Hours after a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had spoken with him and strongly condemned the incident, stating that "there is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society."
Taking to X, PM Modi said, "The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable."
Unfazed by the attack, Chief Justice Gavai carried on with the proceedings nonchalantly, saying, "Don't get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me. Continue with the hearing."
It was CJI Gavai's calm demeanour that caught PM's attention, and he praised him for maintaining composure in the face of the incident.
"I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution."
Earlier today, the Supreme Court descended into pandemonium after a 71-year-old lawyer threw a shoe at CJI Gavai during a hearing. As he was being escorted out, he shouted, "India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma."
The incident came just weeks after the Chief Justice was widely criticised over his controversial "go and ask the deity itself" remarks while hearing a plea linked to the restoration of a damaged Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh.
Following the incident, lawyer Rakesh Kishore was detained. Shortly after, the Delhi Police freed him from their custody within the court premises itself.
The incident drew widespread condemnation across party lines. "The attack on the Chief Justice of India is an assault on the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution. Such hatred has no place in our nation and must be condemned," Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said.
Meanwhile, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge took a veiled dig at the Narendra Modi government, saying, "Such mindless act shows how hate, fanaticism and bigotry has engulfed our society in the past decade."
The senior advocate was eventually suspended by the Bar Council of India and has been barred from practising in any court, tribunal, or legal authority across the country pending further disciplinary action. A show cause notice will be issued, requiring the advocate to respond within 15 days of receiving the order, explaining why the suspension should not continue and why further action should not be taken.
