Today, On 9th October, The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has revoked advocate Rakesh Kishore’s membership following his attempt to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai. The act was called a “direct assault on judicial independence.”
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has revoked the temporary membership of advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during a court session on October 6, 2025.
The Executive Committee of the SCBA, in a unanimous resolution, expressed that it had taken “serious note of the grave misconduct” exhibited by Kishore, who was enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (Enrolment No. D/1647/2009) and held a temporary SCBA membership under No. K-01029/RES dated 27.07.2011.
Describing the act as reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate, the SCBA stated,
“Such behavior was utterly unbecoming of an officer of the Court and constituted a serious breach of professional ethics, decorum, and the dignity of the Supreme Court of India.”
The resolution characterized Kishore’s actions as a “direct assault on judicial independence and the sanctity of courtroom proceedings.”
The committee emphasized that,
“The incident jeopardized the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench.”
After deliberating on the matter, the SCBA concluded that allowing Kishore to maintain his membership would be wholly inconsistent with the dignity and discipline expected of members of the Association.
The resolution stated,
“The membership of Advocate Mr. Rakesh Kishore, being a temporary member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, is terminated with immediate effect, and his name shall stand removed from the rolls of the Association.”
Additionally, the resolution noted that Kishore’s SCBA membership card is cancelled and forfeited, and the Secretary General of the Supreme Court has been directed to revoke his proximity access card immediately.
The SCBA also resolved to disseminate this decision among members of the Bar and relevant authorities for their information and records.
Earlier, On October 6, 2025, a dramatic incident took place inside the Supreme Court of India when lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai.
The CJI maintained his composure and continued the proceedings while security personnel restrained the advocate, an act that drew widespread condemnation from the legal community.
Shortly after the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s license to practice law, deeming the act a violation of “the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette.”
The BCI issued a show cause notice to Kishore, requiring him to explain within 15 days why the suspension should not be upheld.
All courts and Bar Associations were notified, rendering any court-issued identity or access passes held by Kishore invalid.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta condemned the incident, attributing it to misinformation circulated online regarding the judiciary. He called for restraint and caution against narratives that undermine public trust in the courts.
Political and legal groups, including the CPI(M) and the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU), denounced the incident, labeling it an “attack on the judiciary and the Constitution.”
The All India Bar Association (AIBA) urged authorities to file an FIR against Kishore, describing his behavior as “disturbing” and “unprecedented.”
AIBA Chairman Dr. Adish C Aggarwala stressed the need for prompt police action to uphold the dignity of constitutional institutions.
In response to the incident, authorities stated that over 700 police and security personnel are stationed at the Supreme Court complex daily.
The Delhi Police briefly detained Advocate Kishore but released him, citing that no formal complaint had been filed by Supreme Court officials. Police officials indicated that an FIR could not be registered without a complaint from the court’s administration.
Since then, the matter has triggered widespread debate, especially on social media, where many people have been speculating about Kishore’s caste. Responding to these discussions, the lawyer himself has come forward and openly revealed his caste identity.
He told the media,
“I myself am a Dalit,”
Even after the shoe-throwing episode, Kishore expressed no remorse for his action. He boldly declared:
“If God calls me again, I will do it again.”
He explained that his actions were driven by his spiritual beliefs and his deep study of Buddhism. According to him,
“It is difficult for anyone else to get as much knowledge of Buddhism as I have. I have read Gautam Buddha the most. I am influenced by the thoughts of Lord Buddha.”
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kishore said,
“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. You go to Mauritius and say that the country will not run with a bulldozer. I ask the CJI and those opposing me: Is the bulldozer action by Yogi (Adityanath) ji against those who encroached on government property wrong? I am hurt and will continue to be so.”
Speaking to a media house, Kishore stated that he is “ready to face jail.”
He emphasized that he is not associated with any political party. Kishore also revealed that his family is deeply upset with his actions.