New Delhi: A shocking incident unfolded in the Supreme Court on Monday when a lawyer attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during a court hearing. The incident occurred while a bench headed by the CJI was hearing routine matters.
According to sources, the lawyer approached the bench and allegedly tried to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice. However, security personnel present in the courtroom immediately intervened and restrained him before he could cause any harm. The lawyer was swiftly escorted out of the court.
While being taken away, the lawyer shouted slogans like “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan”). Despite the chaos, CJI Gavai remained calm and urged the advocates present to continue their submissions. “Do not be distracted. We are not disturbed by such acts. These things do not affect me,” he stated.
Reports suggest that the lawyer was upset over Justice Gavai’s recent remarks regarding the restoration of a 7-foot-tall damaged idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari (Vaman) Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court had dismissed a petition seeking the idol’s restoration, with CJI Gavai remarking, “Go and ask God to restore it yourself. You claim to be a true devotee of Lord Vishnu; go and pray to him.”
The petitioner, Rakesh Dalal, had argued that the idol was damaged during Mughal invasions and had remained in the same condition ever since. He urged the court to intervene to preserve devotees’ right to worship and restore the temple’s sanctity. However, the bench dismissed the plea, clarifying that the idol would remain in its current state and that devotees were free to worship in other temples if they wished.
Dalal expressed disappointment with the decision, saying it hurt his religious sentiments. The attack attempt is now under investigation by the Supreme Court security staff.
