In the aftermath of the shocking incident in which an advocate attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during court proceedings, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken swift and stern action by suspending the advocate’s license to practise with immediate effect.
The advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, who reportedly removed his sports shoes and attempted to throw them towards the CJI inside Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court, was immediately detained by security personnel. The BCI issued an interim suspension order under the Advocates Act, 1961, and Chapter II (Part VI) of the Bar Council of India Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette.
The order cites Section I, Rules 1, 2, and 3, which mandate that an advocate must conduct himself with dignity and self-respect, maintain a respectful attitude toward the courts, and abstain from any illegal or improper behaviour that could influence judicial proceedings.
Quoting directly from the order, the BCI noted:
“On the basis of prima facie material, it appears that at about 11:35 a.m. on 6 October 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi vide enrolment nos. D/1647/2009, removed your sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India during ongoing proceedings, whereupon you were detained by security. The conduct is, on the face of the record, inconsistent with the above-mentioned rules and the dignity of the court.”
The Council observed that such behaviour was “unbecoming of a member of the Bar” and amounted to gross professional misconduct. Accordingly, the advocate has been debarred from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising before any court, tribunal, or authority in India during the suspension period.
The BCI has also directed that:
• Disciplinary proceedings be initiated against the advocate in accordance with law.
• A show cause notice be issued requiring him to explain, within 15 days, why the suspension should not be continued.
• The Bar Council of Delhi must ensure immediate compliance, including updating his status on the official rolls, informing all courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction, and serving the order on the advocate via his registered address and email.
• A compliance report must be submitted to the BCI within two days.
Furthermore, the order mandates that within 48 hours of receiving the suspension order, Advocate Rakesh Kishore must file an affidavit of compliance with both the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Delhi, confirming that he will not appear in any court or tribunal during the suspension.
The BCI has made it clear that the act constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics and courtroom decorum, and will be dealt with firmly to preserve the majesty, independence, and sanctity of the judiciary.
