SDPI Stands with the Judiciary Against Hate

Mohammad Shafi, National Vice President of the Social Democratic Party of India, strongly condemns the brazen shoe-throwing attack on Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai by advocate Rakesh Kishore during Supreme Court proceedings today. This reprehensible act is not an isolated outburst but a calculated assault orchestrated by right-wing elements intent on undermining the independence of our judiciary and eroding the secular fabric of our democracy.

The incident stems from the CJI’s principled dismissal of a frivolous PIL seeking restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, where he rightly emphasized the Archaeological Survey of India’s jurisdiction and urged reliance on legal processes over sensationalism. His light-hearted remark, later clarified with utmost respect for all religions, was twisted by right-wing propagandists to incite hatred and portray the judiciary as “anti-Hindu.” Outlets like OpIndia and activists amplifying “Hindu outrage” have fueled this narrative, normalizing violence against judicial officers who uphold constitutional secularism. Such tactics mirror a broader pattern of right-wing aggression, seen in attacks on minorities, dissenters, and institutions that resist majoritarian politics.

This attack threatens the rule of law, a cornerstone of India’s Constitution. By targeting the CJI—who enjoys Z+ security yet remains vulnerable in the sanctity of the courtroom—right-wing forces aim to intimidate the judiciary into subservience, paving the way for religious polarization ahead of elections. It echoes historical assaults on democratic pillars, from the Emergency era to recent mob violence against judges in states like Karnataka.

The SDPI demands immediate and stringent action: a thorough probe into any organized conspiracy, exemplary punishment for the perpetrator, and enhanced safeguards for judicial independence. We urge all secular forces to unite against this fascist drift. Let us protect our judiciary as the guardian of justice for all, irrespective of faith.