Advocate Suspended After Shoe Attack on CJI

Senior advocate Rakesh Kishore (about 71) hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court during mentioning hours on Oct. 6; the shoe missed and Kishore was quickly removed from the courtroom. Kishore has defended the act as following “divine instructions,” said he was unrepentant and not under the influence, and a note recovered referenced “Sanatan dharma.” CJI Gavai remained composed, asked proceedings to continue, and clarified his earlier comments in open court while expressing respect for all faiths. The Bar Council of India suspended Kishore’s license for breach of professional conduct, and the episode drew widespread condemnation from legal bodies, senior advocates and political leaders including the prime minister. Observers warned the incident raises serious concerns about courtroom security, judicial safety and the limits of protest, and some commentators linked it to a pattern of threats and attacks on judges in India.