Karnataka CM condemns shoe-throwing incident at CJI, flags persisting caste bias

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday strongly condemned the shocking incident in which a 71-year-old lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai during court proceedings.

In a statement on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah called the attack a “stark reminder that caste-based prejudice and Manuvaadi mindsets continue to persist,” even decades after India adopted its Constitution.

“I strongly condemn the incident in which a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice B R Gavai. Immediate legal action must be taken against the unruly lawyer who sought to insult both the Chief Justice and the judiciary,” the chief minister said.

Referring to Justice Gavai’s background, Siddaramaiah highlighted his journey from the Dalit community to the highest echelons of the judiciary, achieved through merit and perseverance. “This incident underscores that social barriers and prejudices still linger,” he added.

Expressing solidarity, the CM stressed that Justice Gavai is supported by “crores of secular and democratic citizens who uphold the values of the Constitution.” He appealed to people across all castes, faiths, and political affiliations to unequivocally condemn the act.

Siddaramaiah also linked the incident to broader societal trends, warning that “divisive politics based on caste and religion” have created conditions for extremist attitudes to thrive, drawing parallels with individuals who glorify Nathuram Godse.