BCI Suspends Advocate After Attempt to Throw Shoe at Chief Justice in Supreme Court 2025
The Bar Council of India suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore with immediate effect after he attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai inside Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court on October 6, 2025.
The Bar Council of India on Monday issued an interim suspension against advocate Rakesh Kishore after he allegedly removed his sports shoe and tried to hurl it at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court.
Security personnel subdued and detained the advocate immediately and the BCI order bars him from appearing, acting, pleading or practising before any court, tribunal or authority in India pending disciplinary proceedings.
The shocking incident occurred inside Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, when a 71-year-old advocate, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw his sports shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during ongoing proceedings. The threat was swiftly neutralized by Supreme Court security personnel, who detained the advocate immediately, preventing the shoe from hitting the Bench.
Eyewitnesses reported that while being escorted out, Kishore shouted slogans including “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan,” indicating his displeasure related to the CJI’s earlier remarks in a plea regarding the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho Temple complex. Despite this disruption, CJI Gavai remained composed and instructed the court to continue without distraction, stating, “These things do not affect me.”
Following the incident, the Bar Council of India took swift action, suspending advocate Rakesh Kishore from practicing law nationwide for conduct “inconsistent with the dignity of the court.” The Delhi Police are conducting an ongoing investigation, coordinating closely with the Supreme Court Registrar General.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it “utterly condemnable” and appreciating the calm and poise displayed by CJI Gavai during the incident. Various legal bodies and political leaders echoed condemnation, calling for stern measures to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.
This incident raises renewed concerns about courtroom security and the importance of maintaining decorum in India’s highest judicial forum, as well as the challenges faced by the judiciary in a climate of political and religious sensitivities.
