New Delhi, Oct.16,2025:In a significant development within India’s legal landscape, Attorney General R Venkataramani has granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Advocate Rakesh Kishore. This decision follows an incident on October 6, 2025, where Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai during a Supreme Court hearing. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the sanctity of judicial proceedings-
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred during a routine Supreme Court session when Advocate Rakesh Kishore, aged 71, allegedly hurled a shoe towards CJI Gavai. Reports indicate that Kishore shouted, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate disrespect to Sanatan Dharma”) before the act. Security personnel swiftly intervened, and the shoe did not make contact with the bench. CJI Gavai remained composed and directed the court to continue proceedings. The Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s license pending an inquiry, labeling the act as “a blot on the legal fraternity.”
Legal Reactions and Proceedings
Following the incident, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh jointly approached the Supreme Court, requesting the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against Advocate Kishore. On October 16, 2025, the Supreme Court was informed that Attorney General R Venkataramani had granted consent for such proceedings. In his consent letter, the Attorney General described Kishore’s actions as “not only scandalous but also calculated to demean the Supreme Court.”
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. However, they expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of reviving the matter, suggesting it might fuel further social media debates. The bench indicated that the case would be considered after the Diwali break.
Public and Political Reactions
The shoe-throwing incident has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the act, linking it to ideological influences by mentioning that the accused was a “person belonging to Sanatan Dharm.” Following the episode, an FIR was filed against the lawyer in Mysuru.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also expressed his disapproval, suggesting that the attack occurred due to CJI Gavai’s Dalit background. He called for action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
On the other hand, Advocate Rakesh Kishore has maintained that his actions were not caste-motivated. He stated, “Can someone tell my caste? Maybe I am a Dalit too,” and offered to provide his caste certificate to prove his background.
The Attorney General’s consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Advocate Rakesh Kishore underscores the seriousness with which the Indian legal system views any attempt to undermine its authority. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case post-Diwali, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and respect within judicial proceedings. The legal community and the public await the Court’s decision, which will likely set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.
