Advocate ‘Has No Regret’ After Attempted Shoe Attack on CJI, Cites Hurt Over ‘Sanatan Dharma’ Orders

In an extraordinary and highly disruptive incident that shook the decorum of the Supreme Court, a 71-year-old advocate attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during ongoing court proceedings. The lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, was immediately restrained by security personnel but has since expressed “no regret” for his actions, claiming he was deeply distressed by the judiciary’s approach to matters related to ‘Sanatan Dharma’.

The dramatic episode unfolded on Monday in Court No. 1, where the CJI was presiding over a bench. As he was being escorted out by security, Kishore was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge Hindustan” (India will not tolerate disrespect to Sanatan Dharma), clearly linking his outburst to religious sentiment.

Motive Linked to Previous PIL Remarks

Kishore later explained his motivation, stating he was “hurt” by remarks made by CJI Gavai during a hearing on September 16. That Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by a different petitioner, sought the reconstruction and reinstallation of a damaged, seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the Khajuraho complex in Madhya Pradesh. While dismissing the PIL as “publicity interest litigation,” the CJI had reportedly remarked, “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 advocate claimed that the CJI’s observation was a “mockery” of a matter concerning ‘Sanatan Dharma’. “When a matter related to our Sanatan Dharma comes up, SC passes such orders… Don’t provide relief to the petitioner, but don’t mock him either… I was hurt,” Kishore said in an interview following his detention and release.

Immediate Condemnation and Suspension

The Bar Council of India (BCI) acted swiftly, ordering the immediate suspension of Kishore’s license to practice law. The BCI termed his conduct “prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court” and a violation of professional ethics under the Advocates Act, 1961. Kishore has been barred from appearing, acting, pleading, or practicing in any court, tribunal, or authority in India pending disciplinary proceedings.

Despite the gravity of the act, which was widely condemned by political leaders and the legal fraternity as an attack on the judiciary, the CJI remained composed. Justice Gavai continued with the proceedings, telling lawyers, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”

In a notable move, the Delhi Police released Kishore after questioning, as the Registrar General of the Supreme Court reportedly declined to press criminal charges. The advocate, who claims to have an MSc, PhD, and LLB, remains defiant, asserting his action was a reaction to perceived judicial “action” and reiterating that he does not fear consequences. The incident has ignited a fierce debate on the sanctity of judicial spaces and the growing influence of religious and political narratives on court proceedings.