A shocking event occurred in the highest court of India when a lawyer in practice attempted to attack the Chief Justice as he was sitting in his normal court hearings. Jurist Rakesh Kishore tried to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai when the court was in session. This was an unprecedented act that shook the legal fraternity and raised serious questions about the security of the courtrooms.
The moment was dramatic. When Rakesh Kishore threw the shoe, he shouted, “India will not forgive the affront to Sanatan Dharma.” Security officers soon arrived and took him out of the courtroom. The object almost struck Justice Vinod Chandran, who sat next to the Chief Justice.
The most notable thing was the composure of Chief Justice Gavai. Despite the commotion, he composed himself and went on with the hearing. “Don’t be distracted by all this,” he told everyone there. “These things do not affect me. Continue with the hearing.” This reaction demonstrated exceptional composure in times of stress.
Who Is Rakesh Kishore?
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Rohit Pandey gave the background of the accused. As explained by Pandey, Rakesh Kishore has been a member of the Bar Association since 2011. This implies that he has more than ten years of law practice and is fully aware of the decorum expected in courts.
Interestingly, on the same day, Rakesh Kishore was released by the court within the premises by the Delhi Police. The prompt release came unexpectedly to numerous onlookers who were expecting harsher immediate repercussions.
Suspension And Immediate Actions
The Bar Council of India did not take long to react to this gross violation of courtroom etiquette. They have suspended the license of Advocate Rakesh Kishore. This suspension is comprehensive and extensive.
Rakesh Kishore is now forbidden to practice, plead, act, or appear in any court, tribunal, or authority in the whole country. It implies that he is not allowed to take clients anywhere in India until further notice.
A show-cause notice has also been issued by the Bar Council. Rakesh Kishore will be required to respond to this order within 15 days after receiving it. Rakesh Kishore should justify why he should not be suspended any longer and why he should not be subjected to more disciplinary measures.
The Bar Council of Delhi was given special instructions to implement this order immediately. Their official rolls should be updated to show the status of Kishore and be informed to all courts and tribunals.
The Background Story
This incident was not an isolated case. It followed weeks after Chief Justice Gavai was subjected to criticism by citizens because of statements he had made in response to a hearing held in September. It was a petition to restore a broken idol of a 7-foot Vishnu in the Javari temple, Madhya Pradesh.
In rejecting the petition, Chief Justice Gavai said, “This is simply a publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You claim that you are a true worshipper of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now.”
Such remarks caused conflict in some quarters of society. Others believed that the comments were insensitive to religious feelings. Based on eyewitness reports and legal scholars, the attack by Rakesh Kishore seems to be a direct retaliation for such comments made earlier.
Advocate Rakesh Kishore himself subsequently confessed that he was acting on behalf of the Chief Justice. He apologized to Justice Chandran, stating that it was not a shoe directed at him.
Security Review And Concerns
Immediately after the incident, Chief Justice Gavai initiated measures to review security arrangements. He held a significant meeting with some of the key officials during the lunch break.
The Secretary-General, the Supreme Court security in charge, and other senior officials were present at this meeting. The conversation was dedicated to examining the errors and ways to avoid similar threats in the future. The court is currently considering tightening security measures to ensure that such cases do not occur again.
This leads to a serious question: How can a lawyer enter the courtroom with an object that can be dangerous? Security checks are carried out in the Supreme Court, and this incident revealed potential gaps that should be addressed urgently.
Reaction From Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The event caused a heated response in the political and legal circles of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the event on X (previously Twitter). He termed it a deplorable act that has made all Indians angry. He went on to say that our society has no space for such behavior.
The Prime Minister even addressed Chief Justice BR Gavai directly. He praised the calmness and composure of the Chief Justice at that moment as a show of his strong dedication to justice and constitutional values.
Solicitor General’s Warning
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highly criticized the attack. He attributed the misinformation on social media to creating an atmosphere in which such incidents are possible. He cautioned people not to interpret the noble reaction of the Chief Justice as weakness.
The act by Rakesh Kishore, Mehta termed it an attention-seeking stunt and advised everyone to engage in responsible public discourse. He pointed out that Chief Justice Gavai has never been disrespectful toward any religion.
Opposition Leaders Speak Out
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said the attack on the Chief Justice of India is an insult to the dignity of our courts and the soul of our Constitution. He stated, “We should not have such hatred in our country, and we must denounce it.”
The Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi, also made a strong declaration. She said, “There are no words sufficient to condemn the attack on the Honourable Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court itself. It is an attack not only on him but on our Constitution.”
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and senior advocate Kapil Sibal criticized the incident, terming the lawyer’s behavior as uncivilized and disrespectful to the court. He claimed that such practice must be condemned publicly.
The Implication Of This To The Judiciary
This case has grave consequences for the Indian judicial system. The final interpreter of the law and protector of the Constitution is the Supreme Court. Any form of attack on the Chief Justice is not only an attack on the person but the institution itself.
The legal fraternity has denounced this act. Attorneys across the nation realize that such actions damage the integrity and power of courts. When lawyers themselves start going after judges, it sets a dangerous precedent.
Another point that this incident brings forward is that social media and public discourse can, at times, create situations where individuals resort to extreme actions. The dilemma lies between the freedom of expression and ensuring that disagreements are expressed through legitimate and democratic means.
What’s Next?
Several crucial questions remain unanswered. Is Rakesh Kishore criminally charged in connection with the suspension beyond professional grounds? What security measures will be taken by the Supreme Court? What can the legal fraternity do to ensure that this never happens again?
The show-cause notice will allow Rakesh Kishore 15 days to respond. His clarification and the Bar Council’s next move will be keenly observed by the entire legal fraternity.
In the meantime, the Supreme Court continues to function. The reaction of Chief Justice Gavai indicated that the court will not be influenced or distracted from its constitutional mandate. The strength of his words, “These things do not affect me,” sends a strong message of judicial independence and resilience.
This case is a testament to the fact that democratic institutions in India should be safeguarded and honored by all, especially by individuals who operate within them. The rule of law relies on the respect and stature of the courts.
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