Kiran Raj

In the wake of an unprecedented courtroom incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) on Monday suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore from practice with immediate effect, after he allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during proceedings in the Supreme Court.

The suspension order, issued under BCI:D:7052/2025, described the act as a serious breach of courtroom decorum and professional ethics, saying it was “inconsistent with the dignity of the court”.

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According to the BCI’s interim order, the incident occurred around 11:35 a.m. on October 6, 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, where Advocate Kishore, who is enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi (Enrolment No. D/1647/2009), allegedly removed his sports shoes and attempted to throw them at CJI BR Gavai.

The advocate was immediately detained by security personnel present in the courtroom. The BCI noted that this behaviour violated Section I, Rules 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter II (Part VI) of the Bar Council of India Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette, which require advocates to conduct themselves with dignity, maintain respect toward courts, and refrain from improper means that might influence judicial proceedings.

The order, signed by BCI Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, stated:

“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… 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.
In view of the foregoing, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore is suspended from practice with immediate effect.”

The BCI order makes it clear that during the period of suspension, Advocate Kishore is barred from appearing, acting, pleading or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority in India.

Additionally:

• The Bar Council of Delhi has been directed to update his status on its rolls, notify all courts and tribunals of the suspension, and serve the order at the advocate’s registered address and email.

• The Bar Council of Delhi must also file a compliance report with the BCI within two days of receiving the order.

• Within 48 hours of receiving the order, Kishore must file an affidavit of compliance both physically and electronically, confirming he is not participating in any legal proceedings during the suspension.

The BCI also announced that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against the advocate. A show cause notice has been issued to Kishore, requiring him to explain within 15 days why the suspension should not be continued or further action taken.

“Disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against you in accordance with law.
A show cause notice shall be issued to you to explain, within 15 days from service of this order, why this action should not be continued and such further orders as deemed appropriate be passed,” the order stated.

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The BCI directed the Registry of the Supreme Court of India, the Registries of all High Courts, all District Courts, and relevant Bar Associations including the Supreme Court Bar Association to circulate the suspension order widely to prevent the advocate from appearing in any legal proceedings during this period.

The order also declared that any identity card, proximity pass, or access permission issued to the advocate by courts or Bar Associations will remain inoperative while the suspension remains in effect.

Commenting on the decision, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stressed the importance of preserving the dignity of the judiciary. The incident, he said, was a “serious breach of courtroom decorum”, adding that the legal profession demands the highest standards of discipline, respect, and professionalism.

The suspension order is interim and without prejudice to other legal proceedings under the Advocates Act, 1961, or any criminal law that may apply.