Revanth Reddy Condemns Shoe-Throwing Attack on CJI B.R. Gavai as a ‘Dark Day’ in India’s History

October 6, 2025 – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has vehemently denounced the shocking incident where a lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during Supreme Court proceedings, describing it as a “dastardly attempt to attack and intimidate the highest functionary of the country’s judicial pillar.” In a strongly worded statement on X, Reddy labeled the event a “dark day in our country’s history,” expressing unwavering solidarity with CJI Gavai, whom he praised as an “intrepid” leader who “bravely declared he won’t be fazed or cowed down by such cowardly attacks.”

The incident unfolded on October 6, 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court, where 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore, reportedly dissatisfied with CJI Gavai’s remarks in a prior hearing on the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho Temple complex, removed his sports shoe and aimed it at the bench around 11:35 AM. CJI Gavai, presiding alongside Justice K. Vinod Chandran, remained composed and directed proceedings to continue uninterrupted, later affirming his respect for all religions amid backlash from his September 16 comments dismissing the plea as “publicity interest litigation” and suggesting the petitioner “go pray” to Lord Vishnu. Delhi Police swiftly intervened, and investigations are underway, with the advocate detained.

Reddy’s condemnation echoes widespread outrage, with the incident raising alarms about threats to judicial independence and security for CJI Gavai, who holds Z-plus cover. The Telangana CM called for collective support for the judiciary, stating, “Words cannot express my condemnation,” and standing “with all citizens” in backing the CJI’s resolve. This attack, possibly linked to religious sensitivities from the idol restoration case, has sparked debates on courtroom decorum and free speech, with legal experts decrying it as an assault on democratic institutions. As the nation reflects on this breach, calls intensify for robust measures to protect the judiciary’s sanctity