Attack on CJI part of conspiracy to intimidate Dalits, weaken judiciary: Kejriwal

New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI) AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that the attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, and the subsequent wave of threats and vilification on social media, was a deliberate conspiracy to intimidate the Dalit community and weaken the judiciary.

Calling the episode a "grave assault on the dignity of the judiciary and the Constitution itself", the former Delhi chief minister condemned the attack and the hate campaign targeting the CJI. He said it was "no coincidence that those behind the attack face no action." The AAP Chief warned that when even a Dalit CJI is denied justice, ordinary Dalits lose faith in the system.

"After this incident, every judge will hesitate to speak against these forces, fearing similar attacks. I appeal to every true patriot — rise and raise your voice to defend justice," he said.

In a video message on X, Kejriwal said that the incident of a lawyer attempting to hurl a shoe at Gavai has shaken the entire nation.

The AAP chief expressed grave concern that despite such open threats and humiliation, no action was taken against the attacker or those spreading hatred and intimidation.

"It seemed as if this entire sequence of events was part of a systematic and well-planned conspiracy," he remarked.

He warned that the episode carried a dangerous message for both society and the judiciary. "Through this incident, these people have tried to send a harsh message to two sections: one, the Dalit community, and two, the judiciary. Justice Gavai comes from the Dalit community. These people cannot tolerate that someone from a Dalit background, through sheer hard work and dedication, has risen to the top position in the judiciary," Kejriwal said.

"Isn't this behaviour an attempt to intimidate and humiliate the Dalit community? After such an incident, how will an ordinary Dalit expect justice?" he asked.

Kejriwal expressed concern that such acts would embolden those who oppress and hate Dalits. He demanded that the accused be punished so severely that no one in the future dares to play with the dignity of the judiciary.

"After the Election Commission, the media, and the Opposition, now they want to silence the judiciary — to crush the voice of the courts and destroy democracy completely," he charged.

He underlined that judicial independence is central to the nation's very existence. "The independence of the judiciary is essential for the survival of our country. The insult of the judiciary is the insult of the Constitution, and the insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar," he said.

He issued a call to all citizens: "If you are a true patriot, you cannot remain silent. Speak up, rise, and raise your voice for the protection of justice. Like me, your blood must also be boiling today." A 71-year-old lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai in his courtroom in the Supreme Court on Monday, an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation.

According to sources, the lawyer was unhappy over the CJI's remarks during a hearing last month concerning the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. PTI SLB SLB MPL MPL