‘Have no regret, God made me do it’: Lawyer defends his attempt to hurl shoe at CJI Gavai

A day after he attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court premises, lawyer Rakesh Kishore Tuesday expressed no regret for his action. Kishore told news agency ANI that his action was triggered by the CJI’s recent remarks on Lord Vishnu.

“I was hurt. A PIL was filed in the Chief Justice’s court on September 16. Justice Gavai made fun of it by saying ‘Go pray to the idol to restore its head’. While we see that when there are cases against other religions like Railways’ land in Haldwani was occupied by a particular community. When an attempt was made to remove this, the Supreme Court put a stay on it three years ago. In Nupur Sharma’s case, the court said, ‘You have ruined the atmosphere’. When there are matters related to the Sanatan dharma, be it Jallikatu or the height of the Dahi Handi, Supreme Court’s orders have hurt me,” Kishore said.

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It may be recalled that the CJI had made the remarks while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of the structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple at Khajuraho.

After the remarks had led to a huge uproar, CJI Gavai had issued a clarification that he meant no disrespect and that he respects all religions.

Lawyer Kishore, however, asserted that the CJI was wrong in making fun of the religion and that God made him do what he did yesterday in the courtroom.

“If you do not want to provide relief, at least do not make fun of it. It was an injustice that the petition was dismissed. However, I am against violence, but you should think about why a common man who is not affiliated with any group took such a step. It is not that I was under the influence of a substance; it was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful and I have no regrets… I have not done anything, God made me do it,” Kishore said.

“I had already decided, as I was not able to sleep after September 16. Some divine power woke me up and said, ‘Nation is burning and you are sleeping?’ I am surprised that the Chief Justice let me go. I was interrogated for 3-4 hours by the police,” the lawyer added.

Kishore further asked the Chief Justice of India to uphold the dignity of the constitutional post he was occupying. He also criticised the CJI over the Supreme Court decision on the use of bulldozer by state governments.

“CJI is sitting on a constitutional post and is called ‘My Lord’, so he should understand the meaning of it and maintain the dignity. I ask the CJI and people opposing me if Yogi Ji’s bulldozer action against people occupying the government’s land in Bareilly was wrong?” Kishore said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl an object at CJI BR Gavai, says, “…I was hurt…I was not inebriated, this was my reaction to his action…I am not fearful. I don’t regret what happened.”

“A PIL was filed in the Court of CJI on 16th… pic.x.com/6h4S47NxMd

— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

“The matter is that for a thousand years we have been slaves to small communities. We have been tolerant, but when our identity itself is under threat I want that no Sanatani should remain silent in their homes. They should do anything they can. I am not instigating, but I want people to heed to their own interests,” he added.

Kishore also slammed the Bar Council for suspending him over yesterday’s incident. He said: “Section 35 of the Advocates Act, under which I have been suspended, a disciplinary committee has to be constituted, which will send a notice, and I will reply. But the Bar Council has flouted the rules in my case.”

Advocate Kishore also stood firm on his decision not to apologise for his actions.

“I am not going to apologise. God made me do this, if he wishes I go to jail, or I am hanged, it is his wish,” he said.