Right-wing YouTuber and self-styled media personality Ajeet Bharti is facing widespread criticism and police scrutiny after he posted a video mocking Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, hours after a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at the judge inside the Supreme Court.
The incident occurred on October 6, when 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore tried to throw his shoe at CJI Gavai during a court hearing. As security personnel intervened, Kishore shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan” — a reference to the CJI’s recent remarks during a hearing on a petition seeking the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.
While the CJI remained composed and instructed the court to continue proceedings, the act sparked outrage and condemnation across the legal fraternity. The Bar Council of India suspended Kishore’s license, calling the act “a direct assault on the judiciary.”
‘Shoes were sticking to him ever since’
Amid the backlash, Bharti posted a video on his social media platforms, taunting the CJI and appearing to justify the attack. In the video, he smirked while saying, “I wanted to make a video about ‘shoes and the Chief Justice’ after seeing his shoes in a photo recently, but could not shoot that one for some reason. Well, it seems ‘shoes’ were sticking to him ever since!”
He further called Justice Gavai “a lousy, undeserving judge” and said he “should face a contempt case.” The video, which also included remarks about the judge’s Dalit-Ambedkarite background, has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism for its tone and content.
Detained, then dismissed
According to Jagran and News18, Bharti was briefly detained by Noida’s Sector-58 police for questioning over his comments. He was taken to the DCP Office at 12/22 outpost, where his statements were recorded. But, Noida ADCP Sumit Shukla later told Hindustan Times that Bharti had not been formally arrested, dismissing reports of his detention.
Bharti, who has nearly 5 lakh followers on X and over 7 lakh YouTube subscribers, has previously courted controversy for inflammatory remarks, including against opposition leaders. His latest video has reignited concerns over hate speech and the role of social media influencers in inciting public sentiment against constitutional authorities.
CJI’s remarks and the backlash
The shoe-hurling incident was reportedly triggered by CJI Gavai’s remarks during a September 16 hearing, where he dismissed a plea seeking the reconstruction of a beheaded Vishnu idol at Khajuraho. “Go and ask the deity himself to do something,” he had said, calling the petition a “publicity interest litigation.” The comment drew criticism from some Hindu groups and right-wing influencers, who accused the judge of disrespecting religious sentiments.
Despite the uproar, CJI Gavai later clarified in court that he respects all religions and that his remarks were taken out of context. “These things do not affect me,” he said, urging lawyers not to be distracted by the incident.
Meanwhile, speaking to Hindustan Times, the offending lawyer said he has “no remorse” for his act and was “ready to face jail”, emphasising that he was not associated with any political party. “It would have been better if I was in jail. My family is very unhappy with what I did. They are unable to understand,” he reportedly said.
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