Kishore claimed he was provoked by the CJI’s “mocking” comment during a plea seeking reconstruction of Lord Vishnu’s idol in Khajuraho, MP.
BY PC Bureau
NEW DELHI: Suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court on Monday, said he had no regrets over his act and claimed it was a response to what he described as a “mocking” remark made by the CJI during a hearing last month.
“A PIL was filed before the CJI on September 16. The CJI mocked it and said—‘go and pray to the idol and tell it to restore its own head.’ When matters related to our Sanatan Dharma come up, the Supreme Court passes such orders. Don’t give relief to the petitioner, but don’t mock him either. I was hurt. I was not drunk; this was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful. I don’t regret what happened,” Kishore told ANI.
The incident occurred around 11:35 am when the bench of CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran assembled to hear cases. Kishore reportedly removed his sports shoes and attempted to throw one toward the CJI before being overpowered by security personnel. As he was dragged away, he shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (We won’t tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).
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CJI Gavai, however, remained calm and continued the proceedings, telling lawyers present in court, “Don’t get distracted.”
“”…CJI should think that when he is sitting on such a high constitutional post, he should understand the meaning of ‘Milord’ and uphold its dignity…You go to Mauritius and say that the country will not run with a bulldozer. I ask the CJI and those opposing me: Is the bulldozer action by Yogi ji against those who encroached on government property wrong?…I am hurt and will continue to be so…,” Kishore told the news agency.
Following the incident, the Bar Council of India suspended Kishore’s licence. The Delhi Police said no formal complaint had been received and the advocate was released after verification.
The outburst is linked to Kishore’s anger over the court’s handling of a public interest litigation filed by another petitioner, Rakesh Dalal, seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dismissing the plea, the bench led by CJI Gavai had remarked, “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 you pray and do some meditation.”
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When the petitioner’s counsel urged intervention, saying the idol’s head was damaged, the court said the matter fell within the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) jurisdiction: “It’s an archaeological find—whether ASI would permit such a thing to be done or not, there are various issues.”
CJI Gavai also added humorously, “In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there—there is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho.”
Later, the CJI clarified that the remarks circulating on social media were distorted and not made in the manner alleged.
The legal fraternity has since strongly condemned the courtroom attack, calling it an assault on judicial dignity and the rule of law.
