In an unusual event, a lawyer tried to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai in his court during a hearing. He was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan (India won’t tolerate disrespect to Sanatan)”.

However, the CJI reportedly remained unfazed and said, “Please continue arguments. These things do not affect me,” reported Bar and Bench.

The report mentioned that the security personnel present in the court intervened in time and stopped the lawyer from throwing a shoe at the CJI. The personnel also escorted him out, reported Bar and Bench.

The incident is being linked to the uproar that previously took place following CJI Gavai’s comments in a case related to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho.

At the time, while dismissing the case, the CJI had said, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission etc.”

The observation was criticised heavily on social media with many blaming the CJI for hurting religious sentiments. the CJI later addressed the row in an open court two days later, stating that he meant no disrespect.

“I respect all religions…This happened on social media,” he had said.

The apex court’s security unit has, meanwhile, initiated an inquiry into the incident. Further details about the lawyer and possible motives are awaited, reported PTI.

Congress chief condemns incident

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the lawyer’s attempt to attack the CJI, and said it was “shameful and abhorrent”. Kharge said the incident sends out a “deeply disturbing message”.

“An attempt to attack the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court today is unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent. It is an attack on the dignity of our Judiciary and the rule of law,” he said in a post on X.

“When a sitting Chief Justice who rose to the nation’s highest judicial office through merit, integrity, and perseverance — is targeted in such a manner, it sends a deeply disturbing message. It reflects an attempt to intimidate and humiliate a man who has broken social barriers to uphold the Constitution,” he added.

The Congress chief said, “Such mindless act shows how hate, fanaticism and bigotry has engulfed our society in the past decade.”

What is Lord Vishnu’s idol case?

Last month, the CJI dismissed a plea in which the petitioner sought to replace a damaged, 7-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The petition argued that it was important to restore the idol for reviving the temple’s sanctity and resuming worship.

It mentioned that idol was decapitated during Mughal invasions centuries ago. However, the CJI decline the plea with remark, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now.” It cause huge uproar leading to an explanation from the CJI.

The said temple was constructed by the Chandela rulers between 1050 and 1075 AD and is part of the Khajuraho complex. It is known for its remarkable architecture and has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.