Article Today, New Delhi:
The Supreme Court was rocked by an unprecedented incident when a lawyer hurled a shoe at Dalit Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai. The attack occurred during a hearing related to a petition on the restoration of a Vishnu idol. The lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, accused the CJI of insulting Sanatana Dharma and attempted to disrupt court proceedings.
Violation of Judicial Norms
Legal observers described the act as a serious breach of professional conduct and courtroom discipline. The CJI’s remarks, they noted, were aimed at discouraging publicity-oriented petitions and were not derogatory to religious beliefs. However, the lawyer’s reaction has been widely condemned as an affront to the dignity of the institution.
Background of Discrimination
Justice Gavai, the second Dalit to occupy the office of Chief Justice of India, has previously faced instances of discrimination. In Maharashtra, during a felicitation event after his elevation, senior State officials such as the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were absent, raising concerns of deliberate disregard for protocol. This contrasted with the reception accorded to Justice D.Y. Chandrachud when he became CJI.
Former President’s Experience
The episode has also drawn parallels with earlier instances involving other Dalit leaders in high office. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, during his tenure, faced allegations of caste-based exclusion when priests at the Jagannath temple in Odisha reportedly denied him entry. Critics say such events highlight the persistence of deep-rooted caste bias even at the highest constitutional levels.
Wider Response
Despite the gravity of the incident, many political leaders and public figures have refrained from issuing statements. Observers argue that this silence raises questions about the unwillingness of the political establishment to confront caste prejudice directly.
Judicial Associations React
The Telangana Judges’ Association strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blow to the entire judicial system. In a statement, Association President G. Rajagopal and General Secretary K. Muralimohan said that an assault on the Chief Justice should be treated as an attack on the judiciary as a whole.
