He said, 'It is a matter of pride that a person from our community is a Justice today. I know how much pain and effort it takes to reach this position. When one faces rejection or humiliation, even at home, it is deeply painful. As a Dalit, there can be no greater experience than this.'
Ram added, 'I have always endured such discrimination. Even inside the House, Dalits continue to face unfair treatment. Many are beaten daily. This pain resonates with Dalits who see CJI Gavai’s attack as an attack on their own dignity. We strongly protest this act and will agitate. The Supreme Court has a Justice; there is no Dalit or backward person there.'
Rajesh Ram criticised the BJP-RSS government, saying, 'An insulting attack has been made on the Chief Justice, who leads the country’s highest judicial institution. The word ‘condemnation’ is too small for this act. Even today, there is no place for Dalits in the BJP-RSS alliance. Only these groups could carry out such an attack on a CJI who safeguards the Constitution and justice system.'
On Monday, a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at CJI B.R. Gavai in the Supreme Court while his bench was hearing a case. According to PTI, the shoe did not reach the bench, and security personnel quickly apprehended the attacker. While leaving, the lawyer reportedly shouted, “Hindustan will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan.”
CJI Gavai instructed the courtroom to continue proceedings undisturbed, stating, “I am not affected; these things do not disturb me.”
Lawyer’s license suspended
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) revoked the accused lawyer Rakesh Kishore Kumar’s licence, and the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended him immediately. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra cited this as a violation of the lawyers’ code of conduct. Kishore, registered since 2011, cannot practise law during the suspension, and a show cause notice will follow within 15 days.
SCBA stated, “Such intemperate behaviour is completely inappropriate and damages the mutual respect between courts and the legal community. Acts like this weaken the justice system.”
The incident is linked to a case dismissed by CJI Gavai on September 16. The Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking restoration of a 7-foot-tall broken idol of Lord Vishnu at the Jawari (Vaman) Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The petitioner argued the idol had been broken during Mughal invasions and demanded restoration.
CJI Gavai had remarked, “Go and ask God to do it himself. You are a devotee; go and pray to Him.” The Supreme Court clarified that the idol would remain in its current state and devotees may worship at other temples.
PM Modi condemns attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CJI Gavai and condemned the attack on X, stating, “Every Indian is angry about the attack. Such reprehensible acts have no place in society and are highly condemnable.” He also appreciated the patience shown by the Chief Justice, noting it reflects his commitment to justice and the Constitution.
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