Markandey Katju, a former Supreme Court judge, has urged judges to practice restraint and limit their remarks in the courtroom after the recent incident involving Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. This call for caution follows an attempt by advocate Rakesh Kishore to throw a shoe at the CJI during a hearing, reportedly in response to comments made by Gavai about the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. In an opinion article, Katju denounced the attack but noted that inappropriate comments from the bench can provoke such behavior. He referenced British judicial decorum, advocating that judges should listen attentively and maintain a serene and dignified courtroom environment.
Katju shared his observations of the composed and focused atmosphere in British courts, criticizing the tendency for excessive dialogue during Indian court proceedings, including examples involving former CJI Chandrachud and recent bail hearings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, commending Justice Gavai’s poise and labeling the incident as ‘utterly reprehensible.’ Following the incident, police discovered a note from Kishore expressing his opposition to insults against Sanatan Dharma. Although Gavai opted to issue a warning to the lawyer, the Bar Council of India promptly suspended Kishore’s practice license, citing serious professional misconduct.
