Table of Contents
- The Courtroom Commotion
- Rakesh Kishore’s Explanation
- Events Leading to the Outburst
- Reactions from the Legal Community
- Prime Minister Modi’s Statement
- Reflections on Judicial Dignity
The Courtroom Commotion
A shocking incident took place inside the Supreme Court of India when advocate Rakesh Kishore tried to throw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a court proceeding. The event occurred on Monday morning during the mentioning of cases before the Chief Justice’s bench.
Witnesses said the 71-year-old lawyer suddenly approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to hurl it toward the bench before security intervened. The Bar Council of India immediately suspended his license pending further action.
The dramatic scene raised serious concerns about discipline within courtrooms and the increasing trend of emotional reactions during sensitive hearings.
Rakesh Kishore’s Explanation
A day later, Dr. Rakesh Kishore defended his actions in an interview, claiming his behavior was driven by emotional distress rather than anger or intoxication.
“When the Chief Justice occupies such a high position, he must understand the dignity of ‘Milord’. You go to Mauritius and say the country will not run with a bulldozer — that hurt me deeply,” Kishore said.
He added that his action was not preplanned or politically motivated, but a spontaneous reaction to what he perceived as disrespect during earlier court proceedings.
Events Leading to the Outburst
According to Kishore, the provocation occurred during a September 16 hearing of a public interest litigation related to a religious matter. He alleged that Chief Justice BR Gavai made a remark saying, “Go pray to the idol, ask the idol to restore its own head,” which he interpreted as mockery.
He further alleged that the judiciary behaves differently in matters involving different communities, citing examples like the Haldwani encroachment case, the Nupur Sharma hearing, and restrictions related to Jallikattu and Dahi Handi festivals.
Kishore said he felt that cases connected to Sanatan Dharma were treated unfairly, leading to his emotional breakdown inside the courtroom.
Reactions from the Legal Community
The Bar Council of India termed Kishore’s conduct “shameful” and suspended his license immediately. The Supreme Court Bar Association also passed a resolution condemning the act and reaffirming its faith in the dignity of the judiciary.
Legal experts have pointed out that while lawyers have the right to express disagreement, physical acts of protest inside the courtroom erode public confidence in the justice system.
Prime Minister Modi’s Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it “utterly reprehensible.”
PM Modi says, "Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society@payalmehta100 @anany_b @GrihaAtul pic.twitter.com/9GZR9zG2tN
— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 7, 2025
In a post on X, he said:
“Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him has angered every Indian. I appreciated his calm and composure—it reflects his commitment to justice and to the Constitution.”
Several political leaders echoed the Prime Minister’s statement, emphasizing that personal frustration can never justify disrespect toward the judiciary.
Reflections on Judicial Dignity
Chief Justice BR Gavai’s calm demeanor during the incident has been widely praised. Many observers noted that his restraint under provocation demonstrates the strength of the judiciary’s values.
The episode has reopened discussions on maintaining decorum in court and protecting the sanctity of judicial institutions. While criticism of judgments is part of a healthy democracy, acts that physically disrupt court proceedings undermine the spirit of justice itself.
