Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and unequivocally condemned the assault on him earlier in the day within the Supreme Court campus. PM Modi informed that the bizarre incident has "outraged every Indian.".
“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. It is utterly condemnable,” PM Modi wrote on X.
The commotion occurred when a senior lawyer threw a shoe at the Chief Justice in the court of law. The shoe did not land on the bench, and security personnel immediately apprehended the man.
Even with the disturbance, CJI Gavai, who was sitting alongside Justice K Vinod Chandran, was composed and told the court not to get distracted.
“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he told those present before continuing the hearing.
PM Modi praised the Chief Justice's calmness, stating it was a testament to his commitment to justice and the Constitution.
“It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution,” the Prime Minister added.
Witnesses recognized the man to be Rakesh Kishore, holding a proximity card that is usually given to lawyers and clerks. As he was being escorted by security, he had apparently cried out, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma).
Chief Justice Gavai directed the officials to let the lawyer off with a warning. The Delhi Police interrogated Kishore for roughly three hours inside the court complex before releasing him, as no police complaint was lodged. His shoes were subsequently returned to him.
Bar Council Suspends the Lawyer
Several hours after the incident occurred, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore's license, terming his action "inconsistent with the dignity of the court."
“On the basis of prima facie material, it appears that at about 11.35 am on 6 October 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi removed your sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India during ongoing proceedings, whereupon you were detained by security,” the BCI said in its statement.
The BCI barred him from “appearing, acting, pleading and practising in any court, tribunal or authority in India,” and issued a show-cause notice demanding an explanation within 15 days.
The incident follows last month’s controversy over CJI Gavai’s remarks in a hearing related to the restoration of a Vishnu idol at Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bench presided over by him had rejected the plea, remarking, "This is merely publicity interest litigation. Go and request the deity himself to do something. If you are claiming that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then pray and perform some meditation."
The remark evoked criticism on social media, following which the Chief Justice made it clear that he holds "all religions" in respect.
