New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Wednesday suspended the bar licence of advocate Rakesh Kishore after finding him guilty of “grave misconduct” for allegedly attempting to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during a court hearing earlier this week.
The incident occurred inside the courtroom when a bench headed by CJI Gavai was hearing a matter. Kishore reportedly threw a shoe toward the Chief Justice but missed, following which he was quickly restrained by security personnel. The act sparked outrage across the legal community, prompting immediate calls for action.
In an emergency meeting, the SCBA termed Kishore’s conduct “grossly unbecoming of an advocate” and ordered the suspension of his bar licence with immediate effect. “The Supreme Court Bar Association strongly condemns the shameful act of advocate Rakesh Kishore and has decided to suspend his bar licence for grave misconduct,” the association said in a statement.
The SCBA further noted that such behaviour “tarnishes the image of the legal fraternity and undermines the sanctity of the court.” It expressed solidarity with the Chief Justice and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the dignity of the judicial process.
Following the suspension, Kishore will not be permitted to practice in any court until further notice. The Bar Council of India has been informed and may initiate further disciplinary proceedings.
Security inside the Supreme Court has been tightened after the incident, which the SCBA described as a “serious breach of courtroom decorum” and a “dark moment” for the bar.