Delhi Police Releases Advocate Who Tried To Throw Shoe At CJI BR Gavai As Supreme Court Refrains From Pressing Charges
Tahir DarOctober 07, 2025
Delhi Police Releases Advocate Who Threw Shoe at CJI BR Gavai — SC Refrains From Pressing Charges
Top Stories / Supreme Court
Delhi Police Releases Advocate Who Threw Shoe at CJI BR Gavai — SC Refrains From Pressing Charges
By Gursimran Kaur Bakshi • Published: 6 Oct 2025, 7:46 PM IST
Delhi Police on Monday released 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai in open court. The Supreme Court registrar reportedly declined to press criminal charges in the incident.
What happened in court
According to reports, the advocate was escorted out by Supreme Court security after he attempted to throw what many described as a sports shoe at the CJI. Those present said he shouted slogans protesting perceived disrespect to Sanatan Dharma while being removed from the courtroom.
Reason and evidence recovered
Police recovered a white paper note from the advocate's possession which read in part: “Mera sandesh har sanatani ke liye hai... Sanatan Dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (translated roughly as: "My message is for followers of Sanatan Dharma... India will not tolerate disrespect to Hinduism"). The advocate was reportedly unhappy with remarks previously made by CJI Gavai while dismissing a petition about the reconstruction of a dilapidated Lord Vishnu idol at a Khajuraho temple.
Institutional responses
The Supreme Court Officers’ Association (SCOARA) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the act as scandalising the office of the Chief Justice and urged initiation of contempt proceedings. Separately, the Bar Council of India has issued an interim order suspending the advocate registered with the Bar Council of Delhi from practice with immediate effect.
Legal implications
The incident raises questions over the appropriate legal response to courtroom disruption. Options available to the court include contempt proceedings, professional disciplinary action (as taken by the BCI), and criminal prosecution depending on how the Registrar and authorities choose to proceed. Observers say the court's approach may also set a precedent for handling similar acts in the future.
Quick facts
Person involved: Advocate Rakesh Kishore (age 71).
Event: Attempted shoe-throw at CJI B. R. Gavai in open court; individual escorted out.
Police action: Advocate was released by Delhi Police; a note recovered from him cited religious grievance.
Professional action: Bar Council of India suspended the advocate pending further proceedings.
