Criminal Contempt Proceedings Approved Against Lawyer for Shoe-Throwing Incident at CJI Gavai

Criminal defamation proceedings have been approved against lawyer Rakesh Kishore for allegedly throwing a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai. Attorney General R. Venkataramani gave his consent on Thursday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court of this matter. He stated that the matter involves the institutional integrity of the judiciary, which is at stake.

Tushar Mehta and the SCBA have sought a ban on the circulation of material related to the shoe-throwing incident on social media, stating that it is an "insult to the institution." However, the Supreme Court does not appear to be in the mood to hear the matter.

What did the Supreme Court say?

Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani has given his consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore for his actions in the Chief Justice's court. SCBA President Vikas Singh urged the Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi to hear the contempt case against lawyer Rakesh Kishore. He stated that social media has gone out of control. The constitutional integrity of this institution is in question.

Responding to this, Justice Surya Kant stated that the CJI himself had decided not to take action against the lawyer. He said, "The Honorable Chief Justice has been extremely magnanimous. This shows that the institution is not affected by such incidents." Ultimately, Justice Surya Kant's bench decided to consider the matter after the vacation.

SCBA's Argument

SCBA President Vikas Singh argued that discussions glorifying the incident are taking place on social media, damaging the image of the judiciary. He said that the way social media is amplifying it is causing some harm to the institution. Meanwhile, SG Mehta described the CJI's restraint as a sign of greatness. However, he expressed concern that some people are using social media to justify the lawyer's actions.

What is the whole matter?

Actually, this case dates back to October 6th. In Supreme Court Courtroom No. 1, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai during a hearing. Security personnel immediately swung into action and stopped him. After throwing the shoe, Kishore shouted, "Hindustan will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma."

Immediately after the incident, the Bar Council of India suspended lawyer Rakesh Kishore's license with immediate effect. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice calmly stated, "Don't be disturbed by this. We are not disturbed. Such things do not affect me." The court proceedings continued after this incident.