Following the attempted attack on Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Monday morning, the Bar Council of India has suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore’s licence with immediate effect. Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice during court proceedings, has been barred from practising in any court, tribunal, or legal authority across the country pending further disciplinary action.
A show cause notice will be issued, requiring the advocate to respond within 15 days of receiving the order, explaining why the suspension should not continue and why further action should not be taken.
The Bar Council of Delhi has been directed to enforce the order without delay. This includes updating the advocate’s status on its official rolls and informing all courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction about the suspension.
Earlier in the day, the courtroom drama erupted in the top court as a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India during a hearing. “India will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan Dharma,” Rakesh Kishore screamed as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
The incident in court today involving Advocate Rakesh Kishore comes just weeks after the Chief Justice faced public and legal community criticism for his "go and ask the deity itself" comment during a hearing on the restoration of a damaged Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh.
Following the courtroom disruption, Kishore was immediately detained. Despite the disturbance, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, presiding alongside Justice Vinod Chandran, remained calm 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.
The Chief Justice later met with court officials, including the Secretary General and security personnel, to review the incident and assess protocol measures.
According to eyewitness accounts, the object thrown narrowly missed Justice Chandran. Advocate Kishore, identified as the accused, later admitted the act was intended for the Chief Justice and apologised to Justice Chandran.
Supreme Court lawyer Rohit Pandey confirmed that Kishore has been a member of the Bar Association since 2011. He suggested 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.
The controversy traces back to September, when Chief Justice Gavai, while dismissing a plea for the restoration of a 7-foot Vishnu idol at the Javari temple, remarked, "This is purely a publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now."
