TL;DR: On October 6, 2025, advocate Rakesh Kishore threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai in protest of a remark made during the dismissal of a PIL related to a Lord Vishnu idol. Kishore, claiming deep religious hurt, said he acted on divine will and expressed no regret. He was detained but released without charges. The Bar Council of India suspended him. The incident drew strong condemnation, including from PM Modi.
Incident Overview
- Shoe Thrown in Court: On October 6, 2025, advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at CJI B.R. Gavai during a Supreme Court hearing in New Delhi. The shoe missed; the CJI remained calm and said, "These things do not affect me."
- Cause of the Act: Kishore cited "deep hurt" from CJI Gavai’s remarks on September 16, 2025, while dismissing a PIL seeking restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. Gavai had remarked: "Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, so go and pray now."
- Kishore’s Response: In media interviews, Kishore said: "I am not fearful and I have no regrets... I have not done anything, God made me do it." He claimed the Supreme Court treats Hindu-related matters differently and denied being intoxicated.
- No Charges Filed: Kishore was detained and questioned by Delhi Police for 3-4 hours but released after the CJI's office declined to press charges.
- Suspension from Practice: The Bar Council of India suspended Kishore immediately, citing conduct "prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court" under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Public and Political Reactions
- CJI's Clarification: On September 18, following initial backlash, CJI Gavai had clarified in court: "I respect all religions."
- Prime Minister’s Statement: PM Narendra Modi condemned the act, stating: "There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable."
- Support and Criticism: Hindu groups expressed support for Kishore on social media. Opposition leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, condemned the incident as an "attack on the Constitution." Legal bodies and lawyer unions also criticized the act.
Legal and Institutional Implications
- Jurisdictional Dismissal: The original PIL was dismissed because the idol site falls under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), not the court's jurisdiction.
- No Immediate Legal Action: Though Kishore could face contempt charges, the court chose not to escalate the matter. The BCI’s suspension is interim pending further inquiry.
- Security Review: Supreme Court security protocols are under review. Proximity card access to Court No. 1 is being re-evaluated.