Attack on CJI| Lawyer calls BCI suspension 'despotic', says he was not heard

Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to attack the Chief Justice of India on Monday, has said the Bar Council of India's act of suspending him is 'a despotic decree'.

"The Bar Council, led by Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, sent me a letter last night suspending me, which I can show you. This letter is their order and a despotic decree. According to Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961, whenever any action is taken against an advocate, a show-cause notice must be issued first, the advocate’s side must be heard, and only then can they be dismissed, struck off the roll, or suspended.", the advocate has said.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended the practice of Advocate Rakesh Kishore, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (Enrolment No. D/1647/2009), following his attempted attack on Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court on 6th October 2025. According to the interim order issued under the Advocates Act, 1961, Kishore allegedly removed his sports shoes and attempted to hurl them at the Chief Justice during ongoing proceedings. He was immediately detained by court security.

The BCI noted that such conduct violates the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette, including maintaining dignity in court and refraining from improper means to influence judicial proceedings. The order bars Kishore from appearing, acting, pleading, or practicing in any court, tribunal, or authority in India during the suspension period.

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him, and a show cause notice has been issued requiring Kishore to explain, within 15 days, why the suspension should not continue. All courts and Bar Associations have been notified, and any court-issued identity or access passes held by Kishore have been rendered inoperative.

The lawyer was released from custody by the Delhi Police yesterday. Reportedly, the Delhi Police has said that as no complaint was received from the Supreme Court officials, the lawyer was released on their consent. The lawyer was interrogated for three hours. During this time, he was questioned by the Delhi Police Security Unit and New Delhi Police officials in the Supreme Court itself, after which he was released.

An unexpected incident unfolded inside the Supreme Court of India on Monday morning, when an advocate attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, while court proceedings were underway. The courtroom disturbance took place around 11:35 a.m. in Court No. 1, during the mentioning of cases before the Chief Justice's Bench.

According to eyewitnesses, the advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, suddenly removed his footwear and hurled it in the direction of the dais before security personnel swiftly restrained him. The object did not reach the Bench, and order was restored within moments. The man was immediately taken into custody by security officials and handed over to the Delhi Police for questioning.

Those present in the courtroom recalled that the Chief Justice remained composed, instructing the bar and court staff to proceed with the day's business and indicating that such disruptions would not affect him or the functioning of the court. The actions allegedly emanated after the CJI made certain remarks during a recent hearing relating to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

The advocate was further said to have shouted slogans referring to the protection of Sanatan Dharma before being escorted out of the courtroom. During his detention, the police recovered a handwritten note expressing his grievance over perceived disrespect towards religious faith. His belongings, including the shoe and the note, were returned to him.

On X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared; “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 Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.”

The Prime Minister's message underscored the gravity of the situation and reflected the sentiment that such acts strike not merely at an individual but at the very institution representing constitutional justice.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has also condemned the attempted attack on Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai which occurred inside his courtroom today. "Today’s incident in the Chief Justice’s court is unfortunate and deserves condemnation. This is the result of misinformation in social media", SG Mehta has said. Furthermore, SG Mehta has appreciated the Chief Justice of India for reacting with magnanimity and majesty of the highest court of the country. I only hope that this magnanimity is not treated by others as the weakness of the institution, he added.