CJI Gavai Breaks Silence on Attempted Shoe Attack: Calls Incident ‘Forgotten Chapter’

Speaking during court proceedings, CJI Gavai said, “My learned brother and I were very shocked with what happened… for us it is a forgotten chapter,” signaling the judiciary’s determination to move past the incident without allowing it to overshadow court functioning.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan recalled a similar event from a decade ago in a neighbouring Court, noting that the judges then differed in opinion regarding the appropriate procedural response and use of contempt powers.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the gravity of the matter, stating, “He is the CJI, it’s not a matter of joke. I am not apologetic thereafter; it is an affront to the institution.” He added that while judges over the years may take actions that others consider unjustifiable, such actions do not diminish the integrity or intent behind judicial decisions.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described the attack as “completely unpardonable” but lauded the CJI’s composure, calling it an example of majesty and magnanimity in the face of an unprovoked assault.

Notably, today, SCBA has terminated the temporary 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.”

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.