Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, said he was deeply offended by the CJI’s remarks and felt no repentance for his act. He alleged that the Supreme Court “always delivers similar judgments” whenever issues concerning Sanatan Dharma come up. Following the incident, Kishore has been suspended from the Bar Council.
Explaining his anger, he said, “I was hurt, not intoxicated. My act was a reaction to his comments. I am neither frightened nor ashamed. On September 16, during a PIL hearing, the Chief Justice mocked the petitioner saying, ‘Go pray to the idol and ask it to fix your head.’ When a case involves Sanatan beliefs, the Court passes such remarks. You may deny relief, but you shouldn’t ridicule faith.”
High Office Requires Restraint and Respect
The suspended lawyer added, “Someone occupying such a high constitutional post must speak with dignity. The Chief Justice should understand the meaning of ‘My Lord’ and uphold that respect. When he visits Mauritius, he says a country cannot be run by bulldozers — so I ask, is CM Yogi wrong for acting against illegal encroachments? I’m hurt and will continue to be.”
Don’t Bring Caste Into This Debate
On being accused of attacking a Dalit Chief Justice, Kishore said, “My name is Rakesh Kishore — can anyone tell what my caste is? Maybe I’m Dalit too. CJI Gavai is being portrayed as a Dalit for sympathy, but he isn’t. He was a Sanatani Hindu and later adopted Buddhism. How can he still be called Dalit? This is about mindset, not caste.”
Destiny Made Me Do It
He further said, “Judges must show sensitivity; crores of cases are still pending. I owe no apology and feel no remorse. I haven’t done anything wrong. Whatever happened was not my doing — it was destined by the Almighty.”
