He also condemned those who glorify the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi

CJI B.R. Gavai Belongs to Dalit; Stark Reminder of Persistence of Caste and Manuvaadi: Siddaramaiah: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday strongly condemned the shocking attempt by a lawyer to throw a shoe at the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, in a blatant act of disrespect towards the judiciary. He demanded immediate legal action against the unruly lawyer, calling the act an insult not only to the Chief Justice but to the entire judicial system.                           

Siddaramaiah stated that CJI B.R. Gavai belongs to the Dalit community and called the incident a “stark reminder” that caste-based prejudice and Manuvaadi mindsets continue to persist even decades after the enactment of the Indian Constitution.

“Justice B.R. Gavai, belonging to the Dalit community, has risen to the highest echelons of the judiciary by overcoming entrenched social barriers through merit and perseverance. This incident is a stark reminder that caste-based prejudice and Manuvaadi mindsets continue to persist even 75 years after the enactment of the Indian Constitution,” Siddaramaiah said in a statement.

He assured Chief Justice Gavai that he is not alone and that crores of secular and democratic citizens stand firmly by his side. He appealed to everyone to “unequivocally” condemn this act.

“I wish to assure Hon’ble Chief Justice Gavai that he is not alone. Crores of secular and democratic citizens who uphold the values of the Constitution stand firmly by his side. The Chief Justice does not represent any religion or political party. From that perspective, I appeal to people across all castes, faiths, and political affiliations to unequivocally condemn this disgraceful act in one voice,” he said.

Siddaramaiah further stated that caste- and religion-based divisive politics have created the conditions for Manuvaadi attitudes to emerge and thrive.

“We must not overlook the fact that divisive politics based on caste and religion have created the conditions for Manuvaadi attitudes like that of Rakesh Kishore to emerge and thrive,” he said.

He also condemned those who glorify the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “Just as certain individuals attempt to glorify Nathuram Godse—a convicted assassin—as a nationalist icon, we are now witnessing similar elements celebrate the lawyer’s shameful act.”

“It is imperative that legal action is taken not only against the perpetrator but also against those who support or encourage such behavior,” he added.

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