About

New Delhi, October 2025: In a shocking incident today inside Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, Advocate Rakesh Kishore, aged 71, and enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, allegedly removed his sports shoe and hurled it toward Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during court proceedings.

The incident occurred while a two-judge bench comprising CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was presiding over the mentioning of cases. Reports suggest that the advocate was agitated over remarks made by the bench in a plea related to the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

As per eyewitness accounts, the advocate shouted, “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega” (“We will not tolerate the insult of Sanatan”) before throwing the shoe — a move that left the courtroom stunned and led to immediate intervention by the security staff.

A Disrespectful Act Against Judicial Dignity

Such behavior, especially within the sanctum of the Supreme Court, is not merely a violation of decorum but a serious affront to the dignity of the judiciary and the legal profession.
The courtroom is meant to be a space for reasoned arguments, legal submissions, and mutual respect, not a ground for impulsive or emotional outbursts.

Every advocate, as an officer of the court, has the right to disagree with a judicial observation or decision. However, that disagreement must be voiced through lawful and dignified means, including review petitions, appeals, or respectful representation — never through acts of misconduct.

Upholding the Honour of the Legal Profession

The incident serves as a timely reminder that discipline, patience, and respect are the true ornaments of an advocate.
Professional ethics demand that lawyers conduct themselves in a manner that upholds public trust in the judiciary.
A moment of anger can damage not only an individual’s career but also the reputation of the entire legal fraternity.

A Call for Unity and Integrity

As members of the Bar, we must collectively reaffirm our commitment to the majesty of law and justice.
The profession of law is built upon principles of integrity, advocacy, and decorum. Any act that undermines these foundations weakens the very institution we are sworn to serve.

Let this incident not define our community but remind us that true strength lies in restraint, respect, and reason.
It is our collective responsibility to preserve the honour of the courts and protect the sanctity of justice for generations to come.