Lawyer Throws Shoe at India’s Chief Justice Over Hinduism Remarks, Exposing Deep Caste Divisions

On October 6, a dramatic incident unfolded in the Supreme Court of India when a 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.

“Calling it a “reprehensible” act, which has “angered every Indian”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a chorus of condemnation that cut across party lines over Monday’s incident at the Supreme Court, where alawyer threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai”

The Indian Express

This act was reportedly in response to Gavai's controversial remarks about a Hindu deity, which had sparked outrage among some Hindu groups.

The Indian Express

The incident occurred during court proceedings, and Kishore was quickly restrained by security personnel.

The lawyer shouted slogans defending "Sanatan Dharma" (Hinduism) before being removed from the courtroom.

The Bar Council of India subsequently suspended Kishore's license, condemning his actions as serious professional misconduct.

The incident was triggered by Chief Justice Gavai's remarks during a case concerning the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

He reportedly told the petitioner to "ask the deity himself."

The Wire India

This comment was perceived as dismissive and offensive by some Hindu groups, leading to the protest by Kishore.

Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai remained composed and continued the court proceedings.

He emphasized his respect for all religions and clarified that his comments were misrepresented.

The Supreme Court Advocates Association condemned the attack, stressing the need for professionalism and decorum in the legal field.

The attack on Chief Justice Gavai has been widely condemned across India.

“In a shocking incident on Monday, India’s Chief Justice BR Gavai was targeted with a shoe in a Delhi courtroom”

Minute Mirror

Political leaders from various parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have denounced the act as an assault on the judiciary and democratic values.

The Indian Express (Asian) reports that leaders from the BJP, Congress, AAP, SP, BSP, CPM, CPI, and regional chief ministers have all expressed their disapproval.

They highlighted the attack's deeper social implications, particularly concerning caste-based prejudice and intolerance.

The incident is seen as a threat to the rule of law and democracy.

There have been calls for unity against hatred and divisive politics.

The incident has sparked discussions about the deep-rooted caste and religious tensions in India.

The Wire India highlights the attack as a reflection of the ongoing conflict between constitutional values of equality and the entrenched caste-based social hierarchy.

Hindustan Times

It points out that Justice Gavai, only the second Dalit to hold the position of Chief Justice, was targeted by a lawyer from a dominant caste.

This attack symbolizes the resentment among caste and faith supremacists toward the rise of marginalized groups in positions of power.

Maktoob Media echoes this perspective and links the incident to a broader culture of caste hatred and religious intolerance being normalized in society.