A day after attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court, 71-year-old lawyer Dr. Rakesh Kishore has justified his actions, claiming he was “deeply hurt” by the CJI’s remarks in a previous case related to a religious issue. Following the shocking courtroom incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended his licence with immediate effect.
What Happened Inside the Supreme Court?
The incident occurred on Monday during the routine mentioning of cases before a bench led by CJI Gavai. Witnesses said that Rakesh Kishore suddenly approached the judges’ dais, took off his shoe, and attempted to hurl it toward the bench. However, security officers quickly stopped him, preventing the shoe from hitting anyone.
The courtroom was momentarily disrupted, but order was soon restored.
Why Did the Lawyer Do It?
Speaking to ANI, Kishore said he acted out of emotional pain, not anger or intoxication. He claimed he was upset by what he saw as disrespectful remarks made by the CJI in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to a religious matter filed on September 16. “The CJI should think that when he is sitting on such a high constitutional post, he should understand the meaning of ‘Milord’ and uphold its dignity,” Kishore said. “I am hurt and will continue to be so.” He alleged that during the hearing, the CJI mocked the petition, saying, “Go pray to the idol, ask the idol to restore its own head.” Kishore claimed this statement was an insult to his faith and prompted his extreme reaction.
#WATCH | Delhi: Suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl an object at CJI BR Gavai, says, “…I was hurt…I was not inebriated, this was my reaction to his action…I am not fearful. I don’t regret what happened.”
“A PIL was filed in the Court of CJI on 16th… pic.twitter.com/6h4S47NxMd
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025
The Background: CJI’s Comments on “Rule of the Bulldozer”
Earlier in October 2025, while delivering the Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture in Mauritius, Justice Gavai had said that India’s democracy is governed by the “rule of law, not the rule of the bulldozer.” He referred to his 2024 judgment, which ruled that bulldozer demolitions without due legal process violate Article 21 the right to life and shelter. The CJI emphasized that “the executive cannot act as judge, jury, and executioner simultaneously.”
Kishore said those comments upset him, arguing that bulldozer actions by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s government were justified when dealing with illegal encroachments. “You go to Mauritius and say the country will not run with a bulldozer. I ask the CJI is action against encroachers wrong?” he questioned.
Kishore’s Accusations Against Judiciary
The lawyer accused the judiciary of bias in cases related to Sanatan Dharma, claiming that the court takes a different approach when cases involve other communities. He cited examples like Haldwani encroachments, the Nupur Sharma case, and bans on Jallikattu and Dahi Handi, saying that these rulings hurt the sentiments of Hindus. “Whenever an issue related to our Sanatan Dharma comes up, this Supreme Court passes some kind of order. I am very sad they should not be doing this,” he said.
“It Was My Reaction, Not a Crime,” Says Kishore
Kishore claimed he acted out of emotional distress, not aggression or substance influence. “It’s not like I was drunk, or I had taken any pills… They took action, it was my reaction,” he said, adding that he neither regrets nor fears the consequences.
He insisted he was a “simple and honest person” who had never faced any criminal case before. “Although I am strongly against violence, people must think why a non-violent person like me had to do this. The country should reflect on it,” he added.
The Bar Council’s Action
After the incident, the Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore’s advocate licence. The Council said such behavior inside the court was a serious breach of professional conduct and undermined the dignity of the judiciary.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also issued a formal condemnation, calling the act “unacceptable and disrespectful to the sanctity of the court.”
Prime Minister Modi Condemns the Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong disapproval of the act, calling it “utterly condemnable.” He personally spoke to the CJI to appreciate his calm and composure during the incident “The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai it highlights his commitment to the spirit of our Constitution.”
Who Is Rakesh Kishore?
Dr. Rakesh Kishore, aged 71, describes himself as a gold medalist with MSc, PhD, and LLB degrees. He claimed he belongs to a humble background and questioned whether his caste influenced the reaction to his act. “Maybe I am a Dalit too… but he (CJI Gavai) was a Sanatani Hindu first. He then followed Buddhism. If he came out of Hinduism, how is he still a Dalit?” Kishore remarked.
Also Read: Who is Rakesh Kishore? The Lawyer Who Dared to Throw a Shoe at Chief justice of
Latest Update (As of October 7, 2025)
According to recent reports, Mumbai Police and the Supreme Court security division have completed their preliminary report on the incident. The court has tightened security protocols for all constitutional benches. Meanwhile, Kishore’s suspension remains in effect pending a full disciplinary inquiry by the Bar Council of India.
Additionally in recent update, all India Lawyers Union organised a protest on Supreme Court premises over yesterday’s incident where a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl an object at CJI BR Gavai.
#WATCH | Delhi: All India Lawyers Union organises a protest on Supreme Court premises over yesterday’s incident where a lawyer, Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl an object at CJI BR Gavai. pic.twitter.com/24l5ji6Cgk
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025
Also Read: ‘No Remorse’: Lawyer Defends Shoe Attack on Chief Justice, Sparking National Outrage | PM Modi
