Advocate Suspended for Attempted Shoe Throw at Chief Justice BR Gavai in Supreme Court
On Monday, October 6, 2025, a 71-year-old advocate, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court.
The incident occurred around 11:35 a.m., causing a brief disruption in the courtroom. Security personnel swiftly intervened, preventing any harm to the Chief Justice.
Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, reportedly expressed his discontent with a remark made by CJI Gavai during a recent hearing.
The CJI had dismissed a plea seeking the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in the Khajuraho Temple complex, stating, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something.” Kishore interpreted this as disrespectful to Sanatan Dharma and shouted,
“Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate the insult to Sanatan”) as he was escorted out of the courtroom
Following the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore from practicing in any court with immediate effect.
The BCI deemed his actions “inconsistent with the dignity” of the legal profession and initiated disciplinary proceedings against him.
CJI Gavai remained unfazed during the disruption, calmly instructing the court to continue proceedings and stating, “These things do not affect me.”
The Delhi Police questioned Kishore for approximately three hours before releasing him, as the Supreme Court’s registrar general declined to press charges.
The registrar instructed the police to return Kishore’s shoes and documents (
This incident has drawn widespread attention and condemnation. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi described the act as “an assault on the Constitution” and urged solidarity in defense of constitutional institutions and democratic values.
The Supreme Court has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident, but the Bar Council’s swift action underscores the seriousness with which such breaches of courtroom decorum are treated.
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