Shocked CJI Speaks After Shoe Attack Calls Forgotten
Updated on Oct - 09 - 2025, 05:46 PM
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has come forward after an unsettling event in the Supreme Court an advocate hurled a shoe at him. In his first public remarks on Thursday, he described the incident as a “forgotten chapter” and said he and his brother jurists were “very shocked” by what transpired.
The attack, which took place earlier this week, targeted the highest judicial office in the land and has raised questions about courtroom security and respect for institutions. Although the CJI chose not to pursue legal action against the perpetrator a 71-year-old lawyer named Rakesh Kishore the gravity of the act remains deeply concerning.
During his remarks, Gavai referenced a similar incident that occurred about a decade ago in a neighbouring court. He said he had even written about that earlier episode and wondered whether protocols for invoking contempt powers should be revisited.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, one of the judges present, voiced strong disapproval of the attack. “He is the Chief Justice of India, it’s not a matter of joke,” Bhuyan declared, calling the assault an affront to the institution of the Supreme Court.
The CJI’s decision to treat the matter as “forgotten” rather than escalate it legally has sparked debate. While some view it as a gesture of restraint and institutional dignity, others worry it may set a precedent of tolerating disrespect toward top courts.
Court watchers note that Supreme Court premises already maintain tight security, but this incident underlines that physical breaches can occur in even the most protected spaces. The sanctity of courtroom proceedings relies not just on law but decorum, trust, and the tacit safety owed to those who preside over justice.
In saying he was “very shocked,” Gavai conveyed that the event has left a lasting impact, one not easily erased. By terming it a “forgotten chapter,” he may be urging the legal community and the public not to dismiss the symbolism of the act.
This episode is likely to stir reflections on the balance between enforcing decorum and preserving judicial dignity. For now, the Supreme Court returns to its business, but the shadow of that thrown shoe remains, a jarring reminder that even in revered halls, order can be challenged and must be defended.