Lawyer tries to hurl shoe at CJI in courtroom; PM condemns incident

In its suspension notice, the BCI said that Kishore's conduct was "inconsistent" with the council's rules and the dignity of the court, and therefore he was being suspended immediately

A lawyer who on Monday hurled an object at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai in the courtroom was suspended by the Bar Council of India (BCI). 

Justice CJI was hearing the morning mentioning of lawyers’ pleas. 

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.” 

 

 The incident happened in the Supreme Court at around 11:35 am, when Advocate Rakesh Kishore allegedly removed his shoes and hurled them at the CJI. Kishore was also heard shouting that India would not tolerate disrespect for Sanatana Dharma. After a brief interruption, Justice Gavai continued with the day’s proceedings. Asking the next lawyer to make submissions, the CJI remarked, “Don’t get distracted. We are not distracted by this.” 

In its suspension notice, the BCI said Kishore’s conduct was “inconsistent” with its rules and the dignity of the court and therefore he was being immediately suspended. Later in the day, Kishore, 71, was allowed to go after being questioned by the Delhi Police for more than three hours.  

The Supreme Court registrar, on the instructions of the CJI, refused to press charges against him, sources said.

What Kishore did is said to be in response to the CJI’s remarks in a case related to the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded statue of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho. CJI Gavai had supposedly asked the petitioner to “go and ask the deity itself” to do something about the missing head.  

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the CJI, saying that the statement was blown out of proportion.