The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Monday suspended the practice of Advocate Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings. The council has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against him, news agency PTI reported.

In a shocking breach of decorum, Kishore reportedly approached the dais during a hearing and tried to throw a shoe at the CJI, but was promptly stopped by security personnel.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has strongly condemned the incident in a unanimous resolution, according to PTI. Headed by Vipin Nair, the association described Kishore’s act as a “disrespectful and intemperate gesture” by an advocate.

In a statement, SCAORA secretary Nikhil Jain urged the Supreme Court to “take suo motu cognizance of the said conduct and initiate appropriate proceedings for contempt of court, as the act/gesture is a calculated move to scandalise the authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and lower its dignity in the eyes of the public.”

The association emphasised that freedom of speech carries a duty of restraint, particularly for members of the legal profession, who are officers of the court.

It expressed “deep anguish and disapproval at the recent act of an advocate who, by his unwarranted and intemperate gesture, sought to disrespect the office and authority of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and his companion Judges.”

According to SCAORA, such conduct is unbecoming of a member of the Bar and undermines the mutual respect between the “Bench and the Bar.” The body added that this behaviour is antithetical to the dignity of the legal profession and contrary to constitutional values of decorum, discipline, and institutional integrity.

“Any attempt to malign or a personalised act/gesture aimed against a sitting judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court constitutes a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and undermines public faith in the justice delivery system,” SCAORA stated.

The association condemned the incident as a “cowardly and disrespectful act” and affirmed its complete solidarity with the CJI and the entire judiciary in upholding the majesty, independence, and impartiality of the Supreme Court.

(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/attempted-attack-on-cji-br-gavai-bar-council-of-india-suspends-advocate-rakesh-kishore-23597477