SCBA, SCAORA condemn lawyer's attempt to attack CJI BR Gavai

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) on Monday condemned a lawyer's attempt to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside Court No. 1, calling it a “direct assault” on judicial independence and a “disgrace to the legal profession.”

The incident took place around 11:35 AM, when 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore was seen attempting to take off his shoes and hurl them at CJI Gavai.

The lawyer was immediately restrained and escorted out by security personnel. As he was being removed, he was heard shouting,

“Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan.”

CJI Gavai remained composed and asked lawyers in court to continue as usual.

“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he said.

According to the Delhi Police, the lawyer was unhappy with remarks made by the Chief Justice in a previous hearing related to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

During that hearing on September 16, CJI Gavai, while dismissing the plea, had observed that such issues fall within the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India.

“This is purely a 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,” he had remarked.

The observation was widely circulated on social media, drawing criticism from certain quarters. Two days later, the Chief Justice clarified his remarks in open court.

“I respect all religions…This happened on social media,” he said.

Following Monday’s incident, the SCBA said it was “profoundly shocked” and “outraged” by what it called a “reprehensible act” committed by a member of the Bar inside the courtroom of the Chief Justice.

“Such intemperate behaviour is utterly unbecoming of an officer of the Court and strikes at the very foundation of mutual respect that underpins the relationship between the Bench and the Bar,” the Association said.

The SCBA described the attack as a direct assault on judicial independence and said it violates constitutional values of decorum and discipline.

“This incident, reportedly stemming from a misguided backlash against the Hon’ble Chief Justice’s judicious observations in the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol Restoration matter, where His Lordship emphasized respect for all religions and clarified his remarks amid social media distortions, cannot be tolerated,” it said.

The Association commended CJI Gavai for his restraint and composure in the face of provocation.

It added that the lawyer involved is a temporary member of the Association and that disciplinary action is being contemplated.

The SCBA also took aim at sections of the media, accusing them of sensationalising judicial remarks.

“By amplifying misrepresented narratives on social media, such as portraying the Hon’ble Chief Justice’s balanced observations in the Khajuraho case as being disrespectful to religious sentiments, the media has recklessly fuelled public outrage, incited vigilante reactions, and undermined the judiciary’s authority for the sake of visibility and sensationalism."

Echoing the SCBA’s sentiments, the SCAORA described the act as “cowardly” and “disrespectful,” asserting that it undermined the dignity and independence of the judiciary.

“Such conduct is unbecoming of a member of the Bar and strikes at the very foundation of mutual respect that sustains the relationship between the Bench and the Bar,” SCAORA said.

It stated that any attempt to malign or personally target a sitting judge of the Supreme Court amounted to a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary.

It further urged the Supreme Court to consider taking suo motu cognisance of the incident and initiate contempt proceedings against the lawyer.

Both associations reaffirmed their commitment to secularism, unity and fraternity, urging the legal fraternity to maintain professional decorum and protect the dignity of the institution they serve.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India (BCI) released a statement announcing that it had suspended Kishore from practice.