Bengaluru, Oct 8 (NationPress) In response to the incident where a lawyer hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed his strong disapproval, labeling the act as deeply condemnable and asserting that throwing a slipper at judges under the guise of religion is simply unacceptable.

While addressing the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru, Kharge stated, “We vehemently condemn the actions of an individual, who claims to be a lawyer, throwing a shoe at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the name of religion. This act has been denounced by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Although somewhat delayed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condemnation.”

He continued, “It is disheartening that even after 78 years of independence, there are individuals who let religious sentiments guide such disgraceful actions. The government must enforce strict measures against such individuals. It is equally unfortunate that neither the government nor the legal community has vocally condemned this act,” Kharge insisted.

Kharge raised a pertinent question, “If a slipper can be thrown at the Chief Justice, what will happen to ordinary citizens? Legal actions must be taken against those who show disrespect towards the judicial system,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has penned a letter to Prime Minister Modi, urging a judicial inquiry and prompt action regarding a blatant casteist attack made in the name of ‘Sanatana’ against the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.

Ramesh Babu, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and Chairman of KPCC Media & Communication Department, wrote to Prime Minister Modi, expressing grave concern over the recent derogatory remarks made by a self-styled 'Sanatani' advocate targeting the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court.

“Such an attack, under the pretext of 'Sanatana Dharma', transcends a personal outburst; it is a direct affront to the independence of the judiciary, which is the cornerstone of our Constitutional democracy,” he stated.

“It is profoundly disappointing that, as the Prime Minister of India, you have opted to merely issue statements of condemnation instead of taking decisive action. The Prime Minister, as the leader of the government, cannot distance himself from responsibility through verbal distancing. The credibility of our institutions rests on concrete action, not just words,” he further urged.

“Therefore, I respectfully request you to: Initiate a Judicial Inquiry led by a sitting or retired Supreme Court Judge to scrutinize the motives, connections, and intentions behind the attack on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court,” Ramesh Babu insisted.

He also urged for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi Police to take prompt action to arrest and prosecute the said 'Sanatani' advocate under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with the Contempt of Courts Act.

In a display of solidarity against the assault on Supreme Court Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, lawyers organized a silent protest outside the State High Court, demanding the immediate arrest of lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who perpetrated the attack. The protesters emphasized that this incident represents a significant affront aimed at undermining the independence of the judiciary and insisted on a thorough investigation into the matter.