New Delhi, October 6, 2025 — The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore from practicing law after he allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during open court proceedings in the Supreme Court. The shocking incident took place in Courtroom No. 1 while cases were being mentioned.
Incident Details
According to reports, during the hearing of mentioning matters, Advocate Rakesh Kishore approached the dais, removed his shoe, and attempted to hurl it toward the bench presided over by CJI B.R. Gavai. However, security personnel acted swiftly and restrained him before the shoe reached the bench.
Alleged Motive Behind the Act
Sources indicate that Kishore was reportedly agitated over remarks made by CJI Gavai in an earlier hearing related to the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom, he was heard shouting slogans referencing “Sanatan Dharma.”
BCI’s Immediate Action
Terming the conduct a serious breach of professional ethics and an affront to the dignity of the judiciary, the Bar Council of India promptly issued an interim suspension order against Advocate Kishore.
Under the order:
- Kishore is barred from appearing, acting, or practicing before any court, tribunal, or legal authority across India.
- The Bar Council of Delhi has been directed to enforce the suspension and notify all judicial bodies.
- All identity cards, access passes, and advocate permissions issued to Kishore stand revoked and inoperative.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Show-Cause Notice
The BCI has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the advocate. A show-cause notice has been issued, requiring Kishore to explain within 15 days why his suspension should not be made permanent.
CJI Gavai’s Calm Response
Despite the disturbance, CJI B.R. Gavai handled the situation with composure, continuing with the day’s proceedings. The Chief Justice stated,
“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
Legal Fraternity Condemns the Act
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the legal community. The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) termed the act “reprehensible” and “an attack on the dignity of the judiciary.” Several senior lawyers and bar associations echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in any courtroom.