By: The Trek News Desk
In a swift and stern response to a shocking incident inside India’s highest court, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday revoked the temporary membership of Advocate Rakesh Kishore. The decision comes days after the 71-year-old lawyer threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during court proceedings on October 6.
The SCBA termed the act “gross misconduct” and a serious breach of legal ethics, emphasizing that such behaviour severely undermines the dignity of the judiciary and the decorum of courtroom conduct.
Bar Association Labels Incident a Direct Attack on Judiciary
In an official statement, the SCBA’s Executive Committee said:
“This kind of disgraceful, unruly, and undisciplined behaviour is wholly unbecoming of an officer of the court. It constitutes a direct affront to the sanctity of courtroom proceedings, the independence of the judiciary, and the long-standing professional harmony between the Bar and the Bench.”
After thorough deliberation, the committee unanimously resolved to terminate Kishore’s temporary membership, originally granted on July 27, 2011, under member ID K-01029/RES. His name has now been officially removed from the SCBA rolls with immediate effect.
Kishore Claimed ‘Divine Instruction’, Shows No Remorse
A day after the courtroom chaos, Advocate Rakesh Kishore told news agency ANI that he acted on the “instructions of divine powers” and expressed no regret over his actions. He further alleged that he was deeply hurt by a comment made by the CJI during the hearing of a petition filed on September 16, which sought the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
Sources suggest Kishore was dissatisfied with the judicial response in the matter and chose to protest in a manner widely condemned by the legal fraternity.
Bar Council of India Also Suspends Kishore
Earlier this week, the Bar Council of India (BCI) had suspended Rakesh Kishore from practicing law in any court or tribunal across India. The council also issued a show-cause notice, indicating that formal disciplinary proceedings would be initiated. The BCI strongly denounced Kishore’s conduct as a violation of the fundamental principles of legal professionalism.
Police Interrogation and Legal Response
Following the incident, Delhi Police detained Kishore and interrogated him for nearly three hours. However, since the Registrar General of the Supreme Court chose not to lodge an official complaint, the police released him without formal charges.
Despite this, the SCBA has taken proactive steps and written to the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court, requesting immediate cancellation of Kishore’s proximity access card, which allows entry into court premises.
“Protecting Judicial Dignity Is Non-Negotiable”: SCBA
In closing remarks, the SCBA reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the independence of the judiciary, the honour of the legal profession, and the core constitutional values of respect, discipline, and integrity that guide India’s justice system.
The unprecedented nature of this incident has sparked outrage and introspection within the legal community. As one of the most serious breaches of courtroom discipline in recent memory, the legal fraternity is demanding not just accountability, but also renewed emphasis on maintaining courtroom sanctity.
Source: News Agencies
