Advocate Who Attacked CJI Gavai Expelled From Supreme Court Bar Association, Contempt Action Sought

Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who triggered outrage by attempting to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court earlier this week, has been expelled from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) with immediate effect. The association announced the termination of Kishore’s temporary membership on Thursday, taking a firm stance against what it called a gross breach of courtroom decorum and dignity.The unprecedented incident unfolded on October 6 during the mentioning of cases, when the 71-year-old advocate suddenly removed his shoes and allegedly tried to throw them towards the Bench presided over by the CJI.

As security officials swiftly intervened, Kishore was escorted out, all the while shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge”—a protest against what he deemed disrespect to Sanatana Dharma. Demonstrating composure, the Chief Justice remained unfazed and urged the proceedings to continue uninterrupted.Kishore’s act was widely viewed as a reaction to CJI Gavai’s comments during a September 16 hearing, in which the court dismissed a plea seeking to reconstruct a seven-foot Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex.

In a strongly worded verdict, the CJI had referred to the petition as “publicity interest litigation”, provoking anger among some quarters.The Bar Association’s expulsion of Kishore follows the earlier suspension of his licence by the Bar Council of India. On Thursday, matters escalated further when an advocate sought the Attorney General’s consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Kishore.

The petition argued that attempting to hurl a shoe at the CJI and raising slogans inside the courtroom amounted to “gross interference with the administration of justice” and a deliberate affront to the Supreme Court’s dignity.

The plea maintained that Kishore’s subsequent remarks against the CJI demonstrated no remorse, warning that such behaviour “reflects a clear intention to scandalise the court and erode public confidence in the judiciary.”The incident has triggered widespread condemnation in legal circles. Many believe the swift action taken by the bar association and the push for contempt proceedings are necessary to safeguard the authority and sanctity of India’s highest court.