Supreme Court to Hear Contempt Petition Against Advocate for Attempted Shoe Attack on CJI

New Delhi, October 24, 2025: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on October 27 a petition seeking criminal contempt proceedings against advocate Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings on October 6. The case will be heard by a Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.

The petition was filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and Attorney General R Venkataramani granted consent on October 16 to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. In his letter to SCBA President Vikas Singh, Venkataramani condemned Kishore’s conduct, stating that attempting to throw any object at a judge or shouting to disrupt proceedings “constitutes a grave affront to the dignity of the Court and the rule of law.” He also noted that Kishore had shown no remorse, as evidenced by his subsequent statements.

The SCBA has immediately terminated Kishore’s membership for “grave misconduct,” and the Bar Council of India has suspended his license to practice law with immediate effect.

During the incident in early October, the 71-year-old advocate reportedly attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai over an alleged insult to Sanatan Dharma. CJI Gavai described the episode as shocking but later called it a “forgotten chapter,” highlighting his magnanimity. Justice Surya Kant noted that while the matter would be heard, the social media attention surrounding the incident should not overshadow the court’s dignity.

The Supreme Court’s decision on October 27 will determine whether criminal contempt proceedings will formally proceed against Kishore for this unprecedented attack.