Arvind Kejriwal Calls Attack on Justice Gavai a Conspiracy Against Dalits

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed concern over the recent shoe-throwing incident involving Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai, suggesting it could be part of a wider attempt to intimidate the judiciary.

Speaking to the media, Kejriwal stated, "The attack on Justice Gavai and the subsequent threats against him are part of a conspiracy to intimidate and suppress Dalits and the entire judiciary."

Shoe-Thowing Incident in Court

On Monday morning, 71-year-old Advocate Rakesh Kishore allegedly threw his shoes at CJI Gavai during court proceedings in Court Number 1, during mentioning hours. Fortunately, the shoes did not strike the Chief Justice. Security personnel quickly intervened, removing Kishore from the courtroom. He was later questioned by the Delhi Police.

Authorities revealed that Kishore acted due to dissatisfaction with remarks made by CJI Gavai during a hearing on 16 September, related to the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh. Kishore was released after questioning.

Judiciary's Independence at Stake

Kejriwal commended Justice Gavai for overlooking the incident, calling it a demonstration of his greatness. However, he warned that if such acts go unpunished, they could undermine judicial independence and effectiveness. He urged authorities to take strong action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Political Leaders Condemn the Act

The incident has drawn condemnation across political lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and several Chief Ministers described it as an assault on democracy and an attack on the judiciary.

Kejriwal also noted that Justice Gavai is being mocked and threatened on social media without consequences. He suggested that this may indicate an organised campaign aiming to pressure the judiciary and called for exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Allegations of Divine Motivation

Kishore later told news agencies that he acted under the influence of a "divine force." Despite this, his actions are widely seen as disrespectful and damaging to judicial authority.

In addition, Noida Police briefly detained YouTuber Ajeet Bharti for comments made about CJI Gavai in an online discussion weeks prior to the shoe-throwing incident.