Shoe Attack on India's Chief Justice Sparks Outrage Over Religious Insensitivity

Wed Oct 15 2025 02:51:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An Indian lawyer was suspended after throwing a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during court proceedings, igniting a severe backlash due to controversial remarks regarding Hinduism.

During a courtroom session in Delhi, an Indian lawyer hurled a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai, angered by his comments about Hinduism. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who labeled the attack as 'utterly condemnable'. The lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, was later suspended from practice.

An Indian lawyer has thrown a shoe at the country's Chief Justice BR Gavai after being angered by remarks the judge made about a Hindu god.

Rakesh Kishore launched his attack during Monday's court proceedings in Delhi in what is seen across India as a serious public insult and security breach.

Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe had been hurled at the judge, with one saying it 'brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice... and fell behind them'.

Mr Kishore was heard saying 'India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism]', as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.

Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that Mr Kishore 'threw his shoe, and raised his hand to indicate that he had thrown the shoe'.

'After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted,' Mr Jha added.

Chief Justice Gavai remained calm during the disruption, according to lawyer Anas Tanwir. The chief justice has not publicly commented on the issue, and Indian authorities later stated no charges would be filed against Mr Kishore.

Mr Kishore explained to The Print that his actions were a reaction to a recent court petition rejected by a bench led by Chief Justice Gavai, which also included comments about the Hindu god Vishnu.

In dismissing a plea to reconstruct a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh state last month, the chief justice remarked, 'This is purely publicity interest litigation... Go and ask the deity himself to do something.'

These statements have sparked outrage, with accusations of mocking Hindu beliefs directed at Gavai. Later, he acknowledged the backlash, asserting his respect for 'all religions', according to Press Trust of India.

Mr Kishore expressed that he had 'not been able to sleep since 16 September' when Justice Gavai made the remarks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe attack, stating it had angered every Indian. 'There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society,' he emphasized.

Throwing a shoe at someone in public is viewed as a significant act of disrespect in India and many other cultures.

Incidents of shoe-throwing in protests have occurred internationally, including against Kenyan President William Ruto and former US President George W. Bush.