Attack on CJI Gavai: Delhi Police releases lawyer as no complaint filed by SC officials

The lawyer accused of attempting to throw an object at the Chief Justice of India was released from custody by the Delhi Police yesterday.

Reportedly, the Delhi Police has said that as no complaint was received from the Supreme Court officials, the lawyer was released on their consent. The lawyer was interrogated for three hours. During this time, he was questioned by the Delhi Police Security Unit and New Delhi Police officials in the Supreme Court itself, after which he was released.

An unexpected incident unfolded inside the Supreme Court of India on Monday morning, when an advocate attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, while court proceedings were underway. The courtroom disturbance took place around 11:35 a.m. in Court No. 1, during the mentioning of cases before the Chief Justice's Bench.

According to eyewitnesses, the advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, suddenly removed his footwear and hurled it in the direction of the dais before security personnel swiftly restrained him. The object did not reach the Bench, and order was restored within moments. The man was immediately taken into custody by security officials and handed over to the Delhi Police for questioning.

Those present in the courtroom recalled that the Chief Justice remained composed, instructing the bar and court staff to proceed with the day's business and indicating that such disruptions would not affect him or the functioning of the court. The actions allegedly emanated after the CJI made certain remarks during a recent hearing relating to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Refusing any relief, the CJI had said, "Go and ask the deity now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, so go and pray now". Later the CJI had clarified his remarks and said "I respect all religions", responding to reactions on his comments made during the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol matter.

The advocate was further said to have shouted slogans referring to the protection of Sanatan Dharma before being escorted out of the courtroom. During his detention, the police recovered a handwritten note expressing his grievance over perceived disrespect towards religious faith. His belongings, including the shoe and the note, were returned to him.

While the Supreme Court itself refrained from seeking penal action, the Bar Council of India initiated immediate disciplinary proceedings. In a statement issued later, the BCI said the conduct was “inconsistent with the dignity of the court” and suspended the advocate's right to practise law across all courts and tribunals with immediate effect. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Lawyers Union (AILU) have also issued separate statements condemning the incident. Additionally, the Supreme Court Advocates On Record Association (SCAORA) has called for suo-motu contempt action against the said incident.

The said advocate has been served a show cause notice to explain his actions, failing which stricter sanctions could follow.

On X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared;

“Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”

The Prime Minister's message underscored the gravity of the situation and reflected the sentiment that such acts strike not merely at an individual but at the very institution representing constitutional justice.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has also condemned the attempted attack on Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai which occurred inside his courtroom today. "Today’s incident in the Chief Justice’s court is unfortunate and deserves condemnation. This is the result of misinformation in social media", SG Mehta has said. Furthermore, SG Mehta has appreciated the Chief Justice of India for reacting with magnanimity and majesty of the highest court of the country. I only hope that this magnanimity is not treated by others as the weakness of the institution, he added.