From Rage to Reflection: Learning from a Courtroom Incident
CJI B. R. Gavai (Left) & The Lawyer Rakesh Kishore (Right)
I was shocked when I heard that a Supreme Court lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, actually hurled his shoe at CJI (Chief Justice of India) B. R. Gavai in the Supreme Court, shouting slogans about Sanatan Dharma. And the reason he gave — “God made me do it” — was just as unsettling as the act itself.
From what I’ve read, the lawyer believed that some remarks made by the CJI last month about a monument of Lord Vishnu were disrespectful to Hinduism, though it seems those statements were misrepresented or taken out of context, and were clarified by the CJI himself later on to mean no disrespect to any religion and that he is a secularist.
What makes it even more troubling is that the lawyer appeared to focus not just on religion but also on the CJI’s Dalit background, using it as a reason to justify his actions. It really shows how easily caste and religion can be twisted in people’s minds, turning misunderstandings into anger — and in this case, even violence.
What’s even more disturbing is that Kishore reportedly showed no remorse or regret, defending his act like it was some kind of divine mission. That’s what makes this more than just a single outburst — it’s part of a worrying trend where religious sentiment and rage seem to replace reasoned discussion. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a public figure has faced such contempt — politicians, judges, journalists — each incident deepening divisions.
The bigger question isn’t just about one person’s misconduct. I can’t help but wonder: what fuels this kind of anger? Have caste and religion become tools to manipulate public opinion? Are leaders and influencers subtly encouraging outrage, turning every debate into us versus them?
We often see politicians exploiting identity lines — caste, religion, region — for quick political gains, forgetting how much it harms the fabric of our democracy. And let’s be honest: a shoe thrown in a courtroom isn’t just disrespecting a judge; it’s disrespecting the very idea of civility.
When faith turns into fury, and ideology overshadows empathy, society loses its moral compass. The judiciary, the media, and all of us have a role to play in resisting this slide into intolerance. The courtroom has to stay a place for justice, not a stage for rage.
I also feel like this incident should make all of us pause and reflect on where we are heading as a society. People seem to get angry faster than they try to understand. Instead of talking things through, we argue; instead of listening, we shout. And every issue — whether it’s religion, caste, politics, or even movies — somehow becomes a reason for division and outrage.
On top of that, there’s this hunger for sensationalism — the desire to grab instant attention or fame overnight, even through reckless acts. When someone acts out like this and gets headlines or viral attention, it just encourages others to chase the same fleeting spotlight.
It’s scary to think that as a society, we might be forgetting the value of patience, reflection, and respectful dialogue — the things that really hold a democracy together. Anger and publicity can’t replace respect, responsibility, and basic decency. And until we recognize that, incidents like this will keep happening.
- Ashok's Musings
