Solicitor General Condemns Advocate's Attempt To Attack CJI BR Gavai In Court; Says Social Media Misinformation Resulted In It

Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, has condemned the unfortunate incident of an advocate, Rakesh Kishore, attempting to throw an object at the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, early today. 

In a statement, he said that this incident is a result of misinformation on social media and appreciated the calm manner in which the CJI reacted.

"Today's incident in the Chief Justice's court is unfortunate and deserves condemnation. This is the result of misinformation on social media. It is really heartening that the Chief Justice of India reacted with magnanimity and majesty of the highest court of the country. I only hope that this magnanimity is not treated by others as the weakness of the institution," SG Mehta said.

SG Mehta reiterated that the CJI respects all religions, and this incident must not be promoted in any manner as it was done by some miscreant attempting to seek "cheap publicity".

"I have personally seen the Chief Justice visiting religious places of all religions with full reverence. The Chief Justice has also clarified this position. It is not understood what prompted one miscreant to do what he did today. It appears to be an act of some attention seeker wanting cheap publicity."

The Advocate who threw a shoe at the CJI shouted that insults to Sanatana Dharma will not be tolerated.

On an early occasion as well, SG Mehta had said that he had known the CJI for 10 years and that the CJI had visited all religious places of reverence. CJI himself had clarified that his observations while dismissing a petition seeking reconstruction of a dilapidated Lord Vishnu Idol at a temple in Khajuraho were made in the context of the fact that it was within the ASI's jurisdiction. He also clarified that he respects all religions.

Earlier today morning, an advocate attempted to throw an object, which many reported to be a sports shoe, at the CJI before he was escorted out by the Supreme Court security. Both SCOARA and SCBA have issued statements condemning the act as scandalising the office of the CJI and have urged for initiation of contempt proceedings.

Moreover, the Bar Council of India has issued an interim order suspending the advocate registered with the Bar Council of Delhi from practice with immediate effect.