# Shocking Shoe Attack on CJI BR Gavai: PM Modi Condemns 'Reprehensible' Act, Praises Justice's Poise Amid Outrage
**New Delhi, October 6, 2025** – In a brazen security lapse that has sent shockwaves through the nation's legal corridors, a 71-year-old advocate attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during Supreme Court proceedings on Monday. The incident, triggered by the lawyer's alleged discontent over CJI Gavai's remarks in a recent temple idol case, drew swift condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called it an act that has "angered every Indian." Modi also lauded the CJI's unflappable demeanor, underscoring his dedication to constitutional values.
The episode unfolded in Court No. 1 around midday, as CJI Gavai presided over a routine hearing. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, fuming over the CJI's observations during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho Temple complex, suddenly stood up, removed his shoe, and aimed it toward the bench while shouting, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (We will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma). Security personnel intervened promptly, restraining Kishore before any harm could occur.
Unfazed, CJI Gavai addressed the courtroom with characteristic restraint: "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me. Please carry on." His composure not only diffused immediate tension but also became a focal point of praise from leaders across the spectrum.
## PM Modi's Swift Response: A Call for Societal Introspection
Hours after the incident, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage and solidarity. In a personal post, he revealed he had spoken directly with CJI Gavai, stating:
> "Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.
> I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution."
Modi's words resonated widely, framing the attack not just as an assault on an individual but as a threat to democratic institutions. The post garnered over 20,000 likes and thousands of reposts within hours, amplifying calls for stricter courtroom security and zero tolerance for vigilantism.
A note recovered from Kishore's possession echoed his courtroom outburst, reinforcing the motive tied to perceived slights against Hindu traditions. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault on a public servant and criminal intimidation.
## Swift Action: Bar Council Suspends Advocate's License
The legal fraternity wasted no time in distancing itself from the act. The Bar Council of India (BCI) announced the immediate suspension of Kishore's license to practice in any court across the country, terming the behavior "unprofessional and unbecoming of an officer of the court." BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra emphasized, "Such incidents erode public faith in the judiciary and will not be tolerated."
Kishore, a veteran lawyer with decades of experience, was remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation. Sources indicate he has a history of filing petitions on religious and cultural issues, but this marked an unprecedented escalation.
## Bipartisan Outrage: From Rahul Gandhi to MK Stalin
The attack transcended party lines, eliciting condemnations from opposition leaders who decried it as an "assault on the Constitution." Key reactions include:
| Leader/Party | Statement Highlights |
|--------------|----------------------|
| **Rahul Gandhi (Congress)** | "An assault on the Constitution itself. This hate culture must end." Called for thorough probe into security lapses. |
| **Sonia Gandhi (Congress)** | "Not just an attack on CJI Gavai, but on the sacred institution of justice." Urged unity against divisiveness. |
| **MK Stalin (DMK, Tamil Nadu CM)** | "Shameful attack on our democracy's highest judicial office. CJI's calm reflects institutional strength, but societal hierarchies linger." |
| **A Revanth Reddy (Congress, Telangana CM)** | "A dark day in India's history. Words fail to condemn this dastardly attempt to intimidate the judiciary." |
| **Pawan Khera (Congress Spokesperson)** | Challenged PM Modi to speak out earlier in the day; later noted Modi's response as "forced crocodile tears" amid political jabs. |
Social media erupted with a mix of support for CJI Gavai and criticism of the incident. While most users echoed Modi's sentiment of national anger, a fringe BJP-aligned ecosystem faced backlash for initially defending or cheering the act—drawing sharp rebukes from figures like Congress leader Gaurav Pandhi: "Shameful. No one celebrated the slipper thrown at PM Modi last year, yet some cheer this."
On the flip side, a few voices, like user @Ugraveer8888, questioned Modi's phrasing, tweeting: "I think he is losing his mind," while others like @DaveKiscool polled followers on whether they "regret the shoe missing its target."
## Broader Implications: A Wake-Up Call for Judicial Security?
This incident arrives amid heightened scrutiny on courtroom safety, following similar disruptions in high-profile cases. Experts point to gaps in metal detectors, advocate screening, and rapid-response protocols as vulnerabilities exposed today. The Supreme Court administration has convened an emergency review, with enhanced measures likely for CJI's bench.
CJI BR Gavai, elevated to the top post just months ago as the second Dalit judge to lead the judiciary, has been a vocal advocate for constitutional ethos. His measured response today not only averted chaos but also reinforced the bench's resilience against provocation.
As investigations unfold, the episode serves as a stark reminder: In a democracy, disagreements must channel through dialogue, not disruption. PM Modi's outreach to CJI Gavai symbolizes cross-institutional solidarity, but the real test lies in preventing such breaches from recurring.
*What are your thoughts on this shocking breach? Should courtroom security be overhauled? Share below. Disclaimer: This is based on reports as of October 6, 2025; developments may evolve.*
