Users have termed this meeting an insult to the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many users also recalled that historic statement by Babasaheb in which he had issued a warning regarding a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ (Hindu Nation).
New Delhi—A recent meeting between former Supreme Court Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Dhirendra Shastri, the head priest (Peethadhishwar) of Bageshwar Dham, has sparked a storm on social media. Following this meeting, outrage has erupted across the spectrum—from the Bahujan community to constitutionalists. On social media, users are condemning the former CJI for meeting with a staunch Hindu spiritual guru, despite being a Buddhist and an Ambedkarite himself. Many are also recalling Gavai’s infamous ‘shoe incident,’ when a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at the former CJI right inside the courtroom.
Recently, photographs of the meeting between former Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Bageshwar Dham’s head priest, Dhirendra Shastri, went viral on social media. Dhirendra Shastri—popularly known as ‘Bageshwar Baba’—has openly advocated for the establishment of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and championed the *Manusmriti*. Consequently, when an individual who once held the country’s highest constitutional office went to meet him, it triggered widespread outrage within the Bahujan community. Public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan posted on his X account: “I can’t believe my eyes! Former CJI Gavai with a hate-mongering charlatan! What kind of message is he sending to the judiciary? Shocking!”
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had issued a stern warning regarding a ‘Hindu Rashtra,’ describing it as the “greatest calamity” and a “terrible disaster” for the country. He asserted that such a state would pose a threat to democracy, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and must be prevented at all costs, as it could be detrimental to the interests of Dalits, women, and minorities.
Users have characterized this meeting as an affront to the ideals and vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many users also recalled that historic statement by Babasaheb in which he issued a warning regarding the concept of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ (Hindu Nation). Journalist Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh stated, “The visit of former Chief Justice B.R. Gavai to Bageshwar Dham—and his meeting with Dhirendra Shastri—is a matter of concern. India is a pluralistic and constitutional nation; it does not seem appropriate for an individual holding a position of such dignity as a former Chief Justice to meet with a speaker who repeatedly advocates for a ‘Hindu Rashwar’ and makes scathing remarks against other religions. The judiciary must appear impartial and equal in its treatment of all; when a former Chief Justice openly visits such a platform, it raises the question: have constitutional values and secularism been confined merely to the pages of books? Faith is a personal matter, but the responsibilities of an individual who has held a constitutional office are not merely personal. India must proceed along the path of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Support of All, Development for All), rather than engaging with platforms that espouse the language of division.”
Journalist Shakeel Akhtar observes, “Until the Dalit community realizes who, from within their own ranks, is actually tightening their chains, outsiders like Rahul Gandhi will be unable to offer them much assistance. Bageshwar Dham—or Dhirendra Shastri—has faced numerous allegations of making anti-Dalit statements. His own brother, in fact, stands accused of threatening a Dalit family while brandishing a country-made pistol. In such a context, Justice Gavai’s visit to the site serves only to encourage ordinary Dalits to visit there as well. Perhaps that is precisely why Bageshwar Dham itself tweeted the news of this visit, complete with accompanying photographs.”
One user wrote, “Bhim Jayanti has just passed—the very ‘Bhim’ who ensured that justice was delivered to us. And yet, thanks to that very justice—which enabled individuals to ascend to high offices—we now see such a person visiting a place steeped in superstition.”
Journalist Avesh Tiwari writes, “This is former CJI B.R. Gavai, being honored by the number-one fraud, charlatan, and loudmouth, Dhirendra Shastri. I recall the time when a lawyer threw a shoe at him; back then, I completely shredded the haters who mocked him. When Gavai was elevated to the bench, it was hailed as a victory for Ambedkarism and a major achievement for Dalits. Looking at this photograph fills me with shame. I have no hesitation in stating that, to this day, Ambedkarites have failed to find honest leadership—an honest hero—for themselves. Of all those they have found, not a single one possesses a strong moral spine. This is a truly obscene image.”
Ambedkarite activist Rohit Raj writes, “It was this very judge who, because of his Dalit identity, once had a shoe thrown at him. Seeing this saddens me—yes, it truly saddens me—that such a highly educated man, a former Chief Justice no less, would seek out a charlatan. What compulsion drives this? On one hand, you chant ‘Jai Bhim,’ yet on the other, you succumb to blind superstition. It is truly baffling.”
One user wrote, “Babasaheb Ambedkar once said, ‘It is the educated people who have betrayed me.’ Former CJI Gavai belongs to that very category. To this day, he has not delivered a single verdict that truly upholds social justice.”
**Why the Meeting with Shastri Recalled the ‘Shoe-Throwing Incident’**
This meeting takes on even greater significance when we look back at the events that led to the infamous ‘shoe-throwing incident’ involving former CJI Gavai and lawyer Rakesh Kishore. The entire controversy revolved around an idol of Lord Vishnu located in Khajuraho. The head of an ancient, 7-foot-tall idol of Lord Vishnu within the temple premises had been damaged. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court demanding the restoration of this idol. On September 16, 2025, the then-CJI B.R. A bench presided over by Justice Gavai was hearing this matter; during the proceedings, Justice Gavai remarked to the petitioner: “You claim to be a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. In that case, go now and pray directly to the Lord.” This comment was taken in great offense by advocate Rakesh Kishore. On the morning of October 6, 2025, at approximately 11:35 AM, a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was conducting a hearing in Courtroom No. 1 of the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, advocate Rakesh Kishore removed his sports shoes and attempted to hurl them at the Chief Justice. Although the shoe did not strike Justice Gavai and security guards immediately apprehended Rakesh Kishore, Justice Gavai chose not to file a complaint and pardoned him. However, the Bar Council of India (BCI) took a stern view of the incident and, on October 7, suspended Rakesh Kishore with immediate effect.
Summary
The meeting between former Chief Justice Gavai and Dhirendra Shastri has sparked a new debate. Should individuals who have held constitutional offices publicly associate themselves with ideologies that run counter to the basic structure of the Constitution? It now remains to be seen how this matter unfolds and whether or not the former Chief Justice offers any clarification regarding the incident.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News