Lawyer defends shoe-throwing act after Supreme Court hearing disruption
- October 7, 2025
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A courtroom in the Supreme Court witnessed an unusual disruption when a lawyer attempted to hurl his shoes toward Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. The incident occurred during proceedings related to a plea concerning a temple idol, which the bench ultimately dismissed. Following the outburst, security personnel quickly intervened and restrained the lawyer before he could cause further disturbance.
After being removed from the courtroom, the lawyer expressed no remorse for his actions. He stated that his attempt to throw shoes was a direct response to remarks made by the Chief Justice during the hearing. According to him, those comments provoked his reaction, which he described as an emotional outburst rather than a premeditated act. Despite widespread criticism, he maintained that he stood by his decision and had “no regrets.”
The case that triggered the incident involved a petition concerning a temple idol. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, dismissed the plea after hearing arguments from both sides. Details of the petition were not elaborated upon during the brief proceedings, but the dismissal appeared to have angered the lawyer, leading to his impulsive act inside one of India’s highest judicial forums.
Courtroom security officers acted promptly once the situation escalated. They restrained the lawyer before any physical harm could occur and escorted him out of the courtroom premises. The swift intervention ensured that proceedings resumed without further interruption, though witnesses described visible shock among those present during the episode. Such incidents are rare in India’s apex court, where decorum is strictly maintained at all times.
In response to the misconduct, the Bar Council of India suspended the lawyer’s license to practice law. The disciplinary measure was taken soon after reports of the incident surfaced, signaling zero tolerance for behavior that undermines judicial dignity or disrupts court proceedings. The suspension serves as both punishment and deterrent for similar acts of indiscipline within legal institutions.
The event sparked widespread debate within legal circles about professional ethics and courtroom conduct. Many lawyers condemned the act as disrespectful and damaging to the reputation of advocates across India. Others viewed it as an extreme expression of frustration over perceived judicial insensitivity but agreed that such behavior cannot be justified within a court of law. The incident has reignited discussions about maintaining civility and restraint even in moments of disagreement with judicial decisions.
The attempted shoe-throwing episode at Chief Justice BR Gavai underscores how emotions can sometimes overwhelm professional boundaries in high-stakes legal settings. While disciplinary action has been swift, it also highlights ongoing challenges in balancing passionate advocacy with respect for judicial authority—a cornerstone principle of any democratic justice system.