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New Delhi : In an unprecedented breach of courtroom security, a man dressed as a lawyer on Monday attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when the man, later identified as 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore, suddenly walked up to the dais while CJI Gavai was presiding over hearings. He allegedly tried to remove his shoe with the intent of hurling it at the Chief Justice. Some reports suggested he appeared to be throwing a roll of paper instead.
Courtroom security personnel acted swiftly, overpowering Kishore before he could carry out the act, and escorted him out of the courtroom. As he was being dragged away, the man shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan). He is now under police interrogation.
Despite the drama, CJI Gavai remained unfazed. Urging lawyers and litigants to continue without distraction, he said: “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.” Proceedings resumed as scheduled.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation. In a post on X, she described it as a “blatant casteist attack” on the Supreme Court and urged all judges to issue a united statement: “This requires a detailed investigation. The lawyer must be named and legal action taken against him. It deserves to be condemned by all judges of the Supreme Court of India… Befitting the court’s dignity, the CJI Gavai went about judicial work with no visible disturbance.”
Some observers are linking the attack to remarks made by the CJI in September, while hearing a plea for the restoration of a beheaded 7-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. Dismissing the plea, CJI Gavai had told the petitioner, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now… You claim to be a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission, etc.”
The comments triggered a social media storm, with several groups accusing the CJI of hurting religious sentiments. Though Gavai later clarified that he respected all religions, the episode has continued to draw attention.
Monday’s courtroom disruption, however, has raised serious questions about security arrangements inside the Supreme Court. The police are investigating how Kishore managed to enter dressed as a lawyer and approach the Chief Justice so closely before being stopped.
