No Action Against Lawyer Who Attempted to Hurl Shoe at CJI Gavai; Chief Justice Urges Dignified Restraint

In a remarkable display of composure, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Monday directed court officials to “ignore” an incident in which a lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at him inside the Supreme Court. Following the CJI’s instructions, no disciplinary or legal action will be taken against the lawyer,

The incident took place while the CJI-led Bench was hearing case mentions by advocates. Eyewitness accounts differ — some said the lawyer attempted to remove his shoe and throw it towards the Chief Justice after approaching the dais, while others claimed he appeared to be throwing a rolled-up piece of paper.

Unfazed by the disruption, CJI Gavai maintained his composure and urged others in the courtroom to remain focused. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he remarked calmly before proceedings resumed.

Earlier, sources indicated that any decision regarding action against the lawyer would be taken only after the CJI rose from the Bench.

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh, speaking to CNN-News18, stated that the association would move to revoke the lawyer’s membership. “The individual has been a temporary member of the Bar since 2011. We will initiate the process to cancel his membership. I attempted to reach the CJI, but he was still on the Bench. This is an unfortunate incident arising from the misinterpretation of the CJI’s remarks on social media. The law will take its own course,” Singh said.

As the lawyer was escorted out of the courtroom, he was reportedly heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatana Dharma”).

The outburst appears to be linked to CJI Gavai’s comments during a hearing on September 16, when the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple — part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. The Bench had termed the petition a “publicity interest litigation”, with CJI Gavai remarking, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then pray and meditate.”

Following criticism and misrepresentation of his remarks on social media, CJI Gavai later clarified that his observations were made in a lighter vein and reiterated his deep respect for all faiths and religions.