Mumbai: Against the undesirable attack on Supreme Court Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, the All India Lawyers Union (AILU) and lawyers of Mumbai's Andheri Court held an enthusiastic protest at the CJM Court Complex on Thursday, October 9. This demonstration emerged as a great voice for the protection of the independence and dignity of the judiciary.
More than 30 lawyers participated in this protest, strongly condemning this shameful incident in their powerful speeches. They appealed for unity to maintain the sanctity of the judiciary and protect it from all kinds of ideological attacks. Terming the incident as a 'planned attack on the judiciary', AILU said that this is not merely the temporary madness of an individual, but a deliberate attempt by RSS-inspired right-wing elements to weaken the secular spirit of the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary.
The Shameful Incident of October 6:
On October 6, as soon as the hearing of the constitutional bench started in Court Room No. 1 of the Supreme Court, 71-year-old senior advocate Rakesh Kishor threw a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and shouted slogans loudly saying, 'India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan.' Fortunately, the shoe did not reach its target. Showing his brilliant tolerance, Chief Justice Gavai said, 'I am not affected by such acts, please continue the proceedings.' His patience and composure further elevated the judicial dignity, and the proceedings continued as usual.
Security personnel immediately took Rakesh Kishor into custody, but on the direction of the Chief Justice, immediate punitive action against him was avoided. However, the Bar Council of India suspended his license to practice law due to a serious violation of professional ethics.
Allegation of Prejudice against Dalit Chief Justice:
AILU clarified that Chief Justice Gavai is being targeted because of his Dalit background. According to the organization, the mention of Hindu deity Vishnu by the Chief Justice in a legal context during a recent hearing was misrepresented by 'Hindutva forces' and presented as an 'insult to Sanatan Dharma'. This act is not only a personal attack against the Chief Justice but also a serious blow to the democratic and secular values of the country. The organization described it as a 'Nathuram Godse-like mindset', which is once again trying to weaken the judiciary and the basic structure of the Constitution.
Demands and Resolve of AILU:
AILU has demanded an immediate, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into this shameful incident, so that not only the individual involved but also any conspiratorial force operating behind him can be brought to justice. The organization has appealed to lawyers and civil society across the country to unite and protest, hold rallies, and demand systemic reforms for the protection of the independence of the judiciary.
Peaceful rallies and online campaigns will be started soon in Maharashtra. Apart from this, AILU will file petitions in the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions, demanding strict punishments against such acts and reforms for judicial protection.
Sanctity of the Judiciary and Our Pledge:
This incident is not merely an attack on a person or an institution, but an attack on the constitutional and secular structure of India. This voice of lawyers, raised from the courts of Mumbai, is a great message that the independence and dignity of the judiciary will be maintained at all costs. This protest is not only an expression of solidarity with Chief Justice Gavai but also a pledge for every person who believes in justice, equality, and secularism.
References:
The Hindu, India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, X Post
