In a shocking turn of events, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai faced an attempted attack inside the Supreme Court of India on October 6, when a lawyer tried to hurl his shoe at him during court proceedings. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed discussions about discipline and decorum in India’s judiciary.
The attacker, identified as 72-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore, was quickly restrained by security personnel and handed over to the Delhi Police. Authorities confirmed that Kishore possessed valid entry credentials, including a Bar Council of India (BCI) card and a temporary Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) membership. Despite the seriousness of the act, he was released later after the Supreme Court registry declined to press formal charges.
The Trigger Behind the Attack
During interrogation, Kishore remained unrepentant, citing CJI Gavai’s remarks made while hearing a plea related to the restoration of Lord Vishnu’s idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh. The bench led by CJI Gavai had refused to entertain the plea, stating that it fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and remarking that the petitioner should “ask the deity to do something.”
The lawyer told police he was deeply disturbed by the comment, saying he “couldn’t sleep after that judgment” and that “the almighty was asking me how I could rest after such an insult.” Kishore claimed he acted on his own accord, without any political motivation.
He also cited CJI Gavai’s recent address in Mauritius, where the Chief Justice remarked that “India’s legal system operates under the rule of law, not under the rule of bulldozer.” He further added, “Just because something is legalized, it does not mean it is just.” These remarks had further angered him.
CJI Gavai remained unfazed after the attack, calmly stating, “These things do not affect me,” before resuming the court proceedings. The Bar Council of India (BCI) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) have both strongly condemned the incident, calling it a ‘shameful act‘ that undermines judicial decorum. The Bar Council has temporarily suspended Kishore’s membership, pending further investigation.
Who is Advocate Rakesh Kishore?
According to police sources, Rakesh Kishore is a senior advocate with a long-standing record of bar memberships, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, Shahdara Bar Association, and Bar Council of Delhi. He first enrolled as an advocate in 2009.
Prime Minister Modi Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condemnation through an official statement, describing the attack as “unjustified and uncalled for.” He commended CJI BR Gavai for displaying calm and maturity, calling it a “fine example of judicial dignity under pressure.”
A Reflection on the Declining Decorum in Indian Judiciary
This shocking incident has reignited concerns about the degradation of values within India’s judicial environment. Once regarded as a space of solemn argument and utmost respect, courtrooms have increasingly witnessed displays of aggression and emotional outrage.
Experts have called for enhanced security protocols, ethical sensitization programs, and stricter professional conduct standards for advocates. The judiciary must maintain an arena of law and logic — not anger and theatrics.
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