SC weighs framing guidelines on social media glorification after advocate throws shoe at CJI BR Gavai during hearing

The Supreme Court on Monday said it would consider framing guidelines on the social media publication and glorification of the incident wherein a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during a hearing.

The top court's observation came while the bench was hearing a plea seeking contempt action against advocate Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly threw the shoe toward the CJI during proceedings.

The incident occurred during the mentioning of cases before the CJI-led bench in earlier this month. According to witnesses, the lawyer approached the dais and began removing his shoe, apparently intending to throw it at the Chief Justice. However, security personnel acted swiftly, restraining him before he could proceed further.


Kishore was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan”) before being escorted out of the courtroom, eyewitnesses said.

CJI Gavai remained composed amid the commotion, asking those present to maintain focus. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he remarked, allowing the hearing to continue uninterrupted.

The incident came days after controversy erupted over CJI Gavai’s remarks in a case concerning the restoration of a beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. The Chief Justice’s comment—urging the petitioner to “pray to the deity” since it was an archaeological issue—triggered criticism online, with some alleging disrespect toward religious sentiments.

Responding to the backlash in open court later, CJI Gavai clarified that his words had been misconstrued. “I respect all religions... this happened on social media,” he said.