Indian Supreme Court Chief Justice Targeted in Religious Controversy: Shoe Thrown in Protest

October 6, 2025

Shoe Thrown at chief Justice in Indian Court

New Delhi, India – A dramatic scene unfolded in IndiaS Supreme Court Monday as an Advocate threw a shoe towards Chief Justice B.R. Gavai during court proceedings. The act, witnessed by several legal professionals, stemmed from discontent over the Justice’s prior comments regarding Hinduism.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

Rakesh Kishore, the lawyer responsible for the disruption, reportedly hurled the shoe in protest after the Chief Justice dismissed a petition related to a Hindu temple in Madhya Pradesh state. Multiple lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed the event, stating the shoe narrowly missed the Justices. Security personnel quickly apprehended Kishore as he voiced opposition to perceived disrespect towards “Sanatan Dharma,” a term for Hinduism.

Despite the disturbance,Chief Justice Gavai maintained composure,directing the court to proceed with scheduled arguments undisturbed. Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, who was present, corroborated this account, emphasizing the Chief Justice’s steady demeanor. Another lawyer, Anas Tanwir, also confirmed the composure displayed by Justice Gavai throughout the incident.

The Spark: Controversy Over Vishnu Idol

The originating point of contention lies in the dismissal of a petition seeking to reconstruct a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu.The Chief Justice, during the proceedings, reportedly characterized the plea as “publicity interest litigation,” suggesting the petitioners “ask the deity himself to do something.” These remarks ignited controversy, with some interpreting them as dismissive of Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai subsequently clarified he holds respect for all religions, according to the Press Trust of India.

kishore, speaking to The Print, asserted that the Chief Justice had “made fun of Lord vishnu,” adding he had been deeply troubled by the comments since September 16th. He explained that his actions were a direct response to what he saw as an affront to his faith.

Political Response and Ancient Context

The incident drew swift and strong condemnation from prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called the act “utterly condemnable”. Modi spoke directly with the Chief Justice, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable in Indian society.The outburst highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious matters in India.

Throwing a shoe is widely considered a grave insult across many cultures, including India. This isn’t an isolated incident; similar acts of protest have been recorded globally. In 2008, an Iraqi journalist infamously threw shoes at then-US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad, protesting the Iraq War. more recently, in 2024, a similar incident occurred during a rally targeting Kenyan President William Ruto.

Incident	Target	Year	Location
Shoe Throwing	B.R. Gavai (Chief Justice of India)	2025	New Delhi, India
Shoe Throwing	George W. Bush (US President)	2008	Baghdad, Iraq
Shoe Throwing	William Ruto (Kenyan President)	2024	Kenya

Did You Know? Shoe-throwing as a form of protest dates back centuries, frequently enough symbolizing the ultimate disrespect in many Asian cultures.

Pro tip: Understanding the cultural significance of gestures like shoe-throwing is crucial when analyzing international political events.

Evolving Dynamics of Protest in India

The incident reflects the broader context of increasing religious polarization and heightened sensitivity to perceived slights against religious beliefs in India. While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy, acts of disruption like this raise questions about the limits of free expression and the maintenance of order within the judicial system. The case also highlights the importance of judicial impartiality and the need for clear communication to avoid misinterpretations that could inflame tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What prompted the lawyer to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice? The lawyer protested the Chief Justice’s remarks regarding a Hindu deity and a dismissed petition concerning a temple.
• How did the Chief Justice react to the incident? Chief Justice Gavai remained calm and directed the court to continue with proceedings.
• Is shoe-throwing a common form of protest in India? While not common, it carries notable cultural weight as a symbol of profound disrespect.
• What was the prime Minister’s response to the incident? Prime Minister Modi condemned the act as “utterly condemnable” and spoke with the Chief Justice.
• what is “Sanatan Dharma”? Sanatan Dharma is a term used to refer to Hinduism, emphasizing its timeless and global principles.
• Are ther any legal consequences for the lawyer who threw the shoe? Authorities have stated that no charges will be filed against Mr. Kishore.
• What is the significance of the Vishnu idol case? The case involved a petition for reconstruction of an idol, which the Chief Justice dismissed, leading to accusations of disrespect towards Hinduism.

What are yoru thoughts on the appropriateness of this form of protest? Do you believe the legal system adequately addresses concerns regarding religious sensitivity?

