Attack on CJI BR Gavai: SCBA Terminates Membership of Advocate Rakesh Kishore

In its unanimous resolution, the Executive Committee of the SCBA said it had taken “serious note of the grave misconduct” committed by Kishore, who was enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (Enrolment No. D/1647/2009) and held a temporary SCBA membership under No. K-01029/RES dated 27.07.2011.

Calling the act “reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate”, the SCBA stated that such behaviour was “utterly unbecoming of an officer of the Court” and amounted to a “serious breach of professional ethics, decorum, and the dignity of the Supreme Court of India.”

The resolution described Kishore’s conduct as a “direct assault on judicial independence and the sanctity of courtroom proceedings.” The committee noted that the attack endangered the long-standing relationship of “mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench.”

Having deliberated on the incident, the SCBA concluded that continuing Kishore’s membership would be “wholly inconsistent with the dignity and discipline expected of members of the Association.”

The resolution further stated: “The membership of Advocate Mr. Rakesh Kishore, being a temporary member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, is terminated with immediate effect, and his name shall stand removed from the rolls of the Association.”

It added that his SCBA membership card stands cancelled and forfeited and directed that the Secretary General of the Supreme Court be informed to revoke his proximity access card immediately.

The SCBA also resolved to circulate the decision among members of the Bar and relevant authorities for information and record.

On October 6, Advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside Court Hall No. 1, during a Supreme Court hearing. The CJI remained composed and continued proceedings even as security personnel restrained the advocate, drawing widespread condemnation from the legal fraternity.

Within hours of the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s licence to practice law, calling the act violative of "the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette". The BCI a show cause notice to Kishore requiring him to explain, within 15 days, why the suspension should not continue. All courts and Bar Associations were also notified, and any court-issued identity or access passes held by Kishore had been rendered inoperative.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta condemned the attack, describing it as a consequence of misinformation spread online about the judiciary. He urged restraint and caution against narratives that distort public faith in courts.

Political and legal bodies, including the CPI(M) and the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU), condemned the incident, terming it an “attack on the judiciary and the Constitution.” They demanded for strong action against those promoting hostility towards the courts.

The All India Bar Association (AIBA) urged authorities to register an FIR against Kishore, calling his conduct "disturbing" and "unprecedented". AIBA Chairman Dr. Adish C Aggarwala emphasised that police must act swiftly to preserve the dignity of constitutional institutions.

Following the incident, the authorities said that over 700 police and security personnel remain stationed at the Supreme Court complex daily.

The Delhi Police released Advocate Kishore after brief detention since no formal complaint was filed by the Supreme Court officials. Citing procedural norms, police officials said no FIR could be registered without a complaint from the court’s administration.

In a related development, activist Suraj Kumar Bauddh sought the Attorney General’s consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against individuals, including YouTuber Ajeet Bharti, over online remarks threatening the CJI.

Resolution By: SCBA

Resolution Date: October 9, 2025