CPI(M), AILU Condemn Attack on CJI Gavai in SC, Call It ‘Attack on Judiciary and Constitution’
CPI(M) and All India Lawyers Union condemn shoe-throwing incident targeting CJI B.R. Gavai inside SC
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Lawyers Union (AILU) on Monday issued separate statements condemning the incident in which an advocate allegedly hurled a shoe toward Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside the Chief Justice’s Court at the Supreme Court.
According to eyewitness accounts cited in news reports, an elderly man raised slogans invoking “Sanatan Dharma” before throwing a shoe toward the Bench when proceedings had just begun. The shoe, however, did not reach the Chief Justice. Reports say the accused, identified as Kishore Rakesh, possessed a proximity card issued to lawyers and clerks in the Supreme Court.
Displaying composure, CJI Gavai reportedly told the courtroom, “I am the last person to be affected by such things. Please continue,” and proceedings resumed as normal.
In its statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau described the act as “shocking and deplorable,” linking it to what it termed “Manuvadi and communal venom” spread by Hindutva forces. The party accused BJP leaders of creating an atmosphere of intolerance and urged the Union government to provide adequate protection to the Chief Justice.
The AILU, led by President Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya and General Secretary P.V. Surendranath, called the act a “blatant attack on the Supreme Court and the Constitution itself.”
The lawyers’ body said it should not be seen as an isolated incident but as part of a “vicious vilification campaign” against judicial independence. It called upon the legal fraternity to protest democratically against the attack and demanded a thorough investigation.
Notably, the SCBA has also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the advocate who attempted to attack Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside his courtroom on October 6, calling the act “reprehensible,” “unbecoming of an officer of the Court,” and “a direct assault on judicial independence.” The incident reportedly stemmed from a backlash to the Chief Justice’s observations in the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol Restoration case, where he had emphasized respect for all religions and later clarified his remarks following social media distortions.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCOARA) has also strongly condemned the recent act of an advocate who, through an unwarranted and intemperate gesture, attempted to disrespect the office of the Chief Justice of India and his companion judges.
Describing the conduct as “cowardly” and “unbecoming of a member of the Bar,” SCOARA said such behavior strikes at the core of mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar and undermines public faith in the justice delivery system.
SCOARA reaffirmed its solidarity with the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court, urging the legal fraternity to uphold professional decorum, preserve the dignity of the institution, and refrain from divisive conduct. The association further recommended that the Supreme Court may take suo motu cognizance of the incident and initiate appropriate proceedings for contempt, highlighting that freedom of speech carries a duty of restraint, particularly for officers of the Court.
Today morning, the Supreme Court of India witnessed a brief moment of chaos today when a lawyer attempted to attack the Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai, during ongoing proceedings.
The attacker, dressed in full uniform and carrying a bag along with a rolled-up bundle of papers, was quickly restrained and escorted out of the courtroom. As he was removed, he reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan,” sparking concern among those present. He later apologized to Justice K. Vinod Chandran, clarifying that his actions were intended only for Justice Gavai.
Despite the disruption, Justice Gavai maintained composure and continued with the hearing uninterrupted.
Recently, the CJI had clarified his remarks made 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. "I respect all religions", CJI Gavai said today in court while responding to reactions on his comments made during the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol matter.
Press Release date: October 6, 2025