New Delhi: In an unprecedented incident inside the Supreme Court of India, a 71-year-old advocate hurled his shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai during court proceedings on Monday morning. The dramatic episode occurred around 11:35 am in Court No. 1, leading to immediate intervention by security personnel and raising serious questions about courtroom security protocols.
The Delhi Police identified the advocate as Rakesh Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. Kishore is a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). According to police officials, the advocate’s act was reportedly triggered by his discontent over CJI Gavai’s remarks made during a recent hearing regarding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
During the proceedings before a two-judge bench headed by CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, Kishore allegedly removed his sports shoes and threw them in the direction of the Chief Justice. Security personnel inside the courtroom responded immediately and overpowered him.
“He was picked up by the security personnel. He was handed over to the security unit of the Supreme Court. He is a resident of the Mayur Vihar area and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.
Despite the sudden disruption, CJI Gavai appeared unruffled, instructing lawyers to continue with the proceedings as if nothing had happened.
As Kishore was being escorted out of the courtroom, he reportedly shouted, “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (“India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma”). His statement echoed his anger over remarks made during the September 16 hearing related to the reconstruction of a 7-foot-tall Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho.
Presiding over the hearing on September 16, CJI Gavai had dismissed the plea seeking reconstruction of the idol, calling it “publicity interest litigation.” He had remarked, “This is purely publicity interest litigation… Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.”
Following criticism, CJI Gavai had clarified his position, stating that his comments were not meant to disrespect any religion. “I believe in all the religions, I respect all the religions,” he said, explaining that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has jurisdiction over the temple’s upkeep.
The Delhi Police reached the Supreme Court shortly after the incident, and investigations are ongoing. “Now, the Delhi Police are coordinating with the registrar general of the Supreme Court, and the New Delhi District is probing the matter before taking any legal action,” an officer stated.
CJI Gavai is under Z-plus security cover provided by the Security Division of the Delhi Police. The breach has prompted discussions among legal circles about tightening security within court premises, especially for high-profile judges.
A lawyer who witnessed the incident confirmed that Kishore, dressed in lawyer’s robes, threw the shoe toward the CJI. “Security personnel later told us that it was indeed a shoe. The man was shouting slogans as he was escorted out,” the lawyer said.
The police are examining CCTV footage and access records to determine how the advocate managed to bypass security checks. Legal action is expected under sections related to disruption of court proceedings, criminal intimidation, and possibly contempt of court.
