An Indian lawyer has thrown a shoe at the country's Chief Justice BR Gavai after being angered by remarks the judge made about a Hindu god. Rakesh Kishore launched his attack during Monday's court proceedings in Delhi in what is seen across India as a serious public insult and security breach.
Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe had been hurled at the judge, with one saying it 'brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice... and fell behind them.'
Mr. Kishore was heard saying 'India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism]' as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.
Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that Mr. Kishore 'threw his shoe, and raised his hand to indicate that he had thrown the shoe.'
The Chief Justice remained calm during the entire incident, and after Mr. Kishore was apprehended, he told the lawyers to continue their arguments.
Justice Gavai has not publicly commented on the issue. Indian authorities later said no charges would be filed against Mr. Kishore.
Speaking to online Indian news outlet The Print, Mr. Kishore mentioned the incident related to a recent court petition rejected by a bench headed by the chief justice. The petition called for the reconstruction of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh state, which was dismissed by Justice Gavai, who remarked: 'This is purely publicity interest litigation... Go and ask the deity himself to do something.'
These comments had sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later noted that he respects 'all religions,' according to the Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe attack as 'utterly condemnable,' joining various political leaders in expressing outrage, stating there is 'no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.'
Throwing a shoe at someone is viewed as an act of disrespect and humiliation in India and many other cultures. Previously, similar acts have gained notoriety globally, highlighting broader issues of political and social tensions.
Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe had been hurled at the judge, with one saying it 'brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice... and fell behind them.'
Mr. Kishore was heard saying 'India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism]' as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.
Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that Mr. Kishore 'threw his shoe, and raised his hand to indicate that he had thrown the shoe.'
The Chief Justice remained calm during the entire incident, and after Mr. Kishore was apprehended, he told the lawyers to continue their arguments.
Justice Gavai has not publicly commented on the issue. Indian authorities later said no charges would be filed against Mr. Kishore.
Speaking to online Indian news outlet The Print, Mr. Kishore mentioned the incident related to a recent court petition rejected by a bench headed by the chief justice. The petition called for the reconstruction of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh state, which was dismissed by Justice Gavai, who remarked: 'This is purely publicity interest litigation... Go and ask the deity himself to do something.'
These comments had sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later noted that he respects 'all religions,' according to the Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe attack as 'utterly condemnable,' joining various political leaders in expressing outrage, stating there is 'no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.'
Throwing a shoe at someone is viewed as an act of disrespect and humiliation in India and many other cultures. Previously, similar acts have gained notoriety globally, highlighting broader issues of political and social tensions.
