71 Yrs Old Advocate Throws Shoe At CJI Gavai Over ‘Lord Vishnu’ Remarks.

Shoe Thrown at Chief Justice Gavai Amid Controversy Over Lord Vishnu Remarks, First time since Independence. 

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Oct 6, 2025:: In a shocking incident, a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during court proceedings, marking a first since India’s independence. The incident occurred when a bench led by CJI Gavai was hearing cases, and septuagenarian lawyer Rakesh Kishore approached the dais, removed his shoe, and tried to throw it at the judge. However, security personnel intervened, escorting him out of the court premises. HENB does not possess any such records of shoe-throwing at a CJI since independence.

As he was being taken away, Kishore shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge Hindusthan” (Hindustan will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan). He also said, “Enough is enough, through this bloody secularism and selective justice dangerously denying various fundamental rights of Hindus.”

The incident comes days after CJI Gavai’s remarks on a plea seeking directions to reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho sparked controversy. The Chief Justice had asked the petitioner to “ask the deity to do something,” which many Hindu organizations perceived as mocking their beliefs.

The  Advocate was allegedly unhappy with recent remarks made by the CJI during a PIL seeking restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

The Controversy

The controversy began when CJI Gavai rejected the plea, stating, “This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.” Many Hindu organizations took to social media, accusing the CJI of disrespecting their beliefs.

In a clarification, CJI Gavai said, “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed on social media in a certain manner… I respect all religions.”

Critics say that CJI Gavai’s comment was not part of any formal judgment in law; instead, it was an unnecessary mocking of Hindu faith and a misuse of the power of the chair he holds.

Security Probe Launched

The top court’s security has launched a probe into the incident, and further details about the lawyer and possible motives are awaited. The CJI’s response to the incident was calm, as he told the lawyers present in the court, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”

The 71-year-old advocate hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI), B R Gavai, during the proceedings in Court Number 1. Soon after the incident happened on Monday, Delhi Police arrested the accused, identified as Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly took out his shoes and threw them at the CJI around 11.36 am.

As per a Delhi Police official, the accused was picked up by the security personnel and handed over to the security unit of the Supreme Court. “He is a resident of the Mayur Vihar area and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA),” the senior police officer said.

According to sources, police are coordinating with the registrar general of the Supreme Court and conducting further investigation into the matter. Details about the exact motive behind the lawyer’s act are awaited, police sources said.

The incident has sparked a debate about the limits of Judical attacks on Hindu matters and sentiment, free speech and the respect due to judicial institutions. As the investigation unfolds, the legal community awaits further developments.

Condemnation

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore. In an order issued by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, the council said Kishore’s conduct “is inconsistent with the dignity of the court” and violates the Advocates Act, 1961 and Rules on Professional Conduct and Etiquette. The suspension takes immediate effect, debarring him from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising in any court or tribunal in India.

The BCI directed the Bar Council of Delhi to ensure compliance and notify all courts and bar associations of the suspension. The order also requires the lawyer to file an affidavit of compliance within 48 hours, confirming he will not appear in any case during the suspension period.

Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against him, and he has been asked to explain within 15 days why the suspension should not continue.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described the act as “unfortunate and condemnable”, calling it a result of misinformation and an attempt at cheap publicity.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising termed the episode “an attack on the institution as a whole”.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday condemned the attack along with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and others who are generally known for their anti-Hindu attitude even calling Hindutva as fatal disease.

However, there’s strong support for the backlash, including the ‘shoe hurling’ incident, from Hindus on social media, who are highly annoyed with the CJI’s mindless comment on Lord Vishnu.

Advocate released by Delhi police after questioning

The septuagenarian  lawyer Rakesh Kishore walked out free after three hours of grilling by Delhi police, after the Supreme Court Registrar General refused to file charges against him. This was reportedly on the instructions of the Chief Justice Gavai, who decided that no case be registered against the lawyer. Perhaps CJI Gavai passed the matter to Lord Vishnu for a heavenly decision!

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_Inputs from Agencies.