The Chief Justice said he and Justice K Vinod Chandran were shocked when the lawyer, 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore, tried to hurl a shoe at the Bench on 6 October. He added that the incident was now a "forgotten chapter".
Published Oct 09, 2025 | 5:56 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2025 | 5:56 PM
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai.
Synopsis: Chief Justice Gavai spoke on the incident on the day on which the Karnataka police registered a zero FIR against Kishore. The FIR was on a complaint by the All India Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, condemning the shoe-hurling act as an affront to the dignity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai broke his silence on Thursday, 9 October, on a lawyer’s attempt to hurl a shoe at him on 6 October.
The Chief Justice said he and Justice K Vinod Chandran were shocked when the lawyer, 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore, tried to hurl a shoe at the Bench on 6 October. He added that the incident was now a “forgotten chapter”.
He made the observation while hearing a batch of petitions seeking a review and modification of the Vanashakti judgement.
“My learned brother (Justice Chandran) and I were very shocked with what happened on Monday,” the Chief Justice said, adding, “For us, it is a forgotten chapter.”
Kishore hurled the show during court proceedings to protest the Chief Justice’s remark on Lord Vishnu. The incident sparked widespread condemnation, including by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Kishore was immediately suspended from the Bar Council.
Soon after the incident, Chief Justice Gavai said he would not be distracted by such things. “Let’s not get distracted,” he said.
Reports said that the Chief Justice advised the Supreme Court registry against initiating legal action against Kishore. He also instructed to return the shoe.
Kishore was reportedly provoked by the Chief Justice’s 16 September remark, asking a petitioner to “go and ask the deity himself to do something.” The petitioner had sought an order to replace a damaged idol of Lord Vishnu at Javari Temple in Khajuraho.
While being escorted out of the court after he had flung the shoe at the Bench, Kishore said, “We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan Dharma”. Later, the septuagenarian told the media that he did not regret his act.
Incidentally, Chief Justice Gavai spoke on the incident on the day on which the Karnataka police registered a zero FIR against Kishore. The FIR was on a complaint by the All India Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, condemning the shoe-hurling act as an affront to the dignity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
