'What happened in courtroom was as per divine instruction. I don't feel any guilt'; lawyer who threw shoe at Chief Justice responds

NEW DELHI: Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who threw a shoe at Chief Justice B R Gavai inside the Supreme Court, has said he feels no guilt over his actions. The 71-year-old lawyer claimed that what happened was a command from God, and that he acted as a servant of Sanatana Dharma.

“I am a devotee and servant of Sanatana Dharma. What happened in the courtroom was as per divine instruction. I only followed it, and I have no guilt,” Kishore said.

He said that he was deeply hurt by Chief Justice Gavai’s remarks while dismissing a petition seeking the reinstallation of Lord Mahavishnu’s idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho. “Since September 16, I had decided not to sleep. A divine force awakened me and asked, ‘The nation is burning, are you still asleep?’” he added.

Kishore also said he had no personal grudge against the Chief Justice. “I respect the position he holds under the Constitution. I call him ‘My Lord’ and expect him to uphold that dignity,” he said.

The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, shortly after a bench comprising Chief Justice Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran began proceedings. During the mentioning of cases, Kishore suddenly walked toward the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to throw it at the Chief Justice. Security personnel immediately intervened and restrained him. Kishore shouted that he was apologising to Justice Vinod Chandran, but his act was aimed at Chief Justice Gavai.

Reacting calmly, the Chief Justice said, “This will not affect us or distract us,” and court proceedings continued as usual.