The Supreme Court has scheduled a special hearing for Monday, October 27, to consider a contempt petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) against advocate Rakesh Kishore. Kishore allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during open court proceedings on October 6. The case, which has already stirred significant debate within the legal fraternity, will be heard by a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Background
The shocking incident occurred in the middle of courtroom proceedings earlier this month, leaving lawyers and staff stunned. Though the shoe did not hit anyone, the symbolic nature of the act sent ripples through the judiciary. On October 16, SCBA President and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh mentioned the matter before Justice Kant’s bench, informing that the Attorney General had granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings a necessary procedural step under Indian law.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also supported the move, calling the conduct “a clear attack on the dignity of the court.” Singh argued that such actions, if left unchecked, would embolden others to disrespect judicial institutions.
Court’s Observations
The bench, however, appeared cautious. Justice Surya Kant observed that the court must weigh the broader implications of reviving the controversy. “We have to consider whether pursuing this would serve any purpose,” the bench remarked. “The Chief Justice himself has decided not to take any action; perhaps it’s best to let the issue die a natural death.”
This statement hinted at a more measured approach by the bench, focused on de-escalation rather than confrontation. Yet, Singh pressed that the issue was not about personal insult but institutional integrity. “This is about the respect due to the highest judicial office,” he told the court. He also pointed out that Kishore continued to justify his act through media statements, while social media posts glorifying the attack were circulating widely. The SCBA, he said, was also seeking a “John Doe” order to prevent such online glorification.
Decision
After a brief but pointed exchange, the bench agreed to list the contempt plea for detailed hearing on October 27. The outcome could set a precedent for how the judiciary balances personal restraint of judges with the need to protect institutional honour. For now, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court as it decides whether Advocate Kishore’s act merits criminal contempt action or whether, as the bench earlier hinted, the matter should be allowed to fade away quietly.
Case: Supreme Court Bar Association v. Rakesh Kishore
Case Type: Criminal Contempt Petition
Case Number: CONMT.PET.(Crl.) No. 1/2025
Incident Date: October 6, 2025
Petitioner: Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)
Next Hearing: October 27, 2025.
