Bengaluru, 8 October 2025
Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has issued a clarification and apology following criticism for his earlier remarks on the advocate who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai. Rao, who had initially described advocate Rakesh Kishore’s act as “brave and worth appreciation,” said his statement was misunderstood.
In a tweet posted today afternoon on his personal X account, Rao said, “My reaction was one of aghast and shock that a person, despite being highly educated, aged and experienced, undertook such an action knowing fully the consequences of a terribly and legally wrong act. I have not insulted the Supreme Court, nor the Chief Justice, nor any community. If my tweet has angered or hurt you, I am sorry.” The clarification comes amid a flurry of criticism from political circles, including the Congress, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding public remarks on judiciary members. Rao’s statement underscores the delicate balance political figures must maintain while commenting on incidents involving the judiciary.
Meanwhile, incidents of public outrage against judicial pronouncements continue, with RSS ideologue T.G. Mohandas recently urging people to “spit in the face of CJI B.R. Gavai and stop his car,” following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a plea on the restoration of a damaged idol at Khajuraho temple, Madhya Pradesh.
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