Lawyer who tried to attack CJI released, Delhi police to return his shoes

The incident took place when a bench led by the CJI was hearing the mentioning of cases.

Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Monday morning inside the Supreme Court, was released after the top court’s registrar general refused to press charges against him.

According to a report by Indian Express, the registrar general also asked the Delhi Police to hand over the shoes and documents to Kishore.

“He was questioned by the security unit of Delhi Police and the officials of New Delhi District police after taking approval from the registrar general of the Supreme Court,” a source told IE.

As he was being taken away, the lawyer was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan).”

Reacting to the incident, Justice Gavai said that such things do not affect him. He asked the court to continue with the hearing.

“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he told the lawyers present in the court.

The police told IE that they have recovered a white paper note from Kishore’s possession. “Mera sandesh har Sanatani ke liye hai…Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan,” read the note.

The incident took place when a bench led by the CJI was hearing the mentioning of cases. The lawyer approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to throw it towards the judge. Security personnel present in the courtroom immediately intervened and prevented the attack.

According to Hindustan Times, the Bar Council of India has suspended the advocate from practice.

The incident was possibly sparked by CJI Gavai’s comments during a September 16 case hearing. A bench led by him had dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. Turning down the plea, the court had termed it a “publicity interest litigation".

“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," CJI Gavai had said.

His remarks had sparked a row, following which he clarified that he respects all religions and said  his words were misrepresented on social media.