Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attacked CJI Gavai in SC, expelled from Bar Association
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Oct 9, 2025: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday terminated the temporary membership of advocate Rakesh Kishore, who tried to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, on October 6.
The order expelling him from the Bar was effective immediately, an official statement released by Live Law mentioned.
Kishore (71) removed his shoes and allegedly attempted to throw them towards the Bench presided over by the CJI.
Moments later, he was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate insults to Sanatana Dharma), while being escorted out of the court.
However, the CJI remained unfazed and asked the lawyers present in court to continue with their arguments.
The incident was sparked by CJI Gavai’s comments during a September 16 case hearing, wherein the Supreme Court had dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
Turning down the plea, the court had termed it a “publicity interest litigation".
“This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation," CJI Gavai had said.
On Thursday, an advocate sought the consent of Attorney General R Venkataramani to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Kishore for attacking the Chief Justice of India.
The petition also stated that even after the incident, Kishore made disparaging remarks against the Chief Justice in media interactions, showing no remorse and instead defending his actions.
In a letter addressed to the attorney general, advocate Subhash Chandran KR sought his nod under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Under the provision, either the high courts or the Supreme Court can initiate criminal contempt proceedings where they are personally aware of the contempt.
The fresh plea said that Kishore’s act of attempting to hurl a shoe at the CJI’s dais and raising slogans inside the courtroom amounted to a “gross interference with the administration of justice" and a “deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of the Supreme Court".
“The most contemptuous act of the contemnor diminishes the majesty and authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and defeats the Constitution of India," it said.
He argued that such behaviour “reflects a clear intention to scandalise the court and erode public confidence in the judiciary".