Mukul Rohatgi Slams Shoe Attack, Urges Religious Neutrality in Courts
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi strongly condemned the recent courtroom incident in which a 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, tried to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B. R. Gavai. The shoe did not hit the target, and Court security intervened immediately.
Attack and Motive
The attacker was heard shouting slogans such as “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma”). He later claimed he acted in response to remarks made by the Chief Justice in a case involving a Hindu idol. The Bar Council of India promptly suspended his licence.
Rohatgi’s Response
Rohatgi labeled the incident unacceptable and said courts should not become platforms for religious expression. He noted that if a lawyer resorts to violence over perceived religious hurt, it undermines the dignity of the legal system. “Courts of law are not meant to propagate religious ideas,” he said, emphasizing that grievances must be raised through legal arguments, not public theatrics.
Broader Reactions
The legal fraternity widely condemned the attempt. The Bar Council demanded strict action. Political leaders also voiced outrage, calling the incident an attack on judicial authority. The event has prompted a debate on courtroom security and decorum.
