident. “I am saddened that there is a group that is separating itself from Hindus. They surrounded my house yesterday and they are also tyrannical people. It is difficult for anyone else to have as much knowledge of Buddhism as I do,” he said.
Kishore also elaborated on his spiritual leanings, saying he is deeply influenced by Lord Buddha’s teachings. “Buddhism is ours; it originated from us. It grew out of our own great tree. I respect Lord Buddha very much. I read him a lot. I also follow his teachings,” he added, emphasizing that Gautam Buddha never spoke ill of Hinduism.
Regarding the motive behind his act, Kishore referred to CJI Gavai’s earlier comments about Lord Vishnu, which he found offensive. “The feelings in his heart came out. The anger and resentment he felt for Hindus and Sanatan Dharma came out spontaneously,” he said.
Following the attack, the Bar Council has revoked Kishore’s license to practice law. However, Kishore remains defiant. “I didn’t risk my life; I simply did what God commanded. I have no regrets. I wasn’t drunk at the time; I was fully conscious. I tried to awaken Hindus. With God’s grace, it will happen,” he said.
He also addressed his supporters, urging them to protect and restore religious heritage through peaceful means. “Don’t sit quiet for Sanatan. Tell your children to launch a campaign for the broken idols in the country and get them renovated. Don’t ask for violence or block roads. Work peacefully and within the law,” he stated, adding that he wants to contribute to his religion before he dies.
