Shoe Attack Attempt on CJI Sparks Nationwide Outrage
New Delhi, October 7, 2025
The Supreme Court of India witnessed an unprecedented breach of security on Monday when a lawyer attempted to hurl his shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during court proceedings. The incident, swiftly averted by security personnel, has triggered a wave of condemnation from the judiciary, legal bodies, and political leaders across party lines, being described as an “attack on judicial independence” and an “assault on the Constitution.”
The lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, removed his footwear inside the courtroom just as CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took their seats to hear listed matters. He was immediately restrained by security before he could throw the shoe. The act left the courtroom momentarily stunned but did not disrupt proceedings, as CJI Gavai remained calm and continued the hearing, telling those present, “Don’t get distracted
Security Breach and Background
Delhi Police confirmed that no formal FIR was registered and Kishore was released after verification. His outbursts, referring to alleged remarks about Lord Vishnu which the CJI later clarified he never made were widely believed to have been fuelled by distorted social media claims linked to the Khajuraho Vishnu idol restoration matter.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) acted swiftly, suspending Kishore’s licence to practise and issuing a show-cause notice. The order stated:
“During the period of suspension, you are debarred from appearing, acting, pleading or practising in any court, tribunal or authority in India… A show-cause notice shall be issued to you within 15 days from service of this order to explain why further action should not be taken.”
Judiciary and Bar Condemn Incident
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) described the act as a “direct assault on judicial independence”, and announced that it was contemplating disciplinary measures against the lawyer.
“Such conduct is a disgrace to the noble legal profession and amounts to a direct assault on the dignity, independence, and sanctity of the Supreme Court,” the SCBA said, reaffirming its commitment to secularism, fraternity, and the rule of Law.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also condemned the act, terming it “cowardly and disrespectful.” SCAORA Secretary Nikhil Jain stated:
“Any attempt to malign or personalise acts against a sitting judge of the Supreme Court constitutes a direct assault on judicial independence and undermines public faith in the justice delivery system aw.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising urged the Attorney General to consider initiating contempt proceedings, describing the attack as an “ideological casteist assault on a secular court.”
Political Reactions Across the Spectrum
The political establishment responded with rare unanimity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing strong condemnation on X, 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. I appreciate the calm displayed by the CJI.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the incident “unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent,” highlighting Justice Gavai’s role in upholding constitutional values. Sonia Gandhi described it as “an assault on the Constitution itself”, urging citizens to stand united in defence of judicial independence.
Other opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Left leaders, and members of DMK, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), also condemned the act. Rahul Gandhi termed it a “direct affront to the nation’s institutions and values,” while CPM leaders blamed the “growing communal rhetoric” for creating an atmosphere of aggression.
Security and Institutional Integrity Under Scrutiny
This rare and shocking incident has intensified demands for a review of courtroom security protocols at the apex court. Legal experts have stressed the need to strengthen institutional safeguards and curb the spread of misinformation capable of provoking hostility towards the judiciary.
The episode stands as a reminder of the fragility of judicial dignity in a polarised environment and has united the legal and political communities in defending the independence and sanctity of the Supreme Court of India.
