New Delhi, October 6, 2025 – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore with immediate effect after he allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court earlier today. The incident occurred at approximately 11:35 am in Court No. 1, causing immediate disruption and prompting swift action from security personnel.
According to eyewitnesses, Kishore, a 71-year-old advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, removed his sports shoes and attempted to throw them towards the bench where CJI Gavai was presiding. Security personnel immediately intervened, detaining Kishore and escorting him out of the courtroom.
The BCI took immediate cognizance of the incident, issuing an interim suspension order debarring Kishore from practicing in any court, tribunal, or authority in India. The order, signed by BCI Chairman and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, stated that Kishore's conduct was "prima facie inconsistent with the dignity of the court" and a clear violation of professional conduct rules prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules.
The suspension order cites specific violations of the Bar Council of India Rules, which mandate that advocates maintain dignity, self-respect, and a respectful attitude toward the judiciary, and refrain from any illegal or improper conduct that could influence judicial proceedings. The BCI has also directed the Bar Council of Delhi to update Kishore's status and notify all relevant judicial bodies. Furthermore, all identity cards, proximity passes, and access permissions issued to him by courts or Bar Associations have been rendered inoperative.
In addition to the suspension, the BCI has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kishore, issuing a show cause notice requiring him to explain within 15 days why the suspension should not continue and further appropriate action be taken. Kishore is also required to file an affidavit of compliance within 48 hours, confirming that he is not appearing in any matter during his suspension period.
While being escorted out of the courtroom, Kishore was heard saying, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge," which translates to "will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan". Sources suggest the incident may have been sparked by CJI Gavai's comments in a previous case related to the restoration of a beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu, where the CJI had remarked, "Go and ask the deity itself to do something now".
Following three hours of questioning, Delhi Police released Kishore after the Supreme Court's registrar general declined to press charges. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from legal circles, with the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) condemning the "disrespectful gesture" and urging the Supreme Court to invoke contempt proceedings.
