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This incident comes just days after an advocate, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI BR Gavai during proceedings in Supreme Court.
Accused Dharmendra Singh (left) threw sandals at a magistrate in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district.
In yet another shocking courtroom incident, a man accused of theft hurled his sandals at a magistrate in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district on Tuesday. The act follows closely on the heels of a similar episode in the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice of India BR Gavai was targeted with a shoe earlier this week.
The accused, identified as Dharmendra Singh, a native of Uttar Pradesh, had been working as a daily wage labourer in the Cheranmahadevi area of Tirunelveli. A few months ago, he was arrested for allegedly stealing a donation box from a local temple. His case was being heard before Judicial Magistrate Arun Kumaran at the Cheranmahadevi court.
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During the latest hearing, Singh appeared without legal representation. The magistrate, noticing this, directed the authorities to arrange a free legal aid lawyer for him and ordered that the case be expedited. The hearing was then postponed to the following month.
However, apparently agitated and confused by the postponement, Singh suddenly removed his sandals and threw them at the judge. Eyewitnesses said he hurled both sandals in quick succession, unaware that the magistrate had been acting in his interest. Court security personnel immediately intervened and escorted him out of the courtroom.
Judge declines to file complaint
The incident caused a commotion inside the courthouse, leaving onlookers stunned. The Cheranmahadevi police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter. However, sources indicate that Magistrate Arun Kumaran has instructed police not to file a separate case against Singh, viewing the outburst as an act of ignorance rather than malice.
Singh was later taken back to prison amid tight security. Police officials are also reportedly examining whether the accused suffers from any psychological issues or communication barriers, given his apparent misunderstanding of the court’s decision.
Incident in SC
This incident comes just days after a 71-year-old advocate, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI BR Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court in New Delhi. The outburst occurred around 11:35 am on October 6 while the bench was hearing case mentions.
Kishore reportedly shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma”) before security personnel restrained him. Chief Justice Gavai, however, remained calm, stating, “These things do not affect me,” and instructed proceedings to continue.
The two back-to-back incidents have raised serious questions about security arrangements in Indian courts.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
October 08, 2025, 08:18 IST
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