A day after attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai in the Supreme Court, 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore defended his actions, saying he was “deeply hurt” by remarks the CJI made during a hearing.

Kishore claimed he was reacting to a comment by Justice Gavai, who had told a petitioner in a religious plea to “go pray to the idol” after they sought reconstruction of a Vishnu idol at Khajuraho. Kishore said that such remarks “mocked” the public interest litigation and insulted Sanatan Dharma.

He also referenced a recent lecture delivered by CJI Gavai in Mauritius, where the justice reiterated that India’s legal system must follow the rule of law instead of “bulldozer justice.” Kishore challenged the CJI, asking why such principles weren’t applied consistently.

Meanwhile, Bar Council of India acted swiftly, suspending Kishore’s license immediately and initiating disciplinary proceedings.

In court proceedings, Kishore had approached the bench, removed his shoe, and attempted the throw, but was restrained by security before damage could occur.