‘Not Just Him, But The Judiciary Targeted…’: Sonia Gandhi On CJI Assault

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi strongly condemned the incident in which a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court. Describing the act as deeply disturbing, she stated, "No words are adequate to condemn the attack on the Honourable Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court itself." Gandhi emphasized that this was not merely an assault on the Chief Justice personally but an attack on the Constitution and the judiciary-institutions that uphold the rule of law in India.

She praised Chief Justice Gavai for his gracious and composed response despite the provocation and stressed that the nation must stand united in solidarity with him, expressing deep anguish and outrage over the incident. Gandhi called the assault a serious breach of the dignity and decorum of the highest court, urging all citizens and leaders to treat it as a matter of grave concern.

The attack occurred during a court proceeding when a 71-year-old lawyer, dissatisfied with the Chief Justice's recent remarks concerning a controversial temple idol case, allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at him while shouting slogans invoking defense of "Sanatan Dharma." The advocate was immediately restrained by security personnel and taken away.

Sonia Gandhi's remarks echoed across political parties, with leaders condemning the incident as a shameful and unprecedented attempt to intimidate the judiciary. She highlighted that the episode reflects a disturbing rise of intolerance and hatred in society.

Gandhi reminded the nation of the importance of protecting constitutional integrity and safeguarding the safety and independence of judiciary members. She urged justice and reason to prevail over intimidation and called on citizens to uphold respect for the judiciary, which serves as the guardian of democracy and the Constitution. She warned that this assault goes beyond personal harm and strikes at the very foundation of India's constitutional democracy, urging the nation to respond with unity, resolve, and strong condemnation.