A 71-year-old advocate hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai inside Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 11:35 am during an ongoing hearing.
According to the Delhi Police, the advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, is a resident of Mayur Vihar and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. He was reportedly unhappy with the CJI’s remarks made during a recent hearing concerning the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
Police officials said Kishore removed his sports shoes and threw them towards the Chief Justice during proceedings. He was immediately restrained by security personnel and handed over to the Supreme Court’s security unit.
Despite the disruption, CJI Gavai remained calm and asked lawyers to continue with the proceedings.
The Delhi Police have initiated an investigation and are coordinating with the Registrar General of the Supreme Court and the New Delhi District Police to determine the next steps.
CJI Gavai, who enjoys Z-plus security cover provided by the Delhi Police’s Security Division, had made the controversial remarks on September 16 while dismissing a plea seeking reconstruction of a 7-foot-tall Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho.
At that time, CJI Gavai had said, “This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then pray and do some meditation.”
Following backlash, he clarified his remarks, stating that he “respects all religions” and that his comments were made in the context of the Archaeological Survey of India’s jurisdiction over temple maintenance.
News Source : Indian Express
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