A lawyer allegedly tried to throw an object at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside Court Room 1 of the Supreme Court. Security personnel quickly intervened, preventing any harm, and escorted the individual out of the courtroom.
The lawyer is now being questioned by senior police officials, including the DCP of New Delhi and the DCP of the Supreme Court. Sources reported that while being removed, the attacker shouted: “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan.”
Advocate Anas Tanwir, who was present in court, noted that the individual was in full Supreme Court attire, carrying a proximity card, a bag, and a rolled-up bundle of papers. Tanwir added that the lawyer later apologised to Justice K. Vinod Chandran, clarifying that the attack was directed only at CJI Gavai.
SCBA Leaders Condemn the Attempt
Former Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary, Advocate Rohit Pandey, strongly condemned the act, stating: “It is deeply troubling if a lawyer attempts an assault inside the courtroom. I have learned that the individual is a Bar member, and the incident followed a comment made by the CJI regarding Lord Vishnu. If verified, strict action must follow.”
Context
The attack appears linked to CJI Gavai’s remarks during a case concerning a Lord Vishnu idol. While refusing to entertain the petitioner’s request to restore the idol, the CJI suggested that the petitioner should seek a remedy through prayer, highlighting that the temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is the appropriate authority to handle the matter.
CJI Gavai clarified after the incident that he respects all religions, responding to the social media reaction to his comments. The remarks were made during the post-lunch session of the CJI-led bench.
The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, present in the courtroom, said he has known CJI Gavai for over a decade and is aware that the Chief Justice visits all religious places. Mehta added that today, such incidents are often exaggerated on social media.
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