'Shocked CJI Let Me Go- A Favor or What?': 71-Year-Old Lawyer Reveals What Led Him to Hurl Shoe at Gavai

New Delhi- In an emotional but unrepentant media interaction a day after his shocking act of hurling a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai in the Supreme Court, 71-year-old advocate Dr. Rakesh Kishore revealed a deep-seated anguish over perceived biases in judicial handling of Sanatan Dharma-related cases, claiming a "divine power" compelled him to act amid national unrest.

The gold medalist with an MSc, PhD, and LLB, who is also a heart patient requiring valve replacement, expressed no remorse, attributing the incident to sleepless nights since September 16 and a higher calling that the "country is burning" while he slumbered. Kishore, who faces immediate suspension from the Bar Council of India (BCI), detailed his grievances against the judiciary's "mockery" of Hindu issues contrasted with leniency toward other communities, vowing to challenge the "Tughlaq-like" suspension order.

Kishore, speaking candidly to ANI, began by addressing his insomnia: "Since September 16, I haven't been able to sleep. A divine power would wake me up and say, 'What are you doing? You're sleeping while the country is burning.'" As a heart patient with a fully damaged valve and ongoing treatment at Apollo Hospital for the past seven to eight years, he prepared meticulously for the court visit. "I took medicines for two days because I knew police involvement would cause delays," he said, adding with surprise, "I'm amazed the Chief Justice let me go. I consider it a favor-what should I call it?"

The advocate clarified he had no scheduled matter in court on October 6 but went with premeditation driven by inner turmoil. "It wasn't my matter, but I had planned it because of the sleeplessness and that divine voice urging me that the country is on fire," he explained. Post-incident, he was questioned for three to four hours at the DCP and ACP offices, where officers offered him tea, biscuits, lunch, and water. "I thank them profusely for their kindness," Kishore noted.

At the heart of his outburst was profound hurt over the Supreme Court's treatment of Sanatan Dharma matters, particularly a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on September 16 before CJI Gavai's bench. "A person filed a PIL, and Gavai Sahab completely mocked it first- saying, 'Go pray to the idol and tell it to restore its head itself.' He even suggested meditating before the same idol," Kishore recounted, emphasizing that relief could be denied but not with ridicule. The bench dismissed the writ petition, which he deemed unjust.

Kishore drew stark contrasts with the court's approach to cases involving other communities: "When cases against other religions come up, you all know who they are, they issue big stays. For example, in Haldwani, a particular community encroached on railway land. When eviction attempts were made, the Supreme Court imposed a stay three years ago that's still in place." He cited the Nupur Sharma case, where the court allegedly blamed her for "spoiling the atmosphere" and imposed restrictions. "That's fine, but when it comes to Sanatan Dharma, be it Jallikattu, Dahi Handi height limits, or any minor issue, they always pass such orders," he lamented. "I'm deeply saddened; they shouldn't do this."

Hailing from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, where he studied BSc at Bareilly College and still owns property- Kishore questioned the judiciary's blanket bans on bulldozer actions against illegal encroachments. "Tell me, against whom are these bulldozers running in Bareilly? They've built palaces, hotels, and marriage lawns on government property. Yogi Ji's actions are wrong? They've occupied illegal lands, and you keep imposing stays," he challenged, referencing the Haldwani railway line encroachments he personally witnessed: "I've been to Haldwani; those jhuggi-jhopdis on both sides of the tracks, why the stay for three years on illegal property? Decide the case first: If it's theirs, return it. But don't impose a blanket ban."

Kishore, a self-proclaimed pacifist with no prior cases or group affiliations, insisted the act was a reaction, not premeditated violence. "I'm strongly against violence, but consider: An honest, non-violent man with no cases, why did this have to happen to him? The whole country should reflect on this," he urged. "I'm not drunk or on pills; I didn't do anything under influence. They took action; this was my reaction. Take it as you will-I'm not fearful, nor do I regret what happened."

On the rising voices against Sanatan Dharma, he attributed it to historical tolerance: "For thousands of years, we've been slaves. Small invaders ruled us because we were too tolerant and we still are. But when our existence is at stake, no Sanatani should stay silent. Do what you can at your level, I'm not inciting, but protect your interests." He invoked partition fears: "In 1947, we were one nation out of seven princely states; now there are 57. We gave away half to Pakistan; now the other half is dividing. What will be left for us? Where will we run?"

Addressing his BCI suspension, effective immediately and barring practice nationwide, Kishore brandished the hard copy order received on October 6, signed by Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. "The Bar Council can't act without a complaint, this is suo motu," he protested. Citing Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, he accused a violation of natural justice principles: "No notice, no disciplinary committee formed, just one person issued the order suspending me. My pending cases require returning fees to clients. This morning, one gentleman came, took his files, I had a big bag of them, and said he couldn't return the money yet; I'll give it later because I can't cheat anyone." He decried it as a "Tughlaq firman" and vowed to respond.

Dismissing opposition leaders' claims framing the incident as an attack on a "Dalit judge," Kishore retorted: "My name is Dr. Rakesh Kishore. Can anyone tell my caste? I might be Dalit too, but that's one-sided propaganda. First, we are Sanatani, Hindu. Hindus were Dalit, then they adopted Buddhism, but even then, are they out of Hinduism? It's a mentality. These so-called Dalits want to topple this government and enslave the country again, let them play their politics. I'm no Dalit in that sense."

He warned of potential copycat incidents boosting morale: "Such events could increase, but judges must heighten sensitivity. Lakhs of crores of cases are pending, why?" Illustrating judicial delays, he shared a friend's 2002 motor vehicle accident case still unresolved in Kadk Duma court: "The victim admitted wrong-side riding without helmet or license; no wheel scratches on the vehicles. Yet, four years on, the poor doctor defendant begs at every hearing. Processes are designed to prolong cases endlessly, what can anyone do?"

In closing, Kishore reaffirmed zero regret: "No sorry from me, no remorse. I didn't do anything, God made me do it; I was just a witness. If His will is jail, hanging, or death, so be it. At 72, how long can I endure such events? Let God's will prevail."

The incident, which unfolded during a routine hearing has sparked nationwide debate on judicial decorum, with SCOARA and AILAJ Delhi condemning it while urging suo motu contempt. BCI's suspension mandates compliance affidavits within 48 hours, amid calls for deeper probes into rising courtroom tensions.