Ex-Bengaluru Police Chief Faces Backlash for Praising Lawyer Who Targeted CJI

Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly expressing admiration for advocate Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai during court proceedings on Monday. The incident, described as a shocking breach of courtroom decorum, has drawn widespread attention, with Rao’s comments adding fuel to an already heated debate.

Rao, a retired IPS officer, took to X on Tuesday to share his thoughts, writing, “Even if it is legally & terribly wrong, I admire your courage, at your age, to take a stand and live by it, irrespective of consequences.” The post quickly went viral, triggering a barrage of criticism from X users who condemned Rao’s stance as inappropriate and reckless. One user, Nitin Seshadri, expressed dismay, comparing Rao’s language to defenses historically used for figures like Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte, the men convicted in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Another user went further, tagging Bengaluru City Police and urging, “@BlrCityPolice, you need to act upon this tweet!”

The backlash prompted Rao to issue an apology on Wednesday. In a follow-up post on X, he clarified, “My reaction was one of aghast and shock that a person, despite being so highly educated, aged and experienced, would commit such an action knowing fully the consequences of a terribly and legally wrong act. I have not insulted the Supreme Court, nor Chief Justice or any Community. If my tweet has angered or hurt, I am sorry.” Despite the apology, the controversy has continued to simmer, with many questioning Rao’s judgment as a former law enforcement official.

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The incident itself unfolded in the Supreme Court during a session presided over by a bench comprising CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. According to eyewitnesses, the elderly lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, allegedly attempted to throw a shoe toward the CJI while the bench was hearing the mentioning of cases. The act was widely condemned as a gross violation of courtroom protocol. However, CJI Gavai remained remarkably composed, addressing the lawyers in the courtroom with calm authority: “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.” He then proceeded with the day’s proceedings, demonstrating resilience in the face of disruption.

Rao, who unsuccessfully contested the Karnataka Assembly election from Chamarajpet against Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, has long been a polarizing figure. His tenure as Bengaluru Police Commissioner was marked by both praise for his strict enforcement policies and criticism for his handling of certain high-profile cases. His decision to weigh in on this incident has only deepened the divide in public opinion about his legacy.

The episode has sparked broader discussions about courtroom decorum, the responsibilities of public figures, and the boundaries of free expression. Legal experts have pointed out that such acts of disrespect toward the judiciary undermine the rule of law, while others have debated whether Rao’s comments inadvertently glorify reckless behavior. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken against either Kishore for his courtroom antics or Rao for his provocative remarks.

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