Is There an Assault on the Constitution? Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi Address the CJI Gavai Incident

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Incident at Supreme Court: Attempt to attack CJI B.R. Gavai.
- Political Condemnation: Leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi denounce the act.
- Judicial Integrity: The attack is viewed as a threat to the Constitution.
- Immediate Actions: Advocate suspended for misconduct.
- Call for Unity: Leaders urge solidarity with the judiciary.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, has vehemently criticized the attempt to assault Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai within the Supreme Court premises, labeling it as an attack not only on an individual but also on the Constitution itself.
Sonia Gandhi expressed that no words could sufficiently denounce this incident.
“No words are adequate to condemn the attack on the Honourable Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court itself. It is an assault not just on him, but on our Constitution as well,” she stated.
“Chief Justice Gavai has shown remarkable grace, yet the nation must unite in solidarity with him, carrying a profound sense of anguish and outrage,” the statement continued.
Rahul Gandhi also referred to the incident as an “assault on the spirit of the Constitution.”
“The attack on the Chief Justice of India is an assault on the dignity of our judiciary and the spirit of our Constitution,” he posted on X.
He asserted that such hatred is unacceptable in India and should be condemned unequivocally.
Political leaders across the spectrum have denounced a lawyer’s attempt to hurl a shoe at the CJI Gavai-led Bench. Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted the perpetrator out of the courtroom.
As he was being removed, the lawyer was heard shouting slogans related to Sanatan Dharma. The incident allegedly stemmed from CJI Gavai’s comments regarding the Khajuraho Vishnu Idol Restoration case.
Following this, CJI Gavai reiterated the importance of respecting all religions and provided clarifications amid social media distortions.
“Someone informed me recently that my remarks have been depicted on social media in a certain light. I respect all religions,” CJI Gavai clarified on September 18.
In the meantime, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore effective immediately due to his conduct being inconsistent with its Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and the dignity of the court.
The BCI instructed the Delhi Bar Council to ensure immediate compliance with its interim order by updating its status on its rolls and informing all courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction.
In a similar fashion, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expressed “profound shock, outrage, and unequivocal condemnation” regarding the incident and indicated that it is considering appropriate disciplinary action against advocate Kishore, a temporary member.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) called upon the apex court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident and initiate suitable contempt proceedings.