NEW DELHI: Supreme Court advocate Rakesh Kishore who allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai during court proceedings on Monday, has claimed that he acted under divine direction. Speaking after a day after the incident, the 71-year-old advocate said, “The Almighty made it happen, I only did what happened; I had no role in it, I don’t do such things. I was just a witness; what happened, happened.”Kishore went on to add that his actions carried “a hidden message”, referring to remarks made by the CJI during a September 16 hearing. “On September 16, in the Supreme Court hearing of a PIL, CJI Gavai made fun of Sanatan Dharma by mocking the idol. I don’t know who filed that PIL or who the petitioner was, but at that time he joked about the idol,” Kishore told news agency IANS. Responding to the incident, CJI Gavai’s mother, Dr Kamal Gavai, condemned the attempt and warned that such actions could destabilise the country. “I condemn the shoe thrown at CJI. The Indian Constitution gives equal rights to all, but some people, taking the law into their own hands, behave in a manner that is disrespectful to India and can spread anarchy in the country. No one in this country has the right to do this,” she said. Urging restraint, she added, “I would request everyone that whatever questions you have, whatever you want to say, please raise them peacefully.” The dramatic courtroom incident unfolded as a bench led by CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing the mentioning of cases. Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar, reportedly approached the dais, removed his shoe and attempted to throw it towards the judges before being swiftly restrained by security personnel. The CJI remained calm throughout and continued the proceedings, instructing the court staff to “ignore it” and let the lawyer off with a warning. The Bar Council of India has since suspended his licence pending investigation, while police are probing the motive behind the act.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the CJI to express his condemnation, saying the attack “has angered every Indian” and praising Justice Gavai’s composure. “It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution,” PM Modi said.
