Security Intervenes as Lawyer Approaches Chief Justice in Court
NEW DELHI – A lawyer attempted to attack India’s Chief Justice B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court on Monday, reportedly over his past remarks about the Hindu god Vishnu. The dramatic scene unfolded during court proceedings when the lawyer approached the raised platform where the Chief Justice was seated, allegedly preparing to throw a shoe or paper roll.
Security personnel quickly intervened and stopped the lawyer before any object was thrown. The attacker was escorted out of the courtroom, while Chief Justice Gavai remained composed and instructed the court to continue the session, according to legal news outlet LiveLaw.
The identity of the attacker has not been officially confirmed. However, eyewitnesses reported that the lawyer shouted, “We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan Dharma,” referring to a traditional term for Hinduism, as he was removed from the courtroom.
Legal Community Condemns Incident, Calls for Action
The incident follows public controversy around comments made by Chief Justice Gavai in a previous case. He had reportedly told a petitioner, who sought the replacement of a damaged Vishnu statue, to “go and ask the deity himself.” The court later dismissed the plea. Gavai later clarified that his remarks had been misinterpreted, emphasizing that he respects all religions.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association strongly condemned the attempted attack, calling the behaviour a violation of judicial decorum and constitutional principles. In an official statement, the association urged the court to take action against the lawyer involved, citing the importance of discipline and institutional integrity in the legal profession.
India’s Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta attributed the incident to misinformation spread via social media, and defended the Chief Justice’s personal faith. “I have personally seen Chief Justice Gavai visiting religious places of all faiths with reverence,” Mehta told Reuters.
Chief Justice Gavai is due to retire next month, ending his tenure as the head of India’s judiciary amidst this sudden controversy.
