In a tense courtroom atmosphere on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court came down strongly on the recent incident where advocate Rakesh Kishore allegedly hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during a Supreme Court hearing. The Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela minced no words while expressing its deep anguish, calling the act an affront to the institution itself.
The bench observed, "It has hurt not only the members of the Bar but the Bench as well. It’s not about one person it’s about the dignity of the institution," the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing.
Background
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Tejasvi Mohan, seeking removal of online videos glorifying the shoe-throwing episode. The petition requested directions to the Union government and social media platforms to immediately take down all content that, in any way, promoted or celebrated the incident.
Mohan further urged the court to frame a uniform policy to curb the spread of such material in the future, pointing out that “such publicity only fuels disrespect toward judicial authority.”
Court’s Observations
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said he shared the petitioner’s concern but informed the court that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had already filed contempt proceedings before the top court regarding the same incident.
“If proceedings are pending before the Supreme Court, it may be proper for the petitioner to intervene there rather than pursue parallel proceedings,” Sharma advised.
The bench concurred with this approach.
“We don’t want duplication of efforts,” Chief Justice Upadhyaya said, noting that the Supreme Court appeared inclined to expand the scope of the pending case, possibly even issuing guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Decision
After brief deliberation, the Delhi High Court directed the petitioner to move an intervention application before the Supreme Court.
“You may apprise the Supreme Court about this petition,” the Bench said, keeping the matter pending for further hearing on December 4.
The hearing concluded with a somber reflection on judicial decorum and public responsibility. The judges emphasized that such acts, if left unchecked, could erode confidence in the justice system something no democracy can afford to risk.
Case Title: Tejasvi Mohan v. UOI & Ors
