PM Modi Condemns Assault on Chief Justice, Says Incident “Has Angered Every Indian”
- MGMMTeam
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
A shocking incident in the Supreme Court of India on Monday has sent ripples across the nation. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, aged 71, attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during a routine court hearing. The attack, reportedly in response to the CJI’s remarks concerning the placement of an ancient Hindu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, legal authorities, and citizens alike.
The Incident
During the hearing, Rakesh Kishore approached the bench, removed his shoe, and attempted to strike the Chief Justice. Swift intervention by Supreme Court security personnel prevented any harm. As he was escorted out of the courtroom, Kishore shouted slogans in defense of Sanatan Dharma, expressing his objection to the CJI’s comments. The act, widely viewed as a severe breach of courtroom decorum, raised concerns over security and respect for judicial authorities. Despite the gravity of the incident, the Supreme Court decided not to press formal charges, and Kishore was released by the police after questioning.
Reactions from Political Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack on CJI Gavai, describing it as an act that “has angered every Indian.” He praised the Chief Justice for maintaining composure and emphasized that such violent acts have no place in Indian society. The Prime Minister’s statement underscored the importance of upholding the dignity and sanctity of judicial institutions.
Political leaders across the spectrum echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment. Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, labeled the incident an assault on the judiciary and called for national solidarity with the Chief Justice. Leaders like Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the dangers of communal propaganda, warning that acts of this nature threaten the foundational principles of democracy and justice.
Legal and Institutional Responses
In response to Kishore’s actions, the Bar Council of India suspended his license to practice law, citing conduct inconsistent with the professional and ethical standards expected of advocates. Legal communities across the country expressed deep concern, with advocates from Bengaluru describing the act as “violent dissent” and those from Nagpur calling it a “brazen attack on democracy.” The incident has raised pressing questions about the security of judicial officers and the broader respect accorded to the judiciary in India.
Broader Implications
The attempted attack on CJI Gavai is a stark reminder of the growing polarization in public discourse and the dangers of taking extreme measures in response to differing opinions. It underscores the importance of protecting the rule of law and ensuring the safety of judicial authorities, who play a vital role in maintaining democratic governance. The incident has prompted discussions on reinforcing courtroom security, strengthening legal deterrents against such acts, and promoting responsible public conduct when disagreements arise.
The MGMM Outlook
The shocking incident in the Supreme Court, where 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to attack Chief Justice BR Gavai with a shoe, has exposed a disturbing trend in public response to sensitive issues. The attack, reportedly triggered by the CJI’s remarks on the placement of an ancient Hindu idol at Khajuraho, highlights how personal or ideological disagreements are increasingly being expressed through violence rather than dialogue. While swift action by security personnel prevented any harm, the episode raises critical concerns about courtroom security and the protection of judicial authorities. It also underscores the necessity for citizens to engage responsibly with differing viewpoints, respecting the rule of law and the institutions that uphold democratic governance.
The widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition figures like Sonia Gandhi, demonstrates a rare moment of unity in defense of the judiciary. The Bar Council of India’s suspension of Kishore’s license further reinforces that professional and ethical standards must be maintained at all times. Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, the incident reflects deeper societal challenges, including polarization and the potential misuse of religious sentiments for personal agendas. It serves as a stark reminder that maintaining the dignity of institutions and constructive discourse is essential for the health of Indian democracy.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today)
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