Lawyer throws shoe at CJI Gavai, upset over 'Sanatan' bias
During a Supreme Court hearing on Monday, lawyer Rajesh Kishore threw his shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai, upset over what he saw as bias against Sanatan Dharma.
Security quickly intervened, but CJI Gavai calmly continued the session, saying, "I am the last person to be affected by such things."
Kishore's protest over earlier court dismissal of plea
Rajesh Kishore said his protest was sparked by CJI BR Gavai's earlier comment dismissing a plea to restore a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.
He felt the court was mocking religious concerns and not taking them seriously.
Bar Council of India suspends lawyer
The Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore for disrespecting the court, banning him from practicing law nationwide while they investigate, without referring the matter to any disciplinary committee and without hearing him out.
Police released him without charges after CJI BR Gavai's instructions.
The incident drew strong criticism from leaders across parties, though some groups echoed Kishore's call for more respect toward religious issues.