In a dramatic turn of events that has stirred the legal community, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore from practising law with immediate effect after he attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud’s fellow judge, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, during open court proceedings on Monday. The shocking incident occurred inside the Supreme Court of India and prompted swift disciplinary action from the country’s top legal regulatory body.
According to the interim order issued by the BCI, Rakesh Kishore, who is enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, allegedly removed his sports shoes and tried to hurl them toward CJI Gavai during a court session. The attempt was thwarted at the last moment by the security personnel stationed in the courtroom, who quickly restrained him and escorted him out of the premises. The incident, which unfolded during the routine mentioning of cases in Courtroom No. 1, left judges, lawyers, and court staff shocked.
The BCI’s interim suspension order, signed by Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, cited the seriousness of the misconduct and the need to maintain the dignity and decorum of the judiciary. Issued under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette, the order stated that Kishore’s actions amounted to professional misconduct and were in violation of the ethical standards expected of a practicing advocate.
The order noted that during the period of suspension, Kishore will be debarred from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising before any court, tribunal, or authority in India. The BCI further directed the Bar Council of Delhi to ensure immediate compliance by updating Kishore’s status on its rolls and notifying all courts and tribunals under its jurisdiction. In addition, the registries of the Supreme Court, all High Courts, and District Courts have been asked to circulate the suspension order to their filing and appearance counters and to all Bar Associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
The BCI’s decision was driven by the need to send a clear message that indiscipline or disrespect toward the judiciary would not be tolerated under any circumstances. “Such behavior undermines the sanctity of the courtroom and the rule of law,” a BCI official said, adding that the council acted swiftly to preserve public confidence in the legal profession.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as startling and unprecedented in recent times. According to those present, Kishore suddenly approached the dais where the judges were seated and began removing his shoe in an apparent attempt to throw it at CJI Gavai. Before he could proceed, security officers stepped in and restrained him. The courtroom was momentarily thrown into chaos as proceedings were halted and the advocate was escorted out by police personnel.
As he was being removed, Kishore was reportedly heard shouting “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge,” which translates to “We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan (Hindu tradition).” His outburst appeared to be linked to a previous court remark by CJI Gavai that had recently stirred controversy on social media.
The remark in question was made during a case concerning the restoration of a seven-foot-tall beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. While dismissing the petition, CJI Gavai had remarked, “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site, and the Archaeological Survey of India needs to give permission, etc.” The comment, though delivered in a light-hearted tone, sparked outrage among some groups who accused the Chief Justice of disrespecting religious sentiments.
Social media platforms quickly amplified the controversy, with several posts criticizing the Chief Justice’s observation. Within days, hashtags calling for an apology began trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Religious groups and a few fringe organizations condemned the statement, claiming it reflected judicial insensitivity toward Hindu beliefs. However, legal experts defended the Chief Justice, saying his remark was clearly made in context and carried no malice.
Addressing the issue in open court two days after the controversy erupted, CJI Gavai clarified his intent. “I respect all religions. This has been taken out of context. I meant no disrespect to anyone. This happened on social media,” he said. The Chief Justice emphasized that the judiciary remains committed to upholding secular values and the constitutional principle of equality before the law.
Despite his clarification, tensions appear to have lingered, culminating in Monday’s shocking outburst by advocate Kishore. Legal observers have described the incident as a grim reflection of rising intolerance and the politicization of public discourse, even within the country’s highest judicial institution.
The Bar Council’s action has been widely supported by senior members of the bar, who view it as essential to maintaining professional discipline. Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, the BCI Chairman, stated that while advocates enjoy freedom of expression, they must also uphold the dignity of the judiciary. “Advocates are officers of the court, and they have a duty to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the nobility of the profession,” he said. “No provocation, religious or otherwise, can justify such conduct.”
The Supreme Court Bar Association also issued a statement condemning the incident. “Such acts of aggression within the courtroom are completely unacceptable. The sanctity of the court must be preserved at all costs,” said an SCBA spokesperson. Several senior lawyers have called for counseling and awareness initiatives to help young advocates understand the ethics and decorum expected in court.
Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Delhi has begun formal proceedings to implement the suspension order and notify all relevant judicial bodies. A spokesperson confirmed that Kishore’s membership status will be updated immediately to reflect his suspension and that he will be barred from representing clients until further notice.
This is not the first time the legal profession has faced disciplinary action for misconduct. However, physical aggression or attempts to disrupt proceedings in the Supreme Court are exceedingly rare. Legal historians note that such behavior undermines not only the authority of the court but also the integrity of the legal community as a whole.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion on maintaining civility within India’s judicial system, particularly at a time when public discourse is increasingly polarized. Analysts say it underscores the urgent need for restraint and respect in all institutions of democracy, especially the judiciary, which stands as the final guardian of constitutional values.
As the legal community processes the shock of Monday’s events, many hope the swift and decisive response by the Bar Council of India will serve as a reminder of the high standards of conduct expected from those who serve the cause of justice. For now, advocate Rakesh Kishore remains barred from all legal practice, pending further inquiry into his actions, while the Supreme Court continues its work under heightened security and public scrutiny.
