A HURLED SHOE TAKES HATE TO HALLS OF JUSTICE

The attempted attack on the chief justice of India exposed not just anger, but the deep caste and ideological divides festering in society — exemplified by the open celebration of the incident by a section of the right wing

- BY NIDHI RAZDAN | Special to Gulf News

An attempted attack on the chief justice of India in his courtroom days earlier is not some random, isolated act of violence. It has exposed the deep fault lines in Indian society, shown the impunity that is enjoyed by those who subscribe to the right-wing ideology and deep seated caste prejudices in our social fabric that have torn apart the social fabric.

A 71-year-old lawyer threw a shoe towards Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, who is a Dalit. The lawyer says he was angry about an earlier comment the chief justice had made towards the Hindu deity Vishnu during a court hearing. Online trolls had been outraged, describing the comments as “anti Hindu”.

Lenient judge, unrepentant lawyer

Chief Justice Gavai had since clarified that he did not mean to hurt any sentiments but clearly that was not enough to satisfy the online mob. After the shoe was hurled at him, the chief justice appeared unfazed and insisted the proceedings continue. Reports say he told the police not to press charges.