Unprecedented courtroom incident
Senior advocate Rakesh Kishore sparked national outrage after attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai during a court hearing. The incident occurred as the Supreme Court bench was hearing the mention of cases.
Kishore, aged 71, approached the dais, removed his shoe, and tried to hurl it at the Chief Justice. Court security intervened in time, preventing the shoe from hitting anyone. Despite the disruption, CJI Gavai remained calm and instructed court staff to ignore the act.
“Don’t get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me. Continue with the hearing,” said Justice Gavai during the proceedings.
Bar Council action and PM’s response
In response, the Bar Council of India (BCI) immediately suspended Rakesh Kishore’s license, describing the action as “a blot on the legal fraternity.” The BCI also criticized Kishore for violating professional conduct norms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the act, calling it “reprehensible” and saying it had “angered every Indian.”
“There is no place for such acts in our society. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2025
Kishore remains defiant
Despite the suspension and national criticism, Rakesh Kishore refused to express regret. Speaking to media outlets, he claimed his actions were driven by hurt feelings over a remark made by the Chief Justice regarding Sanatan Dharma.
“I have no regret. I was not inebriated. This was my reaction to his action”. “The CJI mocked Sanatan Dharma. This was God’s will. The Almighty reacted through me,” Kishore said
He referred to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning a beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu, during which the CJI had reportedly commented, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something.”
This remark triggered widespread criticism online, with many accusing the CJI of mocking Hindu beliefs. Justice Gavai later clarified, stating he respects all religions.
Security and legal aftermath
After the shoe-throwing attempt, Kishore was briefly taken into custody for questioning. Despite the disruption, the Chief Justice reportedly instructed the registry to refrain from taking further action against the lawyer.
However, the Bar Council’s suspension stands. Kishore has criticized the BCI, stating, “They suspended me without any disciplinary committee or hearing. They’ve crossed all limits.”
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