Supreme Court Lawyer Rakesh Kishore Suspended for Throwing a Shoe at Chief Justice Gavai

The Bar Council of India has suspended Supreme Court advocate Rakesh Kishore, barring him from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority across the country pending further disciplinary action.

The suspension comes after Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during a hearing on Monday. In the courtroom, he shouted, “India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma,” as he was escorted out.

The incident occurred just weeks after the Chief Justice faced criticism from the public and legal community for his remark, “go and ask the deity itself,” during a hearing concerning the restoration of a damaged Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh.

Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai, presiding alongside Justice Vinod Chandran, remained composed and continued the proceedings without pause. “Don’t get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me. Continue with the hearing,” he said.

According to eyewitnesses, the thrown object narrowly missed Justice Chandran. Kishore later admitted that the act was intended for the Chief Justice and apologised to Justice Chandran.

Following the incident, Gavai convened a meeting during the lunch break with the Secretary General, Supreme Court security in-charge, and other key officials to review the episode and discuss tightening security protocols to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Supreme Court lawyer Rohit Pandey confirmed that Kishore has been a member of the Bar Association since 2011. Pandey suggested that the attack may have been a response to the Chief Justice’s earlier remarks and condemned the act, calling for strict disciplinary action.

Kishore was released later the same day, with Delhi Police freeing him within the court premises.