In a dramatic turn of events that has stirred legal and public discourse, Attorney General R. Venkataramani has granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court on October 6, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a morning session, was widely condemned by the legal fraternity and prompted swift disciplinary action, including Kishore’s suspension from the Bar Council and the filing of an FIR.
However, in a surprising display of restraint, a bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi remarked on October 16 that the matter should “die a natural death,” citing the CJI’s magnanimity and warning against fueling social media outrage. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), represented by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, had earlier sought contempt action, arguing that Kishore’s conduct undermined the dignity of the judiciary.
🧠 Key Highlights from the CJI Gavai Shoe Row and Legal Developments
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 6, 2025 |
| Location | Supreme Court of India |
| Accused | Advocate Rakesh Kishore |
| Allegation | Attempted shoe attack on CJI B.R. Gavai |
| Attorney General’s Action | Consent for criminal contempt proceedings |
| Supreme Court’s Response | “Let it die a natural death” |
The Attorney General stated that Kishore’s actions were “scandalous” and “intended to demean the majesty and authority of the Supreme Court.”
📊 Timeline of Events in the CJI Gavai Shoe Row
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 6 | Rakesh Kishore allegedly throws shoe at CJI Gavai |
| October 7 | FIR filed, Kishore suspended from Bar Council |
| October 10 | SCBA seeks contempt action |
| October 16 | AG grants consent, SC bench urges restraint |
The incident has sparked debate over courtroom decorum, mental health of legal professionals, and the limits of protest within judicial spaces.
🗣️ Reactions from Legal Fraternity and Civil Society
- SCBA President Vikas Singh: “This is not just about one man. It’s about protecting the institution.”
- Attorney General Venkataramani: “Such behavior strikes at the foundation of justice delivery.”
- Supreme Court Bench: “Let us not revive this. The CJI has shown grace.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Legal Associations | Calling for stricter courtroom protocols |
| Civil Liberties Groups | Urging mental health review before contempt |
| Media | Highlighting judiciary’s balanced response |
| Public Sentiment | Mixed reactions on social platforms |
The SC bench emphasized that reviving the row would only fuel unnecessary outrage and distract from judicial priorities.
🧾 Legal and Disciplinary Actions Against Rakesh Kishore
| Action Type | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FIR | Filed under IPC sections for contempt | Under investigation |
| Bar Council Suspension | Kishore’s license suspended | Effective immediately |
| Contempt Proceedings | AG consent granted | Awaiting SC decision |
| Mental Health Evaluation | Suggested by legal experts | Not confirmed |
The SCBA has also proposed a code of conduct for advocates to prevent future disruptions.
🧭 What to Watch in the CJI Gavai Shoe Row Fallout
- SC’s Final Decision: Whether contempt proceedings will be initiated
- Bar Council Review: Possible permanent disbarment of Kishore
- Judicial Reforms: Enhanced security and mental health protocols
- Public Discourse: Impact on perception of judiciary’s dignity
The Supreme Court’s call for restraint reflects a mature approach to institutional integrity, balancing justice with compassion.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified legal proceedings, official statements, and media reports as of October 17, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, judicial interpretation, or political commentary and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
