New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday strongly condemned the shocking incident in which a lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B R Gavai during Supreme Court proceedings. Speaking about the matter, Siddaramaiah said, “No religion says that one should hate. We should condemn what a lawyer who has studied law did. We should not tolerate it. If all this happens, where will peace be established in society?”
Call for legal action and societal reflection
Earlier this month, Siddaramaiah had denounced the act, stating that it reflected persistent caste-based prejudice and Manuvaadi mindsets. Taking to X, he reiterated that immediate legal action must be taken against not only the lawyer but also those who support or encourage such behaviour. “I strongly condemn the incident in which a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice B R Gavai. Immediate legal action must be taken against the unruly lawyer who sought to insult both the Chief Justice and the judiciary,” he wrote.
Referring to Justice Gavai’s background, Siddaramaiah highlighted the significance of the act: “Justice Gavai, belonging to the Dalit community, has risen to the highest echelons of the judiciary by overcoming entrenched social barriers through merit and perseverance. This incident is a stark reminder that caste-based prejudice and Manuvaadi mindsets continue to persist—even 75 years after the enactment of the Indian Constitution.”
He expressed solidarity with the Chief Justice, stating that millions of secular and democratic citizens stand firmly by his side, emphasising that CJI Gavai does not represent any religion or political party. He further urged people across all castes, faiths, and political affiliations to condemn the act unequivocally.
Context of the incident
The Lakshmipuram police in Mysuru have registered an FIR against Delhi-based advocate Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly committed the offence on October 6 at the Supreme Court. The FIR was filed under Sections 132 and 133 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha. Mysuru advocate Punith, who lodged the complaint, stated that the act is a punishable offence.
The incident reportedly occurred during proceedings related to the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, Kishore allegedly shouted slogans in protest and attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai. Witnesses described his slogans as, “Sanatan Dharam ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (“India will not tolerate disrespect towards Sanatan Dharma”). Some accounts suggest he threw a shoe, while others claim he attempted to hurl a roll of paper.
CJI Gavai remained composed, stating, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
Political and social implications
Siddaramaiah also drew attention to the wider societal issues surrounding the incident. “Divisive politics based on caste and religion have created conditions for Manuvaadi attitudes like those of Rakesh Kishore to emerge and thrive. Just as certain individuals attempt to glorify Nathuram Godse, we are now witnessing similar elements celebrating the lawyer’s shameful act,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underline the need for respect towards the judiciary and a rejection of caste or religion-based provocations in a democratic society.