In an unprecedented incident inside the Supreme Court on Monday (October 6), a lawyer identified as Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. The act stunned everyone present in the courtroom, momentarily halting the proceedings. Kishore, reportedly agitated over recent remarks concerning the Khajuraho temples, was immediately restrained by security personnel.
According to reports, the Bar Council has suspended his registration following the incident, pending further disciplinary inquiry. Despite the seriousness of the act, no formal complaint or case was registered, and Kishore was released after questioning.
Eyewitnesses said Kishore entered the courtroom carrying a piece of paper inscribed with the slogan, “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan, nahi sahega Hindustan” (“India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma”). He reportedly threw his shoe toward the Chief Justice while shouting the slogan, expressing anger over alleged remarks about the Khajuraho temple sculptures.
The attack caused brief chaos before court security intervened. CJI Gavai reportedly remained composed throughout the commotion, and proceedings were quickly brought under control.
According to a report, the 70-year-old lawyer was detained and questioned for nearly three hours but was later released as the Supreme Court registry did not file any formal complaint.
A senior Delhi Police officer said, “No FIR has been registered in the matter. Since there was no written complaint from the Supreme Court, the accused was released after due questioning. His shoes and documents were returned.”
Police quoted in the media added that no criminal action could be initiated in the absence of a formal complaint from the court administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong condemnation over the incident and personally spoke to CJI BR Gavai on Monday evening. Sharing a post on social media, PM Modi said, “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.”
He further commended Justice Gavai’s composure, stating, “I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”
While the police did not pursue criminal proceedings, the Bar Council has suspended Rakesh Kishore’s registration pending an internal disciplinary inquiry. Officials stated that such conduct “seriously undermines the dignity of the court” and that disciplinary measures are necessary to preserve professional ethics within the legal community.
The incident has sparked a larger debate over security lapses within the Supreme Court complex, as it remains one of the most heavily guarded judicial institutions in the country.
Following the brief disruption, court proceedings resumed as usual. Justice Gavai continued to hear cases for the day, reportedly displaying composure and calm throughout the remainder of the session.
While the immediate threat was neutralised, the episode has drawn widespread attention to the growing instances of protest within judicial premises and the need for stricter security oversight.
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