More than 700 Delhi Police and Central Security personnel guard Supreme Court complex, say officials

As per officials, the Supreme Court complex, its judges, and staff are guarded by more than 700 Delhi Police and central security agencies personnel. Furthermore, each courtroom in the Supreme Court has separate guards, while the Chief Justice, who has Z-plus security, has an additional dedicated security detail.

Moreover, around 10-12 Delhi Police personnel were present inside Court No. 1 yesterday when the attack on the Chief Justice of India occurred around 11.30am on Monday.

Supreme Court complex also reportedly houses dedicated rooms for the DCP, assistant commissioner of police (ACP), and duty officers. These rooms function as surveillance and security monitoring hubs and also serve as complaint booths.

Inspite of such heavy security in place, 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.

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.

Those present in the courtroom have 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.

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.