The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday organized a protest in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar to condemn the shocking attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) B. R. Gavai that took place a day earlier inside the Supreme Court premises. The protest, led by AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Kuldeep Kumar, saw party workers carrying portraits of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and chanting slogans of “Jai Bhim” and “Halla Bol” to express solidarity with the CJI and denounce the assailant’s actions. The demonstrators also raised the slogan, “Chief Justice Ka Apmaan Nahi Sahega Hindustan,” vowing that the country would not tolerate such insults to the judiciary.
During the protest, Saurabh Bharadwaj carried a garland made of shoes as a symbolic rebuke to the attacker. He accused the BJP government of remaining silent while certain social media users glorified the lawyer who attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice. Bharadwaj alleged that these online trolls were acting under the protection of the ruling party. He said that while Justice Gavai, a member of the Dalit community, was being vilified, the lawyer responsible for the act was being celebrated as a hero, exposing the political and social bias behind such attacks. He stressed that this was not merely an attack on one individual but a reflection of the prejudice and hatred that some groups harbor against the empowerment of marginalized communities.
The incident that triggered the outrage occurred on Monday inside the Supreme Court, where a 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai during a court proceeding. The act stunned the courtroom, but the Chief Justice maintained composure and instructed security personnel to let the man off with a warning. “I don’t get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me,” he said, demonstrating calm restraint even in the face of personal provocation. Despite this leniency, the Bar Council of India swiftly suspended Kishore’s licence, labeling his conduct “a blot on the legal fraternity.”
In subsequent remarks to the media, Kishore remained unapologetic, claiming that he had acted out of anger because the Supreme Court had allegedly mocked a petition related to Sanatan Dharma. He asserted that he had “no regrets,” insisting that his actions were driven by religious sentiment rather than personal animosity. His justification, however, only fueled public outrage and deepened the debate over respect for judicial institutions.
Leaders across the political spectrum condemned the incident in unison. AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the attack was not just an assault on one individual but “an attack on the soul of India and the judiciary itself.” He emphasized that the attack reflected intolerance toward a Dalit man who had risen to the highest judicial position through merit and integrity. “These people cannot tolerate that a Dalit son reached the top position in the country,” Kejriwal said, calling out the political forces he believed were enabling such behavior.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the act in strong terms, calling it “reprehensible” and “utterly condemnable.” He said that he had personally spoken to the Chief Justice and expressed his appreciation for Gavai’s calm response. “There is no place for such acts in our society,” Modi posted on X, noting that Justice Gavai’s poise reflected his deep commitment to justice and constitutional values.
Leaders from the Congress party echoed similar sentiments. Rahul Gandhi described the attack as an assault on “the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution.” Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi called it a moment of national shame, stating that “no words are adequate to condemn” such an act within the temple of justice. She said the entire nation must stand united with Justice Gavai, expressing both solidarity and outrage over the attempt to undermine the judiciary’s sanctity.
The incident and its aftermath have reignited public debate on respect for constitutional institutions, caste prejudice, and political polarization. What began as an isolated act of defiance inside a courtroom has now evolved into a moment of reckoning for India’s democratic ethos, compelling both political leaders and citizens to reflect on the values of tolerance, equality, and justice that lie at the heart of the republic.
