Lawyer Tries to Hurl Shoe at CJI BR Gavai in Supreme Court; Justice Says, 'These Things Don't Affect Me'

A brief commotion broke out in Chief Justice of India B R Gavai's courtroom on Monday after an elderly lawyer allegedly tried to hurl a shoe at him during proceedings. The incident took place in Courtroom

No. 1 when the bench headed by the CJI was hearing the mentioning of cases. According to Times Now sources, the lawyer approached the dais and attempted to remove his shoe before security personnel intervened and escorted him out of the courtroom.As he was being taken out, the lawyer shouted, "Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan." The Supreme Court’s security wing later confirmed the incident.Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai remained composed and continued the hearing. "Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me," he said in open court.The outburst is being linked to the CJI's earlier remarks in a case concerning the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. While dismissing that plea, the CJI had commented, "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 triggered a backlash on social media, with critics accusing the CJI of insulting religious sentiments. Addressing the controversy later in court, Justice Gavai clarified that his comments were not meant to offend anyone. "I respect all religions... This happened on social media," he said.Supporting the CJI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked that reactions often get exaggerated online. "We have seen this... There is Newton's law which says every action has equal reaction, but now every action has disproportionate social media reaction, milord," he said.