Why lawyer tried to attack CJI in Supreme Court: Row over 'Vishnu idol' remark explained

Advocate Rakesh Kishore took out his sports shoes and tried hurling them at CJI Gavai during court proceedings.

A lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during a hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday.

The Delhi police told Indian Express that the advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, took out his sports shoes and tried throwing them at CJI Gavai during the proceedings in Court No 1.

“He was picked up by the security personnel. He was 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,” a senior police officer told IE.

As Kishore was being escorted out of the courtroom, he was heard saying: “‘Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge”.

परसों सर्वोच्च न्यायालय में खजुराहो के प्रसिद्ध जावरी मंदिर में स्थित भगवान विष्णु की खंडित मूर्ति की मरम्मत के लिए याचिका की सुनवाई थी। सुनवाई के दौरान मुख्य न्यायाधीश ने मौखिक टिप्पणी की, मूर्ति की मरम्मत के लिए भगवान से ही प्रार्थना कीजिए। आप कहते हैं कि आप भगवान विष्णु के…

— Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) September 18, 2025

However, the CJI remained unfazed and continued with the proceedings. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he said.

The incident follows a controversy surrounding the CJI’s reported comments during a hearing on September 16.

Remarks on Lord Vishnu

On September 16, a Supreme Court bench  led by CJI 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.

The bench refused to entertain the plea filed by one Rakesh Dalal, who sought the replacement and consecration of the damaged idol at the Javari Temple in Chhatarpur district.

"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," the CJI said.

The bench said the issue squarely fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

“It’s an archaeological find, whether the ASI would permit such a thing to be done or not… there are various issues,” the CJI said. “In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there… there is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho,” he said.

Reaction to CJI’s remark

The observation had caused a stir with many accusing the CJI of hurting religious sentiments. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said it “mocked the faith” of Hindus. VHP chief Alok Kumar also called for exercising restraint in the speech, especially within the courtroom.

“The court is the temple of justice. Indian society has faith and trust in the courts. It is the duty of all of us that this trust not only remains intact but also grows stronger. It is also the duty of all of us to exercise restraint in our speech. Especially inside the court. This responsibility lies with those fighting the case, with the lawyers, and equally with the judges. We feel that Chief Justice's oral remark has mocked the faiths of Hinduism. It would be better to avoid such remarks,’” the VHP posted on X.

CJI clarifies

On September 18, CJI Gavai clarified in open court that he respected all religions and had no intention to offend anyone’s faith while dismissing the petition. “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media in a certain manner... I respect all religions,” the CJI said, indicating that the remarks had been misconstrued.