An Indian lawyer has thrown a shoe at the country's Chief Justice BR Gavai after apparently being angered by remarks the judge made about Hinduism.
Rakesh Kishore launched his attack during Monday's court proceedings in Delhi in what is perceived across India as a serious public insult and a security breach.
Three lawyers present in the courtroom confirmed to the BBC that a shoe was hurled at the judge, with one noting that it brushed against the chief justice and another justice... and fell behind them.
Mr Kishore was reportedly heard saying India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism] as he was escorted away by security officials. He was later suspended from practice.
Advocate Ravi Jha, a lawyer who witnessed the incident, elaborated, Mr Kishore threw his shoe and raised his hand to show he had done it. After being apprehended, the Chief Justice asked the lawyers to proceed with their arguments without getting distracted, maintaining his composure throughout the incident, as stated by another lawyer, Anas Tanwir.
The chief justice has not issued any public comments regarding this event. Indian authorities confirmed that no charges would be brought against Mr Kishore, although it is unclear which specific remarks incited his anger.
Some reports suggest that it might be linked to a recent court petition rejected by a bench led by the Chief Justice, in which he made statements regarding the Hindu god Vishnu. In dismissing a plea to rebuild a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu in Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Justice referred to the case as purely publicity interest litigation, and suggested petitioners should ask the deity to intervene.
These remarks have sparked controversy, with accusations of mockery against Hindu beliefs. However, Justice Gavai later noted that he respects all religions, as reported by the Press Trust of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shoe throw, stating that it was utterly condemnable and that it angered every Indian. He emphasized that such reprehensible acts have no place in society.
Throwing a shoe at someone is widely seen as an act of great disrespect in India and many other parts of the world. Earlier this year, a shoe was thrown at Kenyan President William Ruto, and in 2008, an Iraqi journalist famously hurled a shoe at ex-US President George W. Bush in protest over the Iraq invasion.
