Rakesh Kishore took offence after Chief Justice BR Gavai dismissed a petition demanding the restoration of a seven-foot statue of Lord Vishnu as “purely publicity interest litigation”, the BBC reports.

“Go and ask the deity himself to do something,” the judge added — prompting Kishore to take off one of his shoes and throw it towards the bench.

The shoe reportedly missed the judge and the case continued to its conclusion after Kishore was removed from the courtroom.

Kishore, 71, later claimed the judge “not only refused to accept the prayer, but made fun of the Lord Vishnu”.

He has not been charged but has been suspended from legal practice by the Bar Council of India, according to The Indian Express.

His temporary membership of the Supreme Court Bar Association has also been cancelled.

In a statement, Chief Justice BR Gavai said: “I respect all religions.”