Shoes Thrown at Ahmedabad Judge After Decades-Old Assault Case Verdict, Incident Sparks Calls for Enhanced Court Security

A dramatic scene unfolded in the City Civil and Sessions Court of Ahmedabad on Tuesday as an agitated complainant hurled both his shoes at Additional Principal Judge M.P. Purohit. The incident came immediately after the judge upheld the acquittal of four accused in a 1997 assault case, mirroring a similar shoe-throwing episode at the Supreme Court just days earlier.​

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred soon after noon in the Bhadra court complex. The complainant, angered by the dismissal of his appeal challenging earlier acquittals, began shouting and abusing the judge as courtroom staff and lawyers tried to intervene. In a fit of rage, he removed his shoes and flung them towards the judge’s bench in quick succession. The judge was unharmed and, demonstrating remarkable restraint, refused to lodge any formal complaint against the man. Police detained him briefly but released him on the judge’s instructions, with no charges being filed.​

The 1997 Assault Case

The original case dates back nearly three decades to an altercation in the Gomtipur area, when the complainant’s father was allegedly attacked after a cricket scuffle while buying vegetables. Four individuals were charged but acquitted by a metropolitan court in 2017. The complainant appealed to the sessions court, which maintained the acquittals and led to Tuesday’s outburst.​

Aftermath and Security Demands

The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and renewed calls for robust security arrangements in court complexes. The Gujarat Judicial Service Association, following similar attacks on judges and notably on Chief Justice of India BR Gavai last week, issued a statement demanding immediate and stringent security upgrades for judicial officers, court staff, and premises. The association stressed that such acts undermine the independence and dignity of the judiciary, which must function free of fear and intimidation.​

No Action Against the Attacker

Despite the drama and concern, Judge Purohit declined to press charges against the complainant, instructing police not to initiate any proceedings. Nevertheless, legal experts and judicial associations insist the incident be treated as a warning and a call to reinforce the safety of judges and staff across India.​

The episode highlights both the vulnerabilities in court security and the admirable restraint shown by judicial officers, as the Indian judiciary faces increasing public frustrations and occasional outbursts in high-stakes cases.