Web desk: A dramatic incident unfolded in India’s Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings, according to lawyers, reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The event allegedly occurred as a Bench headed by the Chief Justice was listening to the regular mentioning of cases.
The lawyer then rushed up to the dais, took off his shoe and tried to plunge it at the Chief Justice of India.
The security personnel inside the courtroom responded quickly and grabbed the lawyer before the shoe was actually thrown, as per the reports.
He was immediately restrained and escorted out of the premises.
As security officers led him away, the lawyer was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge,” a Hindi phrase meaning, “We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma.”
As reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the Indian Chief Justice Gavai, maintaining his composure, urged the lawyers present to continue with their arguments.
“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” the Indian Chief Justice remarked.
The Indian Supreme Court’s security unit has since launched an internal investigation into the incident. More information about the lawyer and the possible motive is still awaited, says the Press Trust of India.
Clarification from Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai
Last month, Chief Justice BR Gavai clarified that his earlier remarks about a Hindu deity had been misinterpreted, emphasising that he holds deep respect for all faiths.
Following Monday’s incident, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association issued a strong statement condemning the lawyer’s act and urging the court to take disciplinary action.
“This behaviour is antithetical to the dignity of the legal profession and contrary to the constitutional values of decorum, discipline, and institutional integrity,” the association stated.
India’s Solicitor-General, Tushar Mehta, also commented on the matter, suggesting that the attempted attack stemmed from misinformation circulating on social media, as per a Reuters report.
