After a lawyer allegedly hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Lawyers union (AILU) today issued strong statements condemning the act, describing it as a “blatant attack” on judicial independence and secular values.
According to reports, the incident occurred inside the Chief Justice’s courtroom just as proceedings had begun.
Eyewitnesses said an elderly advocate raised slogans invoking “Sanatan Dharma” before throwing a shoe towards the Bench.
The object, however, did not reach the Chief Justice.
The accused, identified as Kishore Rakesh, reportedly possessed a proximity card issued to lawyers and clerks in the Supreme Court.
Maintaining composure, CJI Gavai reportedly told those present, “I am the last person to be affected by such things. Please continue,” and resumed proceedings without interruption.
In its official statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau termed the act “shocking and deplorable,” attributing it to “Manuvadi and communal venom” allegedly spread by Hindutva forces.
The party accused certain political leaders of fostering an atmosphere of intolerance and called upon the union government to ensure adequate protection for the Chief Justice and the judiciary.
The AILU, led by President Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya and General Secretary P.V. Surendranath, described the incident as “a blatant attack on the Supreme Court and the Constitution itself.”
The lawyers’ body said it should not be viewed as an isolated act but as part of a “vicious vilification campaign” against judicial independence.
It urged the legal fraternity to register a democratic protest and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the act as “reprehensible,” “unbecoming of an officer of the Court,” and “a direct assault on judicial independence.”
The SCBA linked the outrage to online backlash over Justice Gavai’s remarks in the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol Restoration case, where he had emphasised respect for all religions, a statement later distorted on social media.
Similarly, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCOARA) denounced the incident as “cowardly” and “unbecoming of a member of the Bar.”
It said such conduct “strikes at the core of mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar” and erodes public faith in the justice system.
SCOARA reaffirmed its solidarity with the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court, urging all members of the legal fraternity to uphold professional decorum and the dignity of the institution.
SCOARA further suggested that the Supreme Court may take suo motu cognisance of the act and initiate contempt proceedings, emphasising that freedom of speech carries an inherent duty of restraint, especially for officers of the Court.
Earlier in the day, the courtroom briefly descended into chaos when the advocate, dressed in formal attire and carrying a bag and papers, attempted to confront the CJI.
He was swiftly restrained and escorted out by security personnel. As he was taken out, he reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan.”
Later, the lawyer apologised before Justice K. Vinod Chandran, stating that his actions were directed only toward Justice Gavai.
The CJI had said, “I respect all religions,” while responding to misinterpretations of his remarks made during the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol matter.
