Advocate Rakesh Kishore has been permanently barred from practicing in the Supreme Court after the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) terminated his temporary membership due to what it described as “grave misconduct.” This decision followed Kishore’s attempt to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai in the courtroom. In a unanimous resolution, the SCBA stated that Kishore’s actions were “reprehensible, disorderly, and unfit for a member of the Bar.” His membership number K-01029/RES has been removed from the association’s records effective immediately. The association also instructed the cancellation of his SCBA and proximity access cards.
Previous reports indicated that the Attorney General had been contacted to pursue criminal contempt proceedings against the 72-year-old lawyer, who has also been suspended by the Bar Council of India. In an interview with ANI, Kishore claimed his actions stemmed from “emotional pain” regarding perceived judicial interference in Hindu religious matters and expressed no regret. He alleged that CJI Gavai ridiculed a petition related to a Hindu temple, which provoked his protest. The incident drew widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the act “utterly condemnable” and praised Justice Gavai’s composure. Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties characterized it as an assault on constitutional values and indicative of increasing intolerance in society.