‘In spur of the moment’: Ex-CJI Gavai reacts to no action on lawyer behind shoe hurling bid; recounts decision

NEW DELHI: Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday said he acted on instinct when he decided to proceed with court hearings despite a shoe-hurling attempt on him inside the Supreme Court last month.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Maybe it is a result of my upbringing, when something happened in the court, I didn't even know that it was related to some alleged utterances made by me in the court or alleged observations made by me in the court. But I felt that I must proceed with the matter and that was a decision taken by me in the spur of the moment."



The incident took place last month on October 6, when lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to remove his sports shoes and hurl them at the then CJI during proceedings. Security personnel intervened immediately.




Former CJI Gavai continued with the hearing unfazed, advising the Bar, "Don't get distracted." Kishore shouted "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" while being taken away by security staff.

Later ex judge insisted on no action against the accused lawyer, although the apex court agreed that it was a “clear case of contempt.”

The Bar Council of India had suspended Kishore’s licence, and several bar bodies condemned the incident as an attack on the judiciary.

Delhi Police said they received no complaint and released Kishore after verification. His outburst was linked by many to comments about Lord Vishnu that Gavai was alleged to have made - remarks the former CJI has already clarified were never made, calling the social media claims inaccurate.
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