CJI rules out action after lawyer tries to throw shoe at him

No action will be taken against the lawyer who tried to hurl a shoe at CJI BR Gavai on Monday, top sources said after the Chief Justice of India asked officials to “ignore" the act.

The incident occurred when the CJI-led Bench was hearing the mention of cases by lawyers. While some witnesses said the lawyer tried to remove his shoe and throw it at the CJI after approaching the dais, some said he appeared to be hurling a roll of paper.

An unfazed Gavai, however, asked the lawyers to ignore the commotion and continue with their arguments. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me," he said.

Top sources had said earlier that the court would take a call on the action to be taken against the accused only after the CJI rises from the bench.

Supreme Court Bar Association president Vikas Singh had also said the body will initiate action for cancelling the membership of the lawyer. The lawyer has been a temporary member of the Bar since 2011. We’ll initiate action for cancelling his membership. I tried contacting the CJI, but he was still on the bench. It’s an unfortunate incident because of the misinterpretation of the CJI’s observations on social media. The law will take its own course."

Meanwhile, as the lawyer was being escorted out of the courtroom, he was heard saying: “‘Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge’ (Will not tolerate disrespect of the Sanatana Dharma)". The incident was possibly linked to CJI Gavai’s comments during a September 16 case hearing, wherein the Supreme Court had 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.

Terming the plea “publicity interest litigation", the court had turned down the petition, and CJI Gavai had noted: “This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation." After his remarks sparked a row, CJI Gavai had clarified that he respects all religions and asserted his remarks were mispresented on social media.

Bar Council suspends lawyer

Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India ordered the immediate suspension of advocate Rakesh Kishore following his attack on the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under the relevant legal provisions. A show cause notice will be issued, requiring the advocate to respond within 15 days of receiving the order, explaining why the suspension should not continue and why further action should not be taken.