Shoe attack on CJI Gavai underscores need for decorum in court

Context: The Khajuraho Hearing and the Shock of the Shoe Incident

The recent incident at the Supreme Court during a hearing on restoring a damaged Vishnu idol in Khajuraho sent shockwaves through India’s legal and political circles. A lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly removed his shoes and hurled them toward Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, prompting swift action from the Bar Council of India and condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The court calmly dealt with the disruption, with officials directing the process to continue and issuing a warning rather than escalating the confrontation.

Markandey Katju’s Perspective: Dialogue, Not Disorder, as a Pillar of Justice

In a contemporary opinion piece, former judge Markandey Katju acknowledged the act of aggression while faulting courtroom discourse that he views as overly verbose. Katju argues that long-winded arguments by judges can provoke reactions, urging a return to a tone of restraint in court. He cites international examples—such as quiet, restrained British courts—as a model for India’s judiciary, stressing that the job of a judge is to hear and decide, not to fill the air with constant questions or commentary.

Debate on Courtroom Tone: When Does Talk Become Provocation?

The core debate centers on whether judges’ verbal intensity can inadvertently embolden litigants to act out. Katju recalls experiences from various legal contexts, noting that a tranquil courtroom atmosphere tends to reduce tensions. He references the prior remarks by CJI Gavai during the Khajuraho petition as part of a broader conversation about how judicial rhetoric should guide proceedings rather than escalate passions a courtroom encounter. For many observers, the takeaway is not simply censure of the attacker, but a candid look at the environment that precedes such disruptions.

Public Figures Respond: Modi’s Support for Calm and Constitution-Building Values

Prime Minister Modi publicly conveyed his condemnation of the incident and commended the Chief Justice’s composure. In his message, Modi stressed that there is no room for violence in a civilized democracy and highlighted the importance of upholding the values of justice and the Constitution. His note reinforces a political consensus in favor of maintaining decorum within the highest judiciary and ensuring that disputes are resolved through lawful means.

Legal Consequences and Institutional Repercussions

Rakesh Kishore faces suspension from practice as investigations proceed. The Bar Council of India acted promptly, signaling zero tolerance for conduct that jeopardizes the integrity of court proceedings. The incident also raises questions about security protocols and the mechanisms for handling disruptive behavior, ensuring that the dignity of the courtroom is preserved while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.

Why Courtroom Decorum Matters to Public Trust

Decorum in courts is not merely a ceremonial concern; it underpins the legitimacy of judicial decisions. When judges speak with measured restraint, they create an environment where arguments are weighed, evidence is scrutinized, and the public can trust in due process. Conversely, perception of chaos or hostility can erode confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality. The Khajuraho case, and the subsequent commentary from Katju and others, accentuates the ongoing conversation about best practices in courtroom communication.

Looking Forward: Balancing Accountability with Respect

As reforms and criticisms circulate, the judiciary faces the challenge of maintaining procedural rigor while remaining accessible to the public. The incident acts as a catalyst for a broader examination of how judges should interact with lawyers and petitioners, and how legal culture can cultivate constructive dialogue. In the years ahead, the emphasis on calm, deliberate questioning and clear decisions could help prevent similar disruptions, while preserving the essential freedoms of advocacy and conscience that underline the legal system.