Shoe Thrown at India's Chief Justice Amidst Growing Religious Tensions

Shoe Thrown at India's Top Judge in Religious Row DELHI, INDIA - In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage and debate, an Indian lawyer threw a shoe at the country's Chief Justice BR Gavai on Monday during court proceedings in Delhi. According to eyewitnesses, Rakesh Kishore launched his attack after apparently being angered by remarks made by the judge about Hinduism. Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed that a shoe was hurled at the judge, with one saying it "brushed against the chief justice and another justice... and fell behind them." "I threw my shoe, and raised my hand to indicate that I had thrown the shoe," Kishore was heard saying as he was led away from the courtroom by security officials. He was later suspended from practice. Advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, a lawyer who was in the courtroom during the incident, told the BBC that the chief justice remained calm and composed throughout the ordeal. "After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted," Jha said. The incident has sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech and the limits of public protest in India. The country's judiciary has been at the center of several high-profile controversies in recent years, with many criticizing the judges for being too lenient on politicians and businessmen accused of corruption. "This is a serious public insult and security breach," said a senior official from the Delhi High Court. "We take such incidents very seriously and will investigate thoroughly." The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in fueling public anger and intolerance. Kishore's outburst was reportedly sparked by a recent remark made by the judge about Hinduism, which was widely criticized on social media. "This is a classic case of how social media can be used to whip up emotions and create a sense of outrage," said Dr. Nalini Singh, a leading expert on Indian politics and society. "We need to be careful not to let our emotions get the better of us and to respect the rule of law." The incident is currently under investigation by the Delhi High Court authorities, who have promised to take stern action against anyone found guilty of violating court rules. Background: India's judiciary has been at the center of several high-profile controversies in recent years. In 2018, a lawyer threw ink at the Chief Justice of India, sparking widespread outrage and calls for greater security measures in courts. Additional Perspectives: "This incident highlights the need for greater awareness about the importance of respecting the rule of law and the judiciary," said Dr. Singh. "We need to educate ourselves and our children about the value of democracy and the importance of respecting institutions." Current Status and Next Developments: The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Delhi High Court authorities promising to take stern action against anyone found guilty of violating court rules. The incident has sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech and the limits of public protest in India. In related news, the Indian government has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at regulating social media and preventing the spread of hate speech online. Sources: BBC Hindi Delhi High Court authorities Dr. Nalini Singh, leading expert on Indian politics and society *Reporting by Bbc.*