Lawyer attempts to attack CJI BR Gavai with a shoe in courtroom, shouts "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge"

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai was allegedly attacked by a lawyer inside the courtroom on Monday. The incident took place while cases before the bench headed by the CJI were being mentioned.

The lawyer allegedly went towards the dais and attempted to remove his shoe with an apparent intent to throw at Gavai. Security personnel were swift to act and stopped the man before he could proceed further. He was escorted out of the premises.

The lawyer was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan)," a lawyer present at the time of the incident told ANI.

Gavai, however, remained calm and called for focus in the courtroom. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he remarked, before allowing the proceedings to continue.

A few days ago the chief justice had made comments in a previous case related to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho.

While dismissing that case, he had said, “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 observation had caused a storm on social media, with many accusing the CJI of hurting religious sentiments.

Addressing the controversy in open court two days later, CJI Gavai said that he meant no disrespect. "I respect all religions...This happened on social media," he said.