Right-wing influencer Ajeet Bharti under online scrutiny after ‘shoe attack’ on Chief Justice Gavai  

National News: Ajeet Bharti, a right-wing YouTuber and social media influencer, is facing criticism online after a lawyer tried to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on October 7. The incident happened following the CJI’s comments during a petition related to a Hindu idol. Ajeet Bharti, a resident of Begusarai in Bihar, calls himself a media personality. In one of his recent YouTube videos, he and two guests allegedly used abusive language against CJI BR Gavai and encouraged people to attack him in the name of “Hindu pride.” After clips of the video went viral, Bharti posted another video on X and other platforms hours after the shoe incident, mocking the CJI and smiling about what had happened. He wrote, “Gavai is a lousy and undeserving judge, and he should face a contempt of court case.”

Ajeet Bharti’s remarks and police response

In his video, Bharti also made comments about the CJI’s Dalit-Ambedkarite background, saying, “I wanted to make a video about ‘shoes and the Chief Justice’ after seeing his shoes in a photo recently, but I couldn’t shoot it then. It seems the shoes were following him!” Soon after, there were rumours on social media that Ajeet Bharti had been arrested or questioned by police. However, Noida ADCP Sumit Shukla clarified to Hindustan Times that these reports were false. Bharti, who has nearly 5 lakh followers on X and more than 7 lakh subscribers on YouTube, has previously made headlines for controversial statements, including remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Lawyer defends shoe attack on CJI

Rakesh Kishore, the 71-year-old lawyer who tried to throw a shoe at the CJI while shouting “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan, nahi sahega Hindustan (India will not tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma),” defended his actions later. He said he was “deeply hurt” by the CJI’s comments during an earlier hearing on a religious issue. The Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore’s licence. Police released him after about three hours of questioning since neither the CJI nor the Supreme Court filed a complaint. “His shoe and documents were also returned,” an officer told HT.

Background of the case over Hindu idol

The case that angered Kishore and Bharti involved a petition seeking the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. On September 16, CJI Gavai dismissed the plea, saying it was an archaeological site and required ASI permission. He had remarked, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now.” After public outrage, mainly on social media, the CJI clarified in open court that he meant no disrespect. “I respect all religions… This happened on social media,” he said. Even after the shoe attack, which occurred just before noon, Justice Gavai remained calm and continued court proceedings once the lawyer was removed.

Political leaders condemn the incident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack in a post, saying he had spoken to the CJI. “There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciate the calm displayed by Justice Gavai,” PM Modi wrote. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi also spoke out, saying, “No words are enough to condemn the attack on the Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court. It is not just an attack on him but on our Constitution. The nation must stand united with him in solidarity.” Former law minister Kapil Sibal, however, questioned why the Prime Minister had taken so long to respond to the incident.