Rakesh Kishore, the lawyer who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings on Monday, defended his actions on Tuesday, stating he was emotionally hurt by perceived ridicule in a previous religious case hearing. Following his outburst in court, the Bar Council of India promptly suspended Kishore’s license. The 71-year-old lawyer reportedly approached the raised dais, removed his shoe, and aimed to throw it at the bench led by CJI Gavai, but security officials intervened quickly.
Kishore later expressed to ANI that the CJI should uphold the dignity of his position and criticized Gavai’s comments made in Mauritius, where the CJI addressed ‘bulldozer justice’ and asserted that India operates under the rule of law. Kishore challenged this viewpoint, defending Uttar Pradesh’s anti-encroachment initiatives and stating he felt deeply insulted. Justice Gavai’s earlier remarks were based on a 2024 ruling that deemed extrajudicial demolitions unconstitutional. Kishore claimed that during a PIL hearing on September 16, the CJI made comments that ridiculed the plea, causing him emotional pain. He further alleged that the judiciary was biased against religious issues, referencing cases like Haldwani and Nupur Sharma, and accused the court of favoritism against matters involving Sanatan Dharma.
Kishore insisted that he was neither intoxicated nor acting impulsively, characterizing his actions as a response to prolonged emotional distress. He stated that he did not fear the repercussions and felt no regret for what he did. Additionally, he criticized the misuse of caste identity, arguing that his act was a protest against ‘judicial insensitivity.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, labeling it an act that ‘angered every Indian.’ He spoke with CJI Gavai, praising his composure as a reflection of his commitment to justice and constitutional principles. The Supreme Court Bar Association also passed a resolution denouncing Kishore’s actions and reaffirming its support for judicial dignity.