PM Modi Condemns Attack on Chief Justice Gavai in Supreme Court

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong condemnation following an attempted attack on Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during a Supreme Court hearing on October 6, 2025. A lawyer, identified as Rakesh Kishore, allegedly tried to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice in what has been described as a significant breach of security. Modi emphasized that this incident has provoked anger among all Indians and reaffirmed that such actions have no place in society.

In a post shared on the platform X, Modi stated, “The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.” He commended Justice Gavai for maintaining his composure throughout the distressing situation, underscoring his commitment to the values of justice and the Constitution.

The incident unfolded during a court proceeding when Kishore, 71, attempted to disrupt the session. Authorities later discovered a note in his possession that contained a slogan: “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (India will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma). In the aftermath, the Chief Justice instructed court officials and security personnel to disregard the act and allowed Kishore to be escorted out with a warning. Following the incident, the Bar Council of India suspended Kishore’s license immediately.

Political Reactions and Implications

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Congress Party, described the attempt on the Chief Justice’s life as “unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent.” He highlighted the incident as an affront to the dignity of the judiciary and the rule of law in India. Kharge remarked, “When a sitting Chief Justice who rose to the nation’s highest judicial office through merit, integrity, and perseverance — is targeted in such a manner, it sends a deeply disturbing message.”

He also pointed out that this incident reflects a troubling rise of “hate, fanaticism and bigotry” within Indian society over the past decade. The implications of such actions raise questions about the safety and integrity of judicial officials, as well as the broader impact on the rule of law in the country.

As discussions around the incident continue, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by judicial figures in upholding justice in a turbulent political environment. The response from both the government and the public will likely shape ongoing conversations about security measures within judicial institutions and the importance of preserving the independence of the judiciary.

The Prime Minister’s remarks, along with the swift action taken by the Bar Council, indicate a collective stance against violence directed at public officials, especially those who serve in critical roles within the judiciary. As the situation develops, the focus will now shift to measures that can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of those dedicated to upholding the law.