A tense minute unfolded inside the Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer allegedly approached the dais during the morning’s mentioning list and appeared to take off his shoe, seemingly preparing to throw it at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai. Court security reacted instantly, intercepted the attempt, and escorted the individual out, restoring order within moments. Bar & Bench first reported the courtroom exchange and quoted the CJI’s measured response: “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
What Happened in Court
Eyewitness accounts carried by multiple outlets said the lawyer shouted “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” while being led out by security staff.
Background to the Incident
Though motives were not formally stated in court, today’s incident appears to sit against the recent social-media outrage over remarks attributed to the CJI in the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. In the earlier hearing, the Bench had flagged the role of the Archaeological Survey of India and permissions required at a protected site, comments that drew heated reactions online. Days later, the CJI addressed the controversy in open court, saying, “I respect all religions.”
CJI’s Response Sets the Tone
Accounts of the disruption varied at the margins through the morning news cycle. Some reports described an attempt to throw a shoe; others mentioned the man appeared to be hurling a rolled-up paper. What was consistent across reports was the quick intervention by security.
As of publication time, there was no official word on disciplinary action or charges. Any follow-up, whether by the Registry, security, or professional bodies, had not been announced in open court.
For now, the line that cut through the noise came from the Bench itself. Bar & Bench reported, the Chief Justice told the Bar to carry on by saying, “These things do not affect me.”