NEW DELHI: Cutting across political lines, prominent netas on Monday condemned the attack on CJI BR Gavai, with PM Narendra Modi calling him and saying there is no place for such reprehensible acts in society. The opposition led by Congress expressed anguish over the incident, calling it “unprecedented, shameful and abhorrent”.“Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable,” Modi said on X.He said, “I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the assault on Gavai who has “broken social barriers to uphold the Constitution” shows “how hate, fanaticism and bigotry has engulfed our society in the past decade” – a remark that appeared to target the governing BJP. CPM blamed BJP’s communal rhetoric for the attack.Calling the attack on the CJI as an assault on the Constitution, Congress functionary Sonia Gandhi asked the nation to stand in solidarity with Gavai “unitedly with a deep sense of anguish and outrage”. Rahul Gandhi too expressed outrage over the incident.Kharg said, “It is an attack on the dignity of our judiciary and the rule of law. When a sitting chief justice who rose to the nation’s highest judicial office through merit, integrity, and perseverance – is targeted in such a manner, it sends a deeply disturbing message. It reflects an attempt to intimidate and humiliate a man who has broken social barriers to uphold the Constitution.”