Inside the Supreme Court on Friday, a lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai.
The accused, identified as Rakesh Kishore, was quickly restrained by security personnel and handed over to the police. Witnesses said Kishore shouted, “Sanatan’s insult will not be tolerated,” as he was being subdued.
Chief Justice Gavai, despite the uproar, remained unfazed and resumed the court proceeding. “Don’t get distracted. We are not distracted by this,” he instructed.
Who is Rakesh Kishore? 71-year-old lawyer with no criminal record
Kishore, 71, is a suspended lawyer who, until now, had no known history of criminal activity or violent behavior. Following Friday’s incident, the Bar Council of India suspended him from practice.
Speaking to ANI after his arrest, Kishore defended his actions, claiming he was “deeply hurt” by the Chief Justice’s remark on Hindu beliefs.
“No, the thing is, I was deeply hurt. On September 16th, a PIL (public interest litigation) was filed by an individual in the Chief Justice’s court. Justice Gavai completely mocked it. Mockery in the sense that he said, ‘Go pray to the idol, ask the idol to restore its own head,’” Kishore said.
“We see that the same Chief Justice takes big steps when a case comes up against other communities... In Haldwani, railway land is encroached upon by a specific community. When attempts were made to remove the encroachment, the Supreme Court imposed a stay three years ago, which is still in effect today. Similarly, when the Nupur Sharma case came up, the court said, ‘You have spoiled the atmosphere’. They do all that. That is perfectly fine,” he said.
Kishore’s protest born out of “hurt,” not violence
“Whenever an issue related to our Sanatan Dharma comes up, whether it is Jallikattu, or determining the height of Dahi Handi, or any small or large issue, this Supreme Court continues to pass some kind of order regarding it. I am very sad that they should not be doing this,” he alleged.
When asked about his decision to target the country’s top judge, Kishore responded, “The 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...” he said.
