Chaos in Supreme Court as lawyer tries to hurl shoe at CJI BR Gavai; later shouts ‘Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge’
A lawyer tried to hurl his shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai in court, shouting ‘Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge’. The CJI stayed calm, saying, ‘These things do not affect me.’
A dramatic incident unfolded in the Supreme Court of India on Monday when a lawyer allegedly attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings.
According to Bar and Bench, the episode occurred while a Bench led by CJI Gavai was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers. The lawyer reportedly approached the dais and attempted to remove his shoe with the apparent intention of throwing it at the Chief Justice.
Security personnel acted swiftly, restraining the lawyer before he could carry out the act and escorting him out of the courtroom. As he was being removed, the lawyer shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan).
Despite the commotion, CJI Gavai remained composed and addressed the lawyers present: “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” Bar and Bench quoted him as saying.
What sparked the attack on CJI Gavai?
The incident is believed to have been triggered by CJI Gavai’s comments in a previous case concerning the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. While dismissing the matter, he remarked:
“Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission, etc.”
The observation had sparked controversy on social media, with many accusing the CJI of hurting religious sentiments. Addressing the matter in open court two days later, he clarified: “I respect all religions…This happened on social media.”
Government supports CJI amid social media backlash
Representing the central government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta backed the Chief Justice, noting that reactions to incidents often become exaggerated online.
“We have seen this…There is Newton's law which says every action has an equal reaction, but now every action has a disproportionate social media reaction, milord,” Mehta said.
Despite the attempted attack, proceedings continued as normal, with the CJI urging calm and focus from all present.