Overview
- Gavai said his decision not to pursue action after the October 6 shoe-throwing attempt was taken in the moment, as he continued the hearing unperturbed.
- The Supreme Court termed the episode a clear case of contempt, the Bar Council of India suspended the lawyer’s licence, and Delhi Police released him after no complaint was filed.
- He rejected allegations of insulting Hindu sentiments linked to a Vishnu idol matter, describing social media claims as inaccurate and stressing respect for all faiths.
- Defending the collegium, he detailed consultations and candidate interactions, said opacity claims are unfounded, and argued relatives of judges are not disqualified though subject to higher scrutiny.
- Warning that judicial activism must not become “judicial terrorism,” he criticised punitive demolitions, noting court directions for High Court remedies and reconstruction where houses were unlawfully razed, and reiterated he will not take post-retirement government roles as CJI Surya Kant assumes the collegium’s lead.