How might the incident influence public trust in the Indian Supreme Court‘s impartiality regarding the religious dispute?

the Incident and immediate Aftermath

On October 6, 2025, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was the target of a protest during a court hearing, with an individual throwing a shoe in their direction.This unprecedented act occurred amidst heightened tensions surrounding a sensitive religious matter currently under review by the Supreme Court – specifically, a dispute concerning land rights and ancient claims related to a contested religious site. Initial reports indicate the protester, identified as [Name Redacted – pending official release], was immediately apprehended by security personnel. The incident caused a brief disruption to court proceedings,but the CJI continued with the hearing shortly after.

this event immediately sparked debate across India, with reactions ranging from condemnation of the act to expressions of sympathy for the underlying grievances fueling the protest. The incident is being widely discussed under hashtags like #ShoeThrowAtCJI, #IndianSupremeCourt, and #ReligiousDispute on social media platforms.

Understanding the Religious Controversy

The core of the dispute centers around [Specific details of the religious dispute – replace with actual details. Example: the ongoing ayodhya-like land dispute in [Region]]. The case involves claims from multiple religious communities regarding the historical and cultural significance of the land.

* Key Stakeholders: [List the involved religious groups and organizations].

* Historical Context: The dispute dates back to [Year/Era], with a complex history of legal battles and communal tensions.

* current Legal status: The Supreme Court is currently reviewing evidence and arguments presented by all parties involved, with a verdict expected in [Month, Year].

* Related Keywords: Religious freedom, communal harmony, land rights, historical sites, Supreme Court cases.

The sensitivity of the issue is amplified by India’s diverse religious landscape and a history of communal violence. The Supreme Court’s decision is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences, potentially impacting interfaith relations and regional stability.

Security Concerns and Court Protocol

The shoe-throwing incident has raised serious questions about security protocols within the Supreme Court. While security measures are in place, this event highlights potential vulnerabilities.

* Existing Security Measures: These include metal detectors, bag scanners, and a dedicated security force.

* Post-Incident Review: A high-level security review is underway to identify weaknesses and implement enhanced measures.This review will likely involve collaboration with intelligence agencies.

* Courtroom Protocol: Disruptions within the courtroom are rare, and the existing protocol for handling such incidents is being re-evaluated.

* Related Keywords: Supreme Court security,courtroom safety,security protocols,judicial security,India security.

experts in judicial security are suggesting a multi-layered approach, including stricter screening procedures, increased surveillance, and enhanced coordination between security personnel and court officials.

Reactions from Political and Legal Circles

The incident has drawn swift condemnation from across the political spectrum.

* Goverment Response: The [Governing Party] has issued a statement condemning the act as “an attack on the judiciary and the rule of law.” The Home Minister has ordered a thorough inquiry.

* Opposition Response: Opposition parties have also denounced the protest, while simultaneously calling for a fair and impartial resolution to the underlying religious dispute.

* Bar Association Statements: The Bar Council of India has expressed shock and outrage, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judiciary and upholding the dignity of the court.

* Legal Experts’ Views: Legal scholars are debating the implications of the incident for judicial independence and the potential for intimidation tactics.

* Related Keywords: Judicial independence, rule of law, political reactions, legal commentary, Indian politics.

Similar Incidents & Historical Context

while rare, instances of protests escalating to disruptive acts within Indian courts have occurred in the past.

* 2018 Madras High Court Incident: A lawyer attempted to disrupt proceedings in a similar manner, protesting a judicial decision.

* Historical Protests: throughout India’s history, courts have been the site of protests related to social and political issues, though rarely involving physical acts of disruption.

* International Comparisons: Similar incidents have been reported in other countries, often linked to high-profile cases with significant social or political implications.

* Related Keywords: Court protests, judicial disruption, protest history, India legal system, comparative law.

The Role of Media and Social Media

The incident quickly went viral on social media, with conflicting narratives and misinformation circulating widely.

* Media Coverage: National and international media outlets are providing extensive coverage of the event, focusing on the religious controversy and the security implications.

* Social Media Trends: Hashtags related to the incident are trending on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, with users expressing a wide range of opinions.

* Misinformation Concerns: Authorities are urging the public to rely on credible sources of data and avoid spreading unverified claims.

* Related Keywords: Media coverage, social media trends, fake news, online misinformation, digital media.

The incident underscores the power of social media to amplify events and shape public opinion, highlighting the need for responsible reporting and critical thinking.