New Delhi – In the wake of the shocking shoe-hurling incident that rocked India's Supreme Court on October 6, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has swiftly suspended the errant advocate with immediate effect, barring him from all legal practice nationwide, while the All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) Delhi chapter decried the act as a sinister "anarchy plot" masquerading as nationalism to undermine the judiciary's sanctity. The brazen assault on Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai, has ignited a firestorm of outrage across legal circles, prompting urgent calls for accountability to safeguard democratic institutions amid rising tensions.

AILAJ Delhi chapter has issued a scathing condemnation of the shocking incident, labeling it a "shameful" and "calculated attempt" to destabilize India's democratic institutions under the guise of nationalism.

In a strongly worded statement signed by President Mukesh, AILAJ Delhi described the act as a "disturbing decline in democratic awareness and civic responsibility," arguing that it not only disrespects the judiciary's dignity but also erodes public faith in the pillars of democracy. "This act is not an expression of dissent , it is an assault on the constitutional values that define our Republic," the statement read, emphasizing that such behavior threatens the progress made since independence and undermines the judiciary's role as the "ultimate protector of justice and rule of law."

The incident occurred amid a routine hearing in the Supreme Court, where the unidentified advocate, reportedly frustrated over a procedural ruling, impulsively threw a shoe towards the bench presided over by CJI Justice BR Gavai and his companion judges. Courtroom footage, which quickly went viral on social media, captured the moment of chaos as security rushed in, restraining the advocate and clearing the premises. No injuries were reported, but the episode has ignited fierce debates on courtroom decorum and the rising tide of aggressive posturing within the legal fraternity.

AILAJ Delhi's statement further raised alarms about "certain forces" masquerading as nationalists who are allegedly working to "weaken the nation’s institutional framework and promote anarchy and unrest." It portrayed the shoe-throwing as a deliberate ploy to "destabilize public order and discredit the institutions that hold this democracy together," urging citizens to reject such "divisive acts" and reaffirm faith in constitutional channels for expression and redress. "True nationalism lies in protecting our institutions, not in desecrating them," the association asserted, calling for widespread respect for the judiciary.

This comes on the heels of a similar unanimous resolution from the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCOARA) earlier today, which also decried the "cowardly and disrespectful act" and pushed for suo motu contempt proceedings by the apex court. Legal observers note that CJI Gavai, who took office earlier this year, has been at the forefront of efforts to reinforce judicial independence amid growing political pressures.

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) too, unanimously condemned the “reprehensible act”. Calling the conduct “utterly unbecoming of an officer of the court,” the SCBA said it strikes at the foundation of mutual respect between the Bench and Bar.

Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended the errant advocate with immediate effect, barring him from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority across India, as announced by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The order initiates disciplinary proceedings under the Advocates Act, 1961, and issues a show-cause notice requiring the advocate to explain within 15 days why the suspension should not continue or further penalties imposed; the Bar Council of Delhi must ensure compliance by updating his status on its rolls and notifying all relevant courts and tribunals, while the Supreme Court Registry, High Courts, and District Courts are directed to circulate the order to filing counters and bar associations, rendering any advocate identity cards, passes, or permissions inoperative.

The suspension, described as interim and without prejudice to other legal actions, mandates service via the Bar Council of Delhi to the advocate's enrolled address and email, with a compliance report due to BCI within two days, and requires the advocate to file a physical affidavit of compliance at both BCI and Delhi Bar Council offices within 48 hours, alongside a notarized scanned copy emailed to bciinfo21@gmail.com, affirming no appearances during the suspension period.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge too, issued a condemnation statement. In a post Kharge wrote, " An attempt to attack the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court today is unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent. It is an attack on the dignity of our Judiciary and the rule of law. When a sitting Chief Justice who rose to the nation’s highest judicial office through merit, integrity, and perseverance — is targeted in such a manner, it sends a deeply disturbing message. It reflects an attempt to intimidate and humiliate a man who has broken social barriers to uphold the Constitution. Such mindless act shows how hate, fanaticism and bigotry has engulfed our society in the past decade. On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. The safety and security of our Judiciary is paramount. Let justice and reason prevail, not intimidation."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin lauded the manner CJI responded to the incident. He stated, " The manner in which the Hon'ble CJI responded with grace, calm and magnanimity shows the strength of the institution, but that cannot make us take the incident lightly. The reason revealed by the attacker for his act shows how deeply the oppressive and hierarchical mindset still lingers in our society. We must nurture a culture that respects and protects our institutions and demonstrates maturity in our conduct."