An Indian lawyer has thrown a shoe at the country's Chief Justice BR Gavai after apparently being angered by remarks the judge made about Hinduism.
Rakesh Kishore launched his attack during Monday's court proceedings in Delhi in what is seen across India as a serious public insult and security breach. Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe had been hurled at the judge, with one saying it brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice... and fell behind them.
Mr Kishore was heard saying India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism], as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.
Advocate Ravi Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that Mr Kishore threw his shoe, and raised his hand to indicate that he had thrown the shoe.
After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted, Mr Jha added.
The chief justice remained calm throughout the incident, while the Indian authorities later stated that no charges would be filed against Mr Kishore. It is unclear which remarks specifically angered the lawyer.
However, some media reports suggest it could be linked to a recent court petition rejected by a bench headed by Justice Gavai, during which he made comments about the Hindu god Vishnu. Dismissing a plea to reconstruct a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh, Justice Gavai remarked: This is purely publicity interest litigation... Go and ask the deity himself to do something.
These comments have sparked controversy, with some accusing him of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later noted the criticism, asserting his respect for all religions, according to the Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the shoe attack as utterly condemnable, echoing sentiments of disapproval from across the political spectrum. PM Modi spoke personally with Justice Gavai, expressing that the attack had angered every Indian, and emphasized that there is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.
Throwing a shoe at someone is seen as a significant act of disrespect and humiliation in India and other cultures. Earlier this year, a shoe was hurled at Kenyan President William Ruto during a rally, and in 2008, an Iraqi journalist famously threw a shoe at then US President George W. Bush in protest over the Iraq war.
Rakesh Kishore launched his attack during Monday's court proceedings in Delhi in what is seen across India as a serious public insult and security breach. Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe had been hurled at the judge, with one saying it brushed against the chief justice and [another] justice... and fell behind them.
Mr Kishore was heard saying India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism], as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.
Advocate Ravi Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that Mr Kishore threw his shoe, and raised his hand to indicate that he had thrown the shoe.
After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted, Mr Jha added.
The chief justice remained calm throughout the incident, while the Indian authorities later stated that no charges would be filed against Mr Kishore. It is unclear which remarks specifically angered the lawyer.
However, some media reports suggest it could be linked to a recent court petition rejected by a bench headed by Justice Gavai, during which he made comments about the Hindu god Vishnu. Dismissing a plea to reconstruct a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at a temple in Madhya Pradesh, Justice Gavai remarked: This is purely publicity interest litigation... Go and ask the deity himself to do something.
These comments have sparked controversy, with some accusing him of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later noted the criticism, asserting his respect for all religions, according to the Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the shoe attack as utterly condemnable, echoing sentiments of disapproval from across the political spectrum. PM Modi spoke personally with Justice Gavai, expressing that the attack had angered every Indian, and emphasized that there is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.
Throwing a shoe at someone is seen as a significant act of disrespect and humiliation in India and other cultures. Earlier this year, a shoe was hurled at Kenyan President William Ruto during a rally, and in 2008, an Iraqi journalist famously threw a shoe at then US President George W. Bush in protest over the Iraq war.
