Failed shoe attack at CJI: What attacker tell Police?

A failed shoe attack on the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during a hearing on Monday caused massive outrage in the country. The accused, Rakesh Kishore, hurled a shoe at the CJI and was taken to police custody; however, he showed no remorse for his actions. 

The 72-year-old lawyer stated that he was ready to go to jail. He said, "It would have been better if I were in prison. My family is very unhappy with what I did. They are unable to understand."

Defending his actions, Kishore also clarified that he didn't belong to any political party. 

What did Rakesh Kishore tell the Police?

Rakesh Kishore told the Delhi Police that he stands firm with what he did, citing the recent remarks by the CJI during his judgment on a plea seeking the reconstruction and coronation of Lord Vishnu's idol in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. It demanded the idol to be reinstalled in the Javeri temple, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex. 

During the hearing last month, the bench led by CJI Gavai refused to entertain the plea, calling it a "Publicity Interest Litigation." It observed that the issue came under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), with CJI Gavai remarking that "ask the deity to do something." 

Rakesh Kishore said, "I couldn't sleep after that judgment. The almighty was asking me every night how I could rest after such an insult." 

He also stated that CJI Gavai's statements during his speech in Mauritius provoked him further. During his inaugural Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture 2025 in Mauritius, the CJI had said, "India's legal system operates under the rule of law, and not under the 'rule of bulldozer'. Just because something is legalised, it does not mean it is just." 

Kishore revealed that his actions were guided by a "divine force", maintaining that he was mentally fit.

While attempting his attack, Kishore shouted, "Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan (India won't tolerate the insult of Sanatan)."

The CJI asked everyone to "ignore" the instance and let Kishore go. He said that it doesn't affect him or the court's proceedings. 

According to the Police, Kishore had valid entry credentials with him, such as a Bar Council of India card and a temporary Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) membership, with which he could enter the courtroom. 

After the incident, his membership has been cancelled by the Bar Council of India. Kishore said that he had received the letter and was aware of the consequences. 

Kishore's family is angered and frustrated with him for his actions and hasn't made any remarks publicly. His colleagues described him as a fringe figure who isn't much involved in professional practice.

The action was widely criticised. PM Modi condemned the act, also talking to the CJI later on a phone call. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mamta Banerjee, among others, also drew criticism.