CJI Gavai to stay focused after Supreme Court shoe attack

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B.R. Gavai has responded calmly and firmly after an unusual incident in the Supreme Court on Monday, where a shoe was allegedly thrown in his direction during proceedings. The incident, which stunned those present in the courtroom, did not stop him from continuing his work.

Justice Gavai, known for his composed manner, told media and court officials afterwards, “I am not distracted.” His brief remark made it clear that he views this as a minor interruption rather than a challenge to his authority or responsibilities. The courtroom resumed its business soon after the disturbance, with security personnel handling the matter.

What Happened Inside the Courtroom

Witnesses said the shoe was thrown by a man who appeared agitated about his legal matter. The person was quickly restrained by court security officers. Initial reports suggest that he may have been frustrated with a pending case, but full details about his motives are yet to emerge.

Shoe-throwing incidents have a long history in politics and public life worldwide — often used to express protest or anger — but they are rare in India’s top court. Security staff moved swiftly to ensure no one was hurt, and the situation was brought under control in minutes.

CJI Gavai’s Calm Response

Justice Gavai’s reaction drew attention for its calmness. Rather than expressing anger or calling for harsh punishment immediately, he indicated that such acts would not interfere with the functioning of the judiciary. Legal experts noted that his remarks reinforced a key principle: courts must remain focused on justice, regardless of external distractions.

“It is important to keep the dignity of the institution intact,” one retired judge commented. “By saying he was not distracted, Justice Gavai reminded everyone that the judiciary works for justice without being swayed by emotion or provocation.”

Bigger Picture – Judicial Dignity and Public Trust

While the act itself may seem small, legal observers say it raises larger questions about respect for judicial institutions. Courts rely on public trust to operate effectively, and any act of aggression within the courtroom challenges that trust.

India’s judiciary often handles sensitive and emotional cases, from family disputes to high-profile political matters. That sometimes leads to frustration among litigants, especially if they feel they have waited a long time for a result. However, legal experts stress that there are proper channels for expressing dissatisfaction, and physical or symbolic attacks undermine the justice process. Judicial security has become an important talking point in recent years. Though such incidents remain rare, calls for keeping courtrooms safe have grown louder, especially in cases involving emotionally charged matters.

Public Reaction

News of the shoe attack spread quickly on social media, where reactions were mixed. Some praised Justice Gavai’s refusal to be distracted as a sign of strength. Others debated whether tighter courtroom security is needed.

A few voices on social media expressed sympathy towards the man who threw the shoe, citing frustration with delays in the judicial system. However, many users opposed such acts, arguing that attacking or disrupting legal proceedings can never solve underlying problems.

Staying Focused in the Face of Disruption

The incident with Justice Gavai is a reminder that leadership often involves staying calm in the face of provocation. In courts, every moment of disruption can delay justice for many people waiting for verdicts. A neutral, composed approach helps maintain the environment needed for fair hearings.

In broader terms, the judiciary’s strength lies in its ability to withstand pressure — whether political, emotional, or physical. By quickly returning to work, Justice Gavai sent a subtle but clear message: the rule of law must keep moving forward.

With inputs from agencies

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