‘A blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court’: Lawyer’s assault on CJI Gavai over last month’s remarks explained

YESTERDAY THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA witnessed a disturbing incident when a lawyer, reportedly aggrieved by a remark made by Chief Justice of India (‘CJI’) B.R. Gavai last month, attempted to physically attack the CJI. 

The remark in question was made during a hearing of a petition seeking the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh. The CJI had reportedly asked the petitioner to “go and ask the deity itself to do something now.”

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the lawyer involved has been identified as Rakesh Kishore, a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (‘SCBA’). During the mentioning of cases before the CJI’s bench, Kishore suddenly approached the dais and attempted to remove his shoe in a threatening gesture. 

As security personnel escorted him out, he was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan).

Unfazed, Chief Justice Gavai asked the lawyers present to continue with the proceedings, stating, “Do not pay attention to such things. Please carry on”.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council of India has suspended Kishore from practicing and has initiated disciplinary proceedings against him.

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising and co-founder of The Leaflet, took to X to demand a thorough investigation into the incident. She stated, “This requires a detailed investigation. The lawyer must be named, and legal action taken against him.”