A dramatic incident unfolded at India’s Supreme Court on Monday morning when a 71-year-old lawyer hurled his shoe at Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s colleague, Chief Justice BR Gavai, during an ongoing hearing.
The Delhi Police quickly arrived at the scene and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the accused lawyer has been identified as Rakesh Kishore. Around 11:35 a.m., during a session in Courtroom No. 1, Kishore threw his shoe toward the Chief Justice.
A senior police officer said, “The lawyer was immediately restrained by court security personnel and handed over to the Supreme Court’s security branch. He is a resident of Mayur Vihar and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association.”
Preliminary investigation suggests that Kishore was reportedly angered by a recent remark made by Chief Justice Gavai in a case related to the restoration of a Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex. Despite the outburst, Chief Justice Gavai remained calm and instructed that the hearing continue.
As security personnel escorted him out, the lawyer shouted, “India will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma!”
Police officials said they are coordinating with the Supreme Court’s Registrar General while the New Delhi district police conduct further investigation before taking legal action.
Chief Justice Gavai is provided with “Z-plus” category security, managed by the Delhi Police’s security division.
An eyewitness lawyer told The Indian Express that a man wearing a black coat suddenly threw an object toward the Chief Justice, later confirmed to be a shoe. The witness added that the accused continued shouting slogans as he was taken out of the courtroom.
