Advocate Claims Divine Motive in Shoe Attack on CJI
Advocate Rakesh Kishore has claimed he harboured no remorse after attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai in Supreme Court. He said he believed he was “driven by divine anger” over comments the CJI made about a Khajuraho temple idol plea.
The Incident in Court
Around 11:35 a.m., during proceedings in Court No. 1, Kishore allegedly removed a shoe and tried to hurl it toward the bench. He was quickly restrained by security and escorted out. He reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“Won’t tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma”) as he was led away.
His Explanation
In statements to investigators, Kishore said he “did the right thing” and that God provoked him. He added that he accepted the consequences, including the possibility of jail. The advocate claimed the CJI’s earlier remark — suggesting the petitioner “ask the deity to do something” in the Khajuraho idol case — deeply disturbed him.
Response from Bar and Judiciary
The Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore pending disciplinary proceedings, citing his conduct as “inconsistent with the dignity” of the court. Legal bodies condemned the act overwhelmingly, calling it contemptuous and a threat to institutional dignity. Many urged that contempt charges be considered.
The CJI, unshaken, directed lawyers to continue with the day’s hearings and said the attack would not distract the court from its work.
