An Indian lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, caused chaos in a Delhi courtroom after throwing a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai in protest over comments the judge allegedly made about a Hindu deity.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 6, during a court session. According to three lawyers who witnessed the event, the shoe grazed the Chief Justice and another judge before falling behind them.
As security officers escorted him out, Kishore shouted, “India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism)!” He was immediately suspended from legal practice.
Eyewitness Ravi Shanker Jha told the BBC that Kishore “threw his shoe and raised his hand to show he did it,” while Chief Justice Gavai calmly instructed other lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction. Another lawyer, Anas Tanwir, confirmed that the judge remained composed throughout the ordeal.
Authorities later announced that no formal charges would be filed against Kishore. However, he stood by his actions, claiming divine justification: “I didn’t do it — God did. The Chief Justice mocked Sanatan Dharma. It was the Almighty’s response to his words.”
The uproar stems from remarks Justice Gavai reportedly made while dismissing a petition about restoring a damaged idol of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho. The judge had described the plea as “publicity interest litigation” and quipped, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something.”
The comment drew sharp criticism online, with many accusing the Chief Justice of disrespecting Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later clarified that he respects all religions, according to the Press Trust of India.
Reacting to the courtroom attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the act as “utterly unacceptable and disrespectful.”
