'Angered every Indian': PM Modi condemns attack on CJI BR Gavai

PM Modi on Monday strongly condemned the attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court premises, calling it an act that has “angered every Indian.”

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he had spoken to Justice Gavai following the incident and lauded the CJI’s composure during the episode.

“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 wrote.



Chief Justice Gavai was allegedly attacked by a lawyer inside the courtroom on Monday morning while cases before his bench were being mentioned. The lawyer reportedly moved towards the dais and attempted to remove his shoe, apparently to throw it at the CJI.

Security personnel quickly intervened and restrained the man before he could proceed further. He was escorted out of the courtroom.

Eyewitnesses said the lawyer shouted, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan”) before being overpowered.

Displaying remarkable composure, CJI Gavai urged calm in the courtroom and directed proceedings to continue uninterrupted. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he said.

The outburst is believed to be linked to remarks the CJI made recently in a case related to the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. While dismissing the petition, Gavai had remarked, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission, etc.”

The comments triggered outrage on social media, with some groups accusing the Chief Justice of insulting religious sentiments. Two days later, Gavai clarified in open court that his words had been misconstrued. “I respect all religions... This happened on social media,” he said.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue an internal security review following the breach.