'I am not fearful, do not regret': Lawyer who tried to hurl shoe at CJI BR Gavai

Rakesh Kishore

Expressing no remorse for his action, Suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, said he does not regret his action and the incident was only a reaction to Gavai's continuing stance 'against' Sanatan dharma.

The CJI, who remained unfazed during and after the unprecedented incident during the court proceedings, asked the court officials and the security personnel present inside the courtroom to "just ignore" it and to let off the errant lawyer with a warning.

Kishore said his reaction was based on court's order on September 16 on a petition filed for the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh.

"A PIL was filed in the court of CJI on September 16.The CJI mocked it and said - go and pray to the idol and tell it to restore its own head. When a matter related to our Sanatan Dharma comes up, the SC passes such orders. Don't provide relief to the petitioner, but don't mock him either. I was hurt. I was not inebriated; this was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful. I don't regret what happened," he said.

Narrating the incident, lawyers told media that the incident occurred when the CJI-led bench was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers. Kishore approached the dais on a raised platform, removed his shoe and tried to throw it towards the judges.

Kishore was swiftly escorted out of the court premises. As he was being taken away, the lawyer was heard shouting, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).