Lawyer throws shoe at Indian chief justice

A lawyer hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai in the Supreme Court on Monday, and, according to Bar and Bench, the security personnel present in the court intervened in the nick of time and escorted the lawyer out.

However, the CJI remained unfazed and asked the lawyers present in the court to continue with their arguments.

The lawyer went near the dais and attempted to remove his shoe and throw it at the judge.

Meanwhile, Live Law quoted some in the courtroom as saying that the man, dressed in a lawyer’s robe, appeared to be hurling a roll of paper.

As he was being escorted out of the courtroom, he was heard saying, “‘Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge‘ (Will not tolerate disrespect of the Sanatana Dharma)".

Following the incident, CNN-News18 reported that the court will take a call on the action to be taken against the accused only after the CJI rises from the bench.

Though a suo motu action could be taken by the security officials and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Supreme Court, however, the CJI’s decision would be awaited for.

The incident was possibly sparked by CJI Gavai’s comments during a September 16 case hearing, wherein the Supreme Court had dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Turning down the plea, the court had termed it a “publicity interest litigation".

“This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation," CJI Gavai had said.

Stating that the issue squarely fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the CJI had said, “It’s an archaeological find, whether the ASI would permit such a thing to be done or not. There are various issues."

“In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there. There is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho," he said.

His remarks had sparked a row, following which he clarified that he respects all religions and asserted his remarks were mispresented on social media.