The Supreme Court Bar Association has revoked the temporary membership of advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on October 6 during proceedings inside the Supreme Court. As part of this action, his name would be struck off from the rolls, and the access card issued to him would also be cancelled.
In a statement, the Bar Association said, “Such reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate behaviour is utterly unbecoming of an officer of the Court and constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics, decorum, and the dignity of the Supreme Court of India.”
It further noted that his actions are a “direct assault on judicial independence, the sanctity of courtroom proceedings, and the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench”.
In addition to this, the Bengaluru police have registered a “zero FIR” against him. The Zero FIR was filed at the Bengaluru City Vidhan Soudha Police Station to facilitate its transfer to the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
FIR under several sections of BNS
The FIR, which names Kishore as the accused, has been filed under several sections of the BNS. The complaint was lodged by the All India Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru.
In their complaint, the association described the incident as “grave” and added, “When it happens in the Highest judiciary i.e to the Chief Justice of India, the act of Rakesh Kishore is not pardonable and acceptable by any section of society. In fact, the act of Rakesh Kishore is punishable,” the complaint read.
The association urged the police to take immediate action, register an FIR against the accused, and ensure measures are taken to “protect the image of the judiciary”.
What has happened?
The incident took place inside the Supreme Court on Monday, where Kishore’s bid to throw a shoe at the CJI was foiled by the security personnel present there. Soon after, he was escorted out of the Courtroom No.1 of the Supreme Court. He shouted, “Sanatan ka apman, nahi sahega Hindustan [Hindustan will not tolerate the insults to Sanatan Dharma],” while being escorted out.
CJI Gavai reacted to the incident and told the courtroom that he doesn’t get distracted by all of this. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”
He was later suspended by the Bar Council of India. The suspension bars him from appearing, acting, pleading or practising in any court, tribunal or authority across the country.
The 71-year-old lawyer was let go by the Delhi Police as the Supreme Court Registrar General declined to initiate legal action against him.
Kishore reportedly cited his dissatisfaction with the CJI’s comments last month regarding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.
“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,” he had said at the time.
