Supreme Court Bar Association Suspends Advocate After Attempted Shoe-Throwing at CJI Gavai

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has taken swift action against advocate Rakesh Kishore by terminating his temporary membership and banning him from practicing in the Supreme Court. This move follows Kishore’s shocking attempt to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai inside the court premises.

The SCBA passed a unanimous resolution stating that Kishore’s behaviour was “reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate,” falling far below the standards expected from an officer of the court. His membership, recorded under temporary number K-01029/RES dated July 27, 2011, was terminated with immediate effect, and his name removed from the association’s rolls. The resolution also cancelled his SCBA membership card, if issued, and instructed the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court to revoke his proximity access card without delay.

In addition to the SCBA’s disciplinary action, the Bar Council of India has suspended Kishore’s license to practice law. Meanwhile, criminal contempt proceedings are reportedly being considered against the 71-year-old advocate. A formal request for permission to initiate legal action has been sent to the Attorney General.

Kishore, who insists he has no political ties or criminal record, explained to ANI that his actions were driven by “emotional pain” over what he described as repeated judicial interference in Hindu religious matters. He expressed no regret, stating that his attempt was motivated by distress rather than anger. Kishore claimed that during a recent hearing on September 16, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Chief Justice’s court was mocked by Justice Gavai, who allegedly told someone to “pray to the idol to restore its own head.” Kishore felt this was inconsistent treatment by the judiciary toward different communities.

The shoe-throwing incident drew strong condemnation from across the political spectrum. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the act “utterly condemnable,” with spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi saying it hurt every Indian and violated the nation’s constitutional and cultural values.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), praising Chief Justice Gavai for his calmness. “There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. I appreciate the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation,” Modi wrote, emphasizing the Chief Justice’s commitment to justice and the Constitution.

Opposition leaders from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), NCP-SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK, and others similarly condemned the attack, calling it “an assault on the Constitution” and highlighting the growing influence of hate and fanaticism in society